BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuKnee painPain - kneeKnee pain is a common symptom in people of all ages. It may start suddenly, often after an injury or exercise. Knee pain also may begin as a mild discomfort, then slowly get worse. Causes Knee pain can have different causes. Being overweight puts you at greater risk for knee problems. Overusing your knee can trigger knee problems that cause pain. If you have a history of arthritis, it could also cause knee pain.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Here are some common causes of knee pain:MEDICAL CONDITIONSArthritis -- Including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and gout ArthritisArthritis is inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. It is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LupusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article GoutGout is a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints. Acute gout is a painful conditio...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Baker cyst -- A fluid-filled swelling behind the knee that may occur with swelling (inflammation) from other causes, such as arthritis Baker cystBaker cyst is a buildup of joint fluid (synovial fluid) that forms a swelling behind the knee.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancers that either spread to your bones or begin in the bones BonesA bone tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within a bone. A bone tumor may be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Osgood-Schlatter disease Osgood-Schlatter diseaseOsgood-Schlatter disease is a painful swelling of the bump on the upper part of the shinbone, just below the knee. This bump is called the anterior ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infection in the bones around the knee Infection in the bones around the kneeOsteomyelitis is a bone infection. It is caused by bacteria or other germs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infection in the knee jointInfection in the knee jointSeptic arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Septic arthritis that is due to the bacteria that cause gonorrhe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article INJURIES AND OVERUSEBursitis -- Inflammation from repeated pressure on the knee, such as kneeling for a long time, overuse, or injury BursitisBursitis is the swelling and irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscles, tendons, and bones....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tendinitis -- Inflammation of the tendon with change in activities, can be related to overuse or deconditioned tissue Dislocation of the kneecap Dislocation of the kneecapKneecap dislocation occurs when the round-shaped bone covering the knee (patella) moves or slides out of place. The dislocation often occurs toward ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fracture of the kneecap or other bones Iliotibial band syndrome -- Injury to the thick band that runs from your hip to the outside of your knee Iliotibial band syndromeThe iliotibial band (ITB) is a tendon that runs along the outside of your leg. It connects from the top of your pelvic bone to just below your knee....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Patellofemoral syndrome -- Pain in the front of your knee around the kneecap Pain in the front of your kneeAnterior knee pain is pain that occurs at the front and center of the knee. It can be caused by many different problems, including:Chondromalacia of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Torn ligament. -- An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, or medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury may cause bleeding into your knee, swelling, or an unstable knee Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)An anterior cruciate ligament injury is the over-stretching or tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. A tear may be partial or...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medial collateral ligament (MCL)A ligament is a band of tissue that connects a bone to another bone. The collateral ligaments of the knee are located on either side of your knee ou...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Torn cartilage (a meniscus tear) -- Pain felt on the inside or outside of the knee joint Meniscus tearThe meniscus is a c-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee joint. You have two in each knee. Meniscus cartilage is a tough but flexible tissue that ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Strain or sprain -- Minor injuries to the ligaments caused by sudden or unnatural twistingStrainA strain is when a muscle is stretched too much and part of it tears. It is also called a pulled muscle. A strain is a painful injury. It can be c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SprainA sprain is an injury to the ligaments around a joint. Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together. When a ligament is stretched...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Knee Pain Myths & Facts QuizKnee pain only happens to older people. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. Knee pain can occur in people of all ages. It may start suddenly, after an injury or exercise. It also may begin as mild pain that slowly worsens over time.Being overweight can put you at higher risk for knee problems. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is fact. Every extra pound you carry adds about five extra pounds of pressure on your knees when you go up and down stairs. If you need to shed a few pounds, talk with your doctor about healthy ways to lose weight.If you have knee pain, it’s probably arthritis. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. Arthritis is a common cause of knee pain, but there are many others. These include bursitis, tendinitis, sprains, and strains. If minor knee pain doesn’t go away after three days of home treatment, see your doctor.Heat is the best treatment for any new knee pain. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. When you have new knee pain, it’s best to apply ice. Cover your knee with a towel and place ice on it for 15 minutes at a time. At first, you can use it every hour for up to 15 minutes. After the first day, use it at least four times a day. Other treatments include resting your knee and keeping it raised.Bursitis is often caused by overuse of your knee. