Knee pain: when self-care is enough and when to see an orthopaedic surgeon

Most short-lived knee pain following unusual activity settles with relative rest, ice for 15 minutes a few times a day, a compressive sleeve and gradual return to movement. Strengthening the quadriceps and hip muscles protects the joint far better than avoiding all activity.

Book an orthopaedic consultation if the knee locks or gives way, swells rapidly, cannot bear weight, remains painful beyond three weeks, or wakes you at night. These features suggest ligament, meniscal or significant cartilage involvement that benefits from imaging.

Treatment is a ladder, not a single choice: physiotherapy and weight optimisation first, then injections where appropriate, with arthroscopy or joint replacement reserved for advanced structural damage. Modern knee replacement typically allows independent walking within days of surgery.

Bring any previous X-rays or MRI images to your appointment so treatment can be planned in one visit.