Knee
New onset of Knee Pain
I have new knee pain, what should I do?
Do not panic. There are many reasons as to why your knee can become painful and mostly these events are nothing to worry about. The knee is a weightbearing hinge joint supported by strong muscles and ligaments.
Pain can often be the result of irritation around the joint or soft tissue structures (like ligaments or muscles) or can sometimes be following a slip/trip/fall (trauma). You may get swelling and stiffness alongside the pain.
This can be easily managed by following some simple steps. Most new knee pain will resolve in 6-12 weeks.
What else can I do?
You could also try these simple exercises to help maintain good movement and support the muscles around the knee.
Exercises for New onset of Knee pain - EASY
Exercises for New onset of Knee pain - MODERATE
Exercises for New onset of Knee pain - ADVANCED
What if I have had a fall?
Please read the "symptoms to check" in the red box on the right of this screen first before using this page.
Symptoms to check
Click the plus sign to see a list of problems that could be a sign you may need to be checked urgently
Get advice from 111 now if:
- your knee is very painful and you cannot put any weight on it
- you have direct injury to the knee and it has become very swollen very quickly (within 60 minutes)
- your knee is badly swollen or has changed shape
- you have a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, and have redness or heat around the knee – this can be a sign of infection
111 will tell you what to do. They can tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
Immediate medical advice is available by contacting NHS 111