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is fact. Bursitis is the swelling and irritation of the bursa. This is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscles, tendons, and joints. You can get bursitis from suddenly becoming more active or from being overweight. You may notice redness and swelling around the knee and stiffness or pain when you move your knee.Standing can make knee pain from bursitis worse. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. To relieve the pain, try not to stand for long periods and place a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side. You can use ice up to four times a day, 15 minutes at a time for the first two to three days to relieve pain.Pain in the front of the knee is often caused by: A. Tendinitis B. Irritation of the cartilage under the kneecap C. Arthritis D. A sprain E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Stretching and strengthening the muscles in the front and the back of the leg help with this type of knee pain. Ask your doctor or physical therapist to show you exercises for your upper leg muscles.If you have pain in the front of the knee, it may help to: A. Walk down hills instead of running B. Run on a track instead of cement C. Reduce the amount of exercise you do D. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. While exercise is good for your joints, certain high-impact activities can do more damage than good if you have joint pain. Taking steps to reduce the impact on your knees during exercise can help protect your joints.Warming up and stretching before exercise helps protect your knees. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is fact. Warming up will help reduce the pressure on your knees during exercise. Start by walking for a few minutes. Then stretch the muscles in the front and back of your thighs to reduce tension in the knee. Ask your doctor or physical therapist for other suggestions for stretching.If you hear a “popping” sound when you injure your knee, it’s most likely: A. Tendinitis B. Bursitis C. A tear in the meniscus D. A ligament injury E. C or D Correct Answer The correct answer is E. If you have one of these knee injuries, you will often feel the symptoms right away. You may also have knee swelling, knee pain when walking, or locking or catching of the knee. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away.Physical therapy is most helpful for which kind of knee pain? A. Muscle strains B. Sprains C. Bursitis D. Arthritis E. C and D F. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Physical therapy can teach you exercises to make your knee stronger. A physical therapist may also use certain treatments to help relieve your knee pain. Ask your doctor if you should have physical therapy for your knee pain. Home Care Simple causes of knee pain often clear up on their own while you take steps to manage your symptoms. If knee pain is caused by an accident or injury, you should contact your health care provider.If your knee pain has just started and is not severe, you can:Rest and avoid activities that cause pain. Avoid putting weight on your knee. Apply ice. First, apply it every hour for up to 15 minutes. After the first day, apply it at least 4 times per day. Cover your knee with a towel before applying ice. Do not fall asleep while using ice. You can leave it on too long and get frostbite. Keep your knee raised as much as possible to bring down any swelling. Wear an elastic bandage or elastic sleeve, which you can buy at most pharmacies. This may reduce swelling and provide support. Take ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for pain and swelling. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve pain, but not swelling. Talk to your provider before taking these medicines if you have medical problems, or if you have taken them for more than a day or two. Sleep with a pillow underneath or between your knees. Follow these general tips to help relieve and prevent knee pain:Always warm up before exercising and cool down after exercising. Stretch the muscles in the front of your thigh (quadriceps) and in the back of your thigh (hamstrings). Avoid running down hills -- walk down instead. Bicycle, or better yet, swim instead of run. Reduce the amount of exercise you do. Run on a smooth, soft surface, such as a track, instead of on cement or pavement. Lose weight if you are overweight. Every pound (0.5 kilogram) that you are overweight puts about 5 extra pounds (2.25 kilograms) of pressure on your kneecap when you go up and down stairs. The amount of extra pressure is even greater when you jump. Ask your provider for help losing weight. If you have flat feet, try special shoe inserts and arch supports (orthotics). Make sure your running shoes are well made, fit well, and have good cushioning. Further steps for you to take may depend on the cause of your knee pain. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You cannot bear weight on your knee. You have severe pain, even when not bearing weight. Your knee buckles, clicks, or locks. Your knee is deformed or misshapen. You cannot flex your knee or have trouble straightening it all the way out. You have a fever, redness or warmth around the knee, or a lot of swelling. FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You have pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or bluish discoloration in the calf below the sore knee. You still have pain after 3 days of home treatment. What to Expect at Your Office Visit Your provider will perform a physical exam, to include your knees, hips, legs, and other joints.Your provider may do the following tests:X-ray of the knee X-ray of the kneeA bone x-ray is an imaging test to look at the bones.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRI of the knee if a ligament or meniscus tear could be the cause MRI of the kneeA knee MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses energy from strong magnets to create pictures of the knee joint and muscles and tissues. An MRI doe...Read Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan of the knee Joint fluid culture (fluid taken from the knee and examined under a microscope)Joint fluid cultureSynovial fluid analysis is a group of tests that examine joint (synovial) fluid. The tests help diagnose and treat joint-related problems.