Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people visit an orthopaedic doctor. Often it is caused by a minor strain that heals on its own in a few days. But knee pain that keeps coming back, or that comes with certain other symptoms, can be a sign of a ligament tear, a cartilage injury or arthritis. Treating these problems early usually means simpler treatment and a better result.
Here are five signs that your knee pain deserves a proper check-up.
1Pain that wakes you at night or does not ease with rest
Pain from a simple strain usually improves when you rest. Pain that continues at night, or that wakes you from sleep, can mean inflammation inside the joint or more advanced arthritis, where the cushioning cartilage has worn thin.
Night pain can also, rarely, be caused by infection or other conditions that need prompt treatment. Either way, it is worth getting checked.
2Swelling that keeps coming back
Swelling is the knee’s response to injury or irritation. If your knee swells within a few hours of a twist or fall, there may be bleeding inside the joint, which often happens with an ACL ligament tear. Swelling that comes and goes over weeks or months is common with meniscus tears and arthritis.
Compare both knees in a mirror. If one looks puffy around the kneecap, or feels warmer to touch, make a note of when it started and what you were doing. This helps your doctor find the cause.
3Your knee locks, catches or gives way
A knee that suddenly gets “stuck” and will not straighten fully, or that catches with a click, may have a torn piece of meniscus caught inside the joint. A knee that buckles or gives way when you turn, climb stairs or step off a kerb often has a damaged ligament, most commonly the ACL.
An unstable knee is more than an inconvenience. Each time it gives way, the cartilage and meniscus can be damaged further, which raises the risk of arthritis later in life.
4Stiffness and pain that are slowly getting worse
Do you find it harder to climb stairs, get up from the floor or sit cross-legged than you did a year ago? Is your knee stiff for a while each morning? Gradual worsening is typical of osteoarthritis of the knee, the most common cause of knee pain after 50.
Arthritis cannot be reversed, but a lot can be done to slow it down and control the pain: weight management, strengthening exercises, physiotherapy, medicines and joint injections. In the early stages, knee preservation surgery may help protect the joint.
5Your knee is changing shape, or you cannot walk normally
If your legs are becoming more bow-legged or knock-kneed, or you have started to limp, the joint may be wearing unevenly. When pain and deformity stop you walking comfortably or sleeping well, and other treatments have not helped, knee replacement may be the right option.
Modern robotic-arm assisted knee replacement lets the operation be planned in advance for your knee. Dr. Arun Dev discusses whether total, partial or robotic replacement suits you based on your X-rays, scans and goals.
When to see a doctor urgently
- You cannot put any weight on the leg after an injury
- The knee looks deformed, or you heard a loud pop with sudden swelling
- The knee is hot, red and swollen and you have a fever
- Your calf is painful and swollen, especially after recent surgery or a long journey
What happens at your consultation
At Renova Hospital, Kompally, Dr. Arun Dev starts by listening to how your pain started and how it affects your daily life. He then examines your knee, checking movement, stability and where it hurts. An X-ray shows the bones and the space left for cartilage; an MRI may be advised if a ligament or meniscus tear is suspected.
You will leave with a clear explanation of the cause and a treatment plan. Most knee problems are treated without surgery at first. If surgery is needed, Dr. Arun explains the options, the recovery and the risks so you can decide with confidence.
- Night pain, repeated swelling, locking, giving way and worsening stiffness are reasons to see a specialist.
- Early diagnosis usually means simpler treatment and a better long-term result.
- Most knee problems are first treated without surgery.
- Joint replacement, including robotic surgery, is an option when other treatments no longer help.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for a consultation. Please see a doctor about your own condition.
