Knee Pain

DEFINITION

Pain in the knee

Causes of Knee Pain

Arthritis (e.g., degenerative, gouty, infectious, inflammatory, traumatic)
Baker's Cyst - This is a fluid collection in a cyst that bulges out from the knee joint. Symptoms include painful or painless swelling in the area behind the knee.
Bursitis - Prepatellar bursitis is a fluid filled sack localized on the inferior aspect of the anterior knee.
Cellulitis - Medical term for skin infection
Overuse injury, tendonitis
Trauma (e.g., contusion, dislocation, fracture, sprain, strain)

Some Signs and Symptoms That Could be SERIOUS

Severe pain and unable to walk
Knee swelling with fever (possibility of infection of knee joint)
Unilateral calf pain and/or swelling (possibility of blood clot in leg)

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

Knee pain after a KNEE INJURY

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

You feel weak or very sick
Severe pain (can't stand or walk)
Fever and swollen knee joint
Redness of skin around knee
Pain or swelling in one calf

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

You think you need to be seen

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns
Swollen knee joint
Fluid-filled sack just below knee cap
Limping
Symptoms interfere with work or school
Knee pain persists longer than 7 days
Knee pain is a recurrent problem
Knee giving way (or buckling) when walking, is a recurrent problem
Knee locking (i.e., joint gets stuck, catching), is a recurrent problem

Self Care at Home If

Mild knee pain and you don't think you need to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR A MILD KNEE PAIN

Knee Pain after Overuse: Muscle strain and joint irritation are very common following vigorous activity. Such activities include sports like tennis and basketball, jogging, and certain types of work.
- Local Cold: Apply a cold pack or ice bag (wrapped in a moist towel) to the area for 20 minutes. Repeat in 1 hour, then every 4 hours while awake. Continue this for the first 48 hours after an overuse injury. (Reason: reduce the swelling and pain)
- Local Heat: Beginning 48 hours after an injury, apply a warm washcloth or heating pad for 10 minutes three times a day to help increase circulation and improve healing.
Rest Your Knee for the next couple days. Avoid activities that worsen your pain. Reduce activities that put a lot of strain on the knee joint (e.g., deep knee bends, stair climbing, running).
Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g., Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g., Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
Expected Course: If your knee pain does not get better during the next week or if it recurs, then you should make an appointment with your doctor.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Knee pain persists longer than 7 days
- You become worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D.

Last Revision: 11/18/2006

Content Set: Adult HouseCalls Online