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your provider may inject a steroid into your knee to reduce pain and inflammation.You may need to learn stretching and strengthening exercises. You also may need to see a podiatrist to be fitted for orthotics.In some cases, you may need surgery.Open ReferencesReferencesCheung EC, McAllister DR, Petrigliano FA. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 98.Huddleston JI, Goodman S. Hip and knee pain. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 51.McCarthy M, Mcarty EC, Frank RM. Patellofemoral pain. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 106.AllVideoImagesTogLeg pain (Osgood-Schlatter) - illustration Leg pain in older children or young adolescents can occur for many reasons. An Osgood-Schlatter lesion results from continued trauma to the anterior tibial bone and causes a visible lump below the knee.Leg pain (Osgood-Schlatter)illustrationLower leg muscles - illustration The muscular components of the lower leg include the gastrocnemius, soleus, peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, and the Achilles tendon.Lower leg musclesillustrationKnee pain - illustration The location of knee pain can help identify the problem. Pain on the front of the knee can be due to bursitis, arthritis, or softening of the patella cartilage as in chondromalacia patella. Pain on the sides of the knee is commonly related to injuries to the collateral ligaments, arthritis, or tears to the meniscuses. Pain in the back of the knee can be caused by arthritis or cysts, known as Baker's cysts. Baker's cysts are an accumulation of joint fluid (synovial fluid) that forms behind the knee. Overall knee pain can be due to bursitis, arthritis, tears in the ligaments, osteoarthritis of the joint, or infection. Instability, or giving way, is also another common knee problem. Instability is usually associated with damage or problems with the meniscuses, collateral ligaments, or patella tracking.Knee painillustrationBaker cyst - illustration A Baker cyst is seen as a swelling behind the knee. It forms when joint fluid collects behind the knee. The swelling may be due from inflammation or from other causes, like arthritis. The condition can be seen in both adults and children.Baker cystillustrationTendinitis - illustration Tendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon, which is the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone. Tendinitis pain in the knee is located in the front of the knee. The pain gets worse when going up and down stairs or inclines. Tendinitis knee pain can happen in runners, skiers, and cyclists.TendinitisillustrationLeg pain (Osgood-Schlatter) - illustration Leg pain in older children or young adolescents can occur for many reasons. An Osgood-Schlatter lesion results from continued trauma to the anterior tibial bone and causes a visible lump below the knee.Leg pain (Osgood-Schlatter)illustrationLower leg muscles - illustration The muscular components of the lower leg include the gastrocnemius, soleus, peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, and the Achilles tendon.Lower leg musclesillustrationKnee pain - illustration The location of knee pain can help identify the problem. Pain on the front of the knee can be due to bursitis, arthritis, or softening of the patella cartilage as in chondromalacia patella. Pain on the sides of the knee is commonly related to injuries to the collateral ligaments, arthritis, or tears to the meniscuses. Pain in the back of the knee can be caused by arthritis or cysts, known as Baker's cysts. Baker's cysts are an accumulation of joint fluid (synovial fluid) that forms behind the knee. Overall knee pain can be due to bursitis, arthritis, tears in the ligaments, osteoarthritis of the joint, or infection. Instability, or giving way, is also another common knee problem. Instability is usually associated with damage or problems with the meniscuses, collateral ligaments, or patella tracking.Knee painillustrationBaker cyst - illustration A Baker cyst is seen as a swelling behind the knee. It forms when joint fluid collects behind the knee. The swelling may be due from inflammation or from other causes, like arthritis. The condition can be seen in both adults and children.Baker cystillustrationTendinitis - illustration Tendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon, which is the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone. Tendinitis pain in the knee is located in the front of the knee. The pain gets worse when going up and down stairs or inclines. Tendinitis knee pain can happen in runners, skiers, and cyclists.TendinitisillustrationSelf Care Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury - aftercareMeniscus tears - aftercareCollateral ligament (CL) injury - aftercareAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury - aftercareKnee braces - unloadingTaking care of your new knee jointDeciding to have knee or hip replacement Tests for Knee pain Knee MRI scanRelated Information Knee microfracture surgery(Surgery)Knee arthroscopy(Surgery)Knee joint replacement(Surgery)ACL reconstruction(Surgery)ACL reconstruction - discharge (Discharge)Knee arthroscopy - discharge (Discharge)Hip or knee replacement - after - what to ask your doctor (Doctor Questions)Hip or knee replacement - before - what to ask your doctor (Doctor Questions) Review Date: 12/12/2022 Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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Knee painPain - kneeKnee pain is a common symptom in people of all ages. It may start suddenly, often after an injury or exercise. Knee pain also may begin as a mild discomfort, then slowly get worse. Causes Knee pain can have different causes. Being overweight puts you at greater risk for knee problems. Overusing your knee can trigger knee problems that cause pain. If you have a history of arthritis, it could also cause knee pain.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Here are some common causes of knee pain:MEDICAL CONDITIONSArthritis -- Including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and gout ArthritisArthritis is inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. It is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LupusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article GoutGout is a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints. Acute gout is a painful conditio...