When Is Knee Pain Serious? Signs You Should See a Doctor

Almost everyone has knee pain at some point. After a long walk, a day in the garden or a few hours on a hard chair, the knee can ache, feel stiff or complain on the stairs. Most of the time this settles within a few days with rest, gentle movement and simple care at home.

But some signs mean you should not wait. This guide sorts them into three groups: what needs a doctor the same day, what should be checked within a few days and what you can usually look after yourself.

See a doctor the same day

• A hot, red, swollen knee with a fever. This can be a sign of an infection in the joint, which needs to be treated quickly.
• A swollen, warm or painful calf. Especially after a long journey, an operation or a period of bed rest. If you also find it hard to breathe or have chest pain, call emergency services.
• A bad injury. You heard a "pop", the knee swelled up within a few hours and you cannot put weight on the leg.
• The knee looks out of shape after a fall or a knock, or the kneecap has moved out of place.
• The foot is numb, cold or an unusual color after a knee injury.

Have it checked within a few days

• The knee locks or catches and you cannot fully straighten it.
• The knee gives way more than once when you walk or turn.
• The swelling does not go down after a few days of rest, cooling and raising the leg. Our article on the swollen knee explains the most common causes.
• The pain wakes you up night after night. Read more in our article on knee pain at night.
• The pain is getting worse instead of better, or there is no improvement even after 14 days of sensible care at home.
• Both knees, and other joints too, are swollen and stiff for a long time in the morning.

What you can usually look after yourself

A knee that aches after more activity than usual, stiffness that eases after a few minutes of moving or a knee that hurts a little on the stairs are common and usually not dangerous. These often help:

• a few days of lighter activity, without stopping movement completely
• short, gentle walks and simple exercises for the thigh muscles
• cooling after effort and warmth for stiffness
• comfortable shoes with a soft sole
• a soft knee sleeve for a pleasant sense of support during the day

If you are not sure which group your pain belongs to, it is always fine to ask a doctor. Asking is never a waste of time.

How to prepare for the appointment

A short appointment goes better when you are prepared. Write down:

• when the pain started and how: after a fall, a twist, a new activity or for no clear reason
• where it hurts: at the front, on the inner or outer side, or behind the knee
• what makes the pain worse and what eases it
• signs such as swelling, locking or the knee giving way
• earlier knee injuries or operations and the medicines you take

Knees ache often, and in most cases it is not a sign of anything serious. When you know the warning signs, you can stay calm about everyday aches and act quickly when something feels different.

A sleeve you will actually wear

The best sleeve is the one that does not end up in a drawer. The KeenTrove Bamboo Knee Sleeve is made for exactly that:

• soft, breathable bamboo, comfortable even in summer
• fits snugly but does not dig in behind the knee
• does not lock the knee, so you move naturally
• wear it under your clothes during the day and in bed at night

With 60 days to get your money back, you have nothing to lose.

See the bamboo knee sleeve →

Note: this article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have circulation problems or diabetes, or have recently had knee surgery, talk to your doctor before wearing compression.