Quick answer
What could knee pain mean?
Knee pain is a common symptom, often caused by overuse, sports injury or osteoarthritis. Most cases settle with rest, ice and exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee. See a GP if the knee locks, gives way, stays swollen or you cannot bear weight.
Understanding knee pain
The knee is a hard-working joint that is prone to both injury and gradual wear. Most knee pain is caused by overuse, a sports injury or osteoarthritis, and it often improves with simple self-care. Mechanical symptoms — such as the knee locking or giving way — usually need imaging to identify the cause.
Common causes of knee pain
Osteoarthritis, meniscus (cartilage) injury and patellofemoral pain are among the most common causes of knee pain. Osteoarthritis is common in people over 50, meniscus tears often follow a twisting injury, and patellofemoral pain — felt around the kneecap — mainly affects active people.
Gout and joint infection can both cause a knee to become suddenly swollen and painful. A knee that is hot, red and swollen needs urgent medical review.
Self-care for knee pain
Resting the knee and applying ice can ease pain in the early stages. Exercises that strengthen the quadriceps (the muscles at the front of the thigh) help to support the joint as it recovers. Maintaining a healthy weight also helps, because it reduces the load that the knee joint has to carry.
When to see a GP about knee pain
See a GP if your knee feels persistently unstable, or if swelling continues after an injury. Persistent pain, locking, or being unable to bear weight on the knee should also be assessed. A hot, swollen knee needs a same-day review, because this can be a sign of infection or gout.
Common questions about knee pain
- What is runner's knee?
- Runner's knee is pain around the kneecap that is often made worse by climbing stairs. Exercises that strengthen the hip and thigh muscles usually help it to improve.
- How do I know if my knee pain is arthritis?
- Knee pain that comes on gradually, with stiffness and pain that is worse after activity, suggests osteoarthritis. It is a common cause of knee pain, particularly in people over 50, and a GP can confirm the diagnosis.
- Should I exercise if I have knee pain?
- Yes, low-impact strengthening exercise usually helps knee pain rather than making it worse. A physiotherapist can guide your recovery and recommend suitable exercises.
- What is a locked knee?
- A locked knee is one where something inside the joint blocks its normal movement. It is often caused by a meniscus tear or a loose body in the joint, and it needs medical assessment.