KNEE PAIN
Symptom Definition
- Pain in the knee.
Causes of Knee Pain
- Arthritis (e.g., degenerative, gouty, infectious, inflammatory, traumatic)
- Baker's Cyst
- 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 FOR KNEE PAIN
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 9am and 4pm) 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
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 or 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.
See Other Topics: