Knee Pain - Symptoms & When To See A Doctor!

Overview

Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. 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.

Many types of minor knee pain respond well to self-care measures like ice packs, hot water formentation, local application of analgesics and oral analgesic medications, physical therapy and knee braces also can help relieve knee pain.

Symptoms

The location and severity of knee pain may vary, depending on the cause of the problem. Signs and symptoms that sometimes accompany knee pain include:

• Swelling and stiffness

• Redness and warmth to the touch

• Weakness or instability

• Popping or crunching noises

• Inability to fully straighten the knee

When to see a doctor?

• Can't bear weight on your knee

• Have marked knee swelling

• Are unable to fully straighten or bend your knee

• See an obvious deformity in your leg or knee

• Have a fever, in addition to redness, pain and swelling in your knee

• Feel as if your knee is unstable or your knee "gives out"