Knee pain

Knee pain can often be treated at home – you should start to feel better in a few days. See a GP if the pain is very bad or lasts a long time.

How to ease knee pain and swelling

Try these things at first:

• put as little weight as possible on the knee – for example, avoid standing for a long time
• use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a teatowel) on your knee for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
• take paracetamol

See a GP if:

• it doesn't improve within a few weeks
• you can't move your knee or put any weight on it
• your knee locks, painfully clicks or gives way – painless clicking is normal

Common causes of knee pain

Knee pain can be a symptom of many different conditions. A doctor will suggest treatment based on the condition causing your pain. They might:

• refer you to hospital for a scan or specialist treatment, for example surgery
• prescribe medication or physiotherapy

Use these links to get an idea of what can be done about knee pain. But don't self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.

Knee pain after an injury

Knee pain with no obvious injury