Cymraeg
Knee Pain is a common muscle joint and bone symptom
Knee Pain
Where is it felt?
Knee Pain is pain that can be felt at the front, back, inner or outer part of your knee.
How could it affect me?
- Pain can often be felt with simple day to day activities. Some of these activities include walking, standing, stairs, squatting, driving and exercise
- Knee pain can affect our ability to carry out daily activities, including work and hobbies
- At times the pain can feel severe and for some be ongoing. This can affect our general well-being and mental health
Why does it happen?
Knee Pain can start because of an injury (for example a trip or twist incident), from doing more than you normally do (for example increased activity or exercise) or it can also start for no obvious reason.
It can affect any of us at any age.
Is it serious?
Although the pain and disability caused by an episode or flare of knee pain can be severe at first, it is not usually a sign of serious injury or damage.
However you will need to see your GP if:
- If you have a hot, significantly swollen and painful knee or a new and unusual lump on your knee
- If you are feeling unwell, sick or have a fever with knee pain
If you have had a recent knee injury and you are unable to weight bear you need to be assessed in