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Baker cyst -- A fluid-filled swelling behind the knee that may occur with swelling (inflammation) from other causes, such as arthritis Baker cystBaker cyst is a buildup of joint fluid (synovial fluid) that forms a swelling behind the knee.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancers that either spread to your bones or begin in the bones BonesA bone tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within a bone. A bone tumor may be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Osgood-Schlatter disease Osgood-Schlatter diseaseOsgood-Schlatter disease is a painful swelling of the bump on the upper part of the shinbone, just below the knee. This bump is called the anterior ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infection in the bones around the knee Infection in the bones around the kneeOsteomyelitis is a bone infection. It is caused by bacteria or other germs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infection in the knee jointInfection in the knee jointSeptic arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Septic arthritis that is due to the bacteria that cause gonorrhe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article INJURIES AND OVERUSEBursitis -- Inflammation from repeated pressure on the knee, such as kneeling for a long time, overuse, or injury BursitisBursitis is the swelling and irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscles, tendons, and bones....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tendinitis -- Inflammation of the tendon with change in activities, can be related to overuse or deconditioned tissue Dislocation of the kneecap Dislocation of the kneecapKneecap dislocation occurs when the round-shaped bone covering the knee (patella) moves or slides out of place. The dislocation often occurs toward ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fracture of the kneecap or other bones Iliotibial band syndrome -- Injury to the thick band that runs from your hip to the outside of your knee Iliotibial band syndromeThe iliotibial band (ITB) is a tendon that runs along the outside of your leg. It connects from the top of your pelvic bone to just below your knee....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Patellofemoral syndrome -- Pain in the front of your knee around the kneecap Pain in the front of your kneeAnterior knee pain is pain that occurs at the front and center of the knee. It can be caused by many different problems, including:Chondromalacia of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Torn ligament. -- An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, or medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury may cause bleeding into your knee, swelling, or an unstable knee Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)An anterior cruciate ligament injury is the over-stretching or tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. A tear may be partial or...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medial collateral ligament (MCL)A ligament is a band of tissue that connects a bone to another bone. The collateral ligaments of the knee are located on either side of your knee ou...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Torn cartilage (a meniscus tear) -- Pain felt on the inside or outside of the knee joint Meniscus tearThe meniscus is a c-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee joint. You have two in each knee. Meniscus cartilage is a tough but flexible tissue that ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Strain or sprain -- Minor injuries to the ligaments caused by sudden or unnatural twistingStrainA strain is when a muscle is stretched too much and part of it tears. It is also called a pulled muscle. A strain is a painful injury. It can be c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SprainA sprain is an injury to the ligaments around a joint. Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together. When a ligament is stretched...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Knee Pain Myths & Facts QuizKnee pain only happens to older people. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. Knee pain can occur in people of all ages. It may start suddenly, after an injury or exercise. It also may begin as mild pain that slowly worsens over time.Being overweight can put you at higher risk for knee problems. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is fact. Every extra pound you carry adds about five extra pounds of pressure on your knees when you go up and down stairs. If you need to shed a few pounds, talk with your doctor about healthy ways to lose weight.If you have knee pain, it’s probably arthritis. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. Arthritis is a common cause of knee pain, but there are many others. These include bursitis, tendinitis, sprains, and strains. If minor knee pain doesn’t go away after three days of home treatment, see your doctor.Heat is the best treatment for any new knee pain. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. When you have new knee pain, it’s best to apply ice. Cover your knee with a towel and place ice on it for 15 minutes at a time. At first, you can use it every hour for up to 15 minutes. After the first day, use it at least four times a day. Other treatments include resting your knee and keeping it raised.Bursitis is often caused by overuse of your knee. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is fact. Bursitis is the swelling and irritation of the bursa. This is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscles, tendons, and joints. You can get bursitis from suddenly becoming more active or from being overweight. You may notice redness and swelling around the knee and stiffness or pain when you move your knee.Standing can make knee pain from bursitis worse. