KNEE PAIN Symptom Definition Pain in the knee. Causes of Knee Pain Arthritis (e.g., degenerative, gouty, infectious, inflammatory, traumatic) Baker's Cyst Bursitis - Prepatellar bursitis is a fluid filled sack localized on the inferior aspect of the anterior knee. Cellulitis – Medical term for skin infection Overuse injury, tendonitis Trauma (e.g., contusion, dislocation, fracture, sprain, strain) Some Signs and Symptoms that Could be SERIOUS Severe pain and unable to walk Knee swelling with fever (possibility of infection of knee joint) Unilateral calf pain and/or swelling (possibility of blood clot in leg) See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If Knee pain after a KNEE INJURY WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR KNEE PAIN Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If You feel weak or very sick Severe pain (can't stand or walk) Fever and swollen knee joint Redness of skin around knee Pain or swelling in one calf Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If You think you need to be seen Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If You have other questions or concerns Swollen knee joint Fluid-filled sack just below knee cap Limping Symptoms interfere with work or school Knee pain persists longer than 7 days Knee pain is a recurrent problem Self Care at Home If Mild knee pain and you don't think you need to be seen Back to Top HOME CARE ADVICE FOR A MILD KNEE PAIN Knee Pain after Overuse: Muscle strain and joint irritation are very common following vigorous activity. Such activities include sports like tennis and basketball, jogging, and certain types of work. Local Cold: Apply a cold pack or ice bag (wrapped in a moist towel) to the area for 20 minutes. Repeat in 1 hour, then every 4 hours while awake. Continue this for the first 48 hours after an overuse injury. (Reason: reduce the swelling and pain) Local Heat: Beginning 48 hours after an injury, apply a warm washcloth or heating pad for 10 minutes three times a day to help increase circulation and improve healing. Rest Your Knee for the next couple days. Avoid activities that worsen your pain. Reduce activities that put a lot of strain on the knee joint (e.g. deep knee bends, stair climbing, running). Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g. Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg). Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor. Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease. Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take. Expected Course: If your knee pain does not get better during the next week or if it recurs, then you should make an appointment with your doctor. Call Your Doctor If: Knee pain persists longer than 7 days You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms. Back to Top Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Adult HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2005 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP Reviewed 10/1/2005 Revised 10/18/2005 See Other Topics: Knee Injury View Index of Topics