Knee pain
Causes of knee pain
Knee pain may be the result of an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. Medical conditions — including arthritis, gout and infections — also can cause knee pain. A common cause is osteoarthritis, a condition that affects the body’s joints. The surfaces within the joint are damaged so the joint doesn’t move as smoothly as it should.
When to see a doctor
Call your doctor if you:
- Can’t bear weight on your knee or feel as if your knee is unstable
- Have marked knee swelling
- Are unable to fully extend or flex your knee
- Clearly see a deformity in your leg or knee
- Have a fever, in addition to redness, pain and swelling in your knee
- Have severe knee pain that is associated with an injury
- your knee locks, painfully clicks or gives way – painless clicking is normal
If you have any of these symptoms in addition to knee pain, you should visit your doctor.
Treatment of knee pain
Below are some common treatments that are likely to be suggested.
- Give as much rest to your knee by avoiding to stand
- Use ice pack
- Take paracetamol
- Physiotherapy
- Specialist treatment – such as surgery