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. To relieve the pain, try not to stand for long periods and place a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side. You can use ice up to four times a day, 15 minutes at a time for the first two to three days to relieve pain.Pain in the front of the knee is often caused by: A. Tendinitis B. Irritation of the cartilage under the kneecap C. Arthritis D. A sprain E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Stretching and strengthening the muscles in the front and the back of the leg help with this type of knee pain. Ask your doctor or physical therapist to show you exercises for your upper leg muscles.If you have pain in the front of the knee, it may help to: A. Walk down hills instead of running B. Run on a track instead of cement C. Reduce the amount of exercise you do D. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. While exercise is good for your joints, certain high-impact activities can do more damage than good if you have joint pain. Taking steps to reduce the impact on your knees during exercise can help protect your joints.Warming up and stretching before exercise helps protect your knees. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is fact. Warming up will help reduce the pressure on your knees during exercise. Start by walking for a few minutes. Then stretch the muscles in the front and back of your thighs to reduce tension in the knee. Ask your doctor or physical therapist for other suggestions for stretching.If you hear a “popping” sound when you injure your knee, it’s most likely: A. Tendinitis B. Bursitis C. A tear in the meniscus D. A ligament injury E. C or D Correct Answer The correct answer is E. If you have one of these knee injuries, you will often feel the symptoms right away. You may also have knee swelling, knee pain when walking, or locking or catching of the knee. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away.Physical therapy is most helpful for which kind of knee pain? A. Muscle strains B. Sprains C. Bursitis D. Arthritis E. C and D F. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Physical therapy can teach you exercises to make your knee stronger. A physical therapist may also use certain treatments to help relieve your knee pain. Ask your doctor if you should have physical therapy for your knee pain. Home Care Simple causes of knee pain often clear up on their own while you take steps to manage your symptoms. If knee pain is caused by an accident or injury, you should contact your health care provider.If your knee pain has just started and is not severe, you can:Rest and avoid activities that cause pain. Avoid putting weight on your knee. Apply ice. First, apply it every hour for up to 15 minutes. After the first day, apply it at least 4 times per day. Cover your knee with a towel before applying ice. Do not fall asleep while using ice. You can leave it on too long and get frostbite. Keep your knee raised as much as possible to bring down any swelling. Wear an elastic bandage or elastic sleeve, which you can buy at most pharmacies. This may reduce swelling and provide support. Take ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for pain and swelling. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve pain, but not swelling. Talk to your provider before taking these medicines if you have medical problems, or if you have taken them for more than a day or two. Sleep with a pillow underneath or between your knees. Follow these general tips to help relieve and prevent knee pain:Always warm up before exercising and cool down after exercising. Stretch the muscles in the front of your thigh (quadriceps) and in the back of your thigh (hamstrings). Avoid running down hills -- walk down instead. Bicycle, or better yet, swim instead of run. Reduce the amount of exercise you do. Run on a smooth, soft surface, such as a track, instead of on cement or pavement. Lose weight if you are overweight. Every pound (0.5 kilogram) that you are overweight puts about 5 extra pounds (2.25 kilograms) of pressure on your kneecap when you go up and down stairs. The amount of extra pressure is even greater when you jump. Ask your provider for help losing weight. If you have flat feet, try special shoe inserts and arch supports (orthotics). Make sure your running shoes are well made, fit well, and have good cushioning. Further steps for you to take may depend on the cause of your knee pain. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You cannot bear weight on your knee. You have severe pain, even when not bearing weight. Your knee buckles, clicks, or locks. Your knee is deformed or misshapen. You cannot flex your knee or have trouble straightening it all the way out. You have a fever, redness or warmth around the knee, or a lot of swelling. FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You have pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or bluish discoloration in the calf below the sore knee. You still have pain after 3 days of home treatment. What to Expect at Your Office Visit Your provider will perform a physical exam, to include your knees, hips, legs, and other joints.Your provider may do the following tests:X-ray of the knee X-ray of the kneeA bone x-ray is an imaging test to look at the bones.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRI of the knee if a ligament or meniscus tear could be the cause MRI of the kneeA knee MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses energy from strong magnets to create pictures of the knee joint and muscles and tissues. An MRI doe...Read Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan of the knee Joint fluid culture (fluid taken from the knee and examined under a microscope)Joint fluid cultureSynovial fluid analysis is a group of tests that examine joint (synovial) fluid. The tests help diagnose and treat joint-related problems.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your provider may inject a steroid into your knee to reduce pain and inflammation.You may need to learn stretching and strengthening exercises. You also may need to see a podiatrist to be fitted for orthotics.In some cases, you may need surgery.Open ReferencesReferencesCheung EC, McAllister DR, Petrigliano FA. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 98.Huddleston JI, Goodman S. Hip and knee pain. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 51.McCarthy M, Mcarty EC, Frank RM. Patellofemoral pain. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 106.