Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Knee problems

Knee problems can result from overuse, a twist, wear and tear, irritation around the kneecap or a meniscus or ligament injury, but sometimes from an infection, thrombosis or fracture. The location of pain, how swelling develops and whether you can still bear weight give important clues. A warm red knee with fever, a painful swollen calf, obvious deformity after trauma or inability to bear weight need prompt assessment. Not every knee problem is an emergency, but recurring or unexplained symptoms deserve a clear explanation and examination.

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  • Knee problems have many possible causes. Overuse is often responsible, but sometimes there is an injury, wear and tear, infection, thrombosis or fracture.
  • Where and when pain occurs, and whether the knee becomes swollen, warm or unstable, provide important clues.
  • Ordinary overuse usually improves with adjusted activity and time. A red warm knee with fever does not fit this.
  • A painful swollen calf, breathlessness, locking or inability to bear weight on the knee need prompt assessment.
  • Outside office hours, call HAP 9252 only for urgent GP care. Ambulance 912 is only for an immediate threat to life.

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Further reading

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A
A sprained or torn knee ligamentA knee ligament can stretch or tear after a twist, fall, sporting collision or hard blow. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) or lateral collateral ligament (LCL) may be affected. Symptoms include pain, swelling, instability, the knee giving way and sometimes a pop or an immediate sense that something went wrong. Not every injury is immediately life-threatening, but a locked knee, major swelling after trauma, a cold or pale lower leg, tingling or being unable to bear weight need prompt assessment.
R
Runner's kneeRunner's knee often means pain on the outside of the knee from irritation around the iliotibial band. The term is also used for other overuse problems, such as patellofemoral pain at the front. Identifying the pain's location and cause therefore matters. Reducing load, temporarily adjusting sport and building back gradually often help. Not all knee pain with running is harmless: a fall, fever, a warm swollen knee, a swollen lower leg or inability to bear weight needs prompt assessment.
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Joint problemsJoint problems include pain, stiffness, swelling or reduced movement in one or more joints. Possible causes include overuse, injury, osteoarthritis, gout, an inflammatory disease and infection. Location, duration, morning stiffness, swelling and other symptoms help distinguish them. A suddenly red, hot, swollen and very painful joint, especially with fever or feeling unwell, needs urgent assessment the same day.