KNEE PAIN

Symptom Definition

  • Pain in the knee.

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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
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR A MILD KNEE PAIN

  1. 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 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Knee pain persists longer than 7 days
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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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 © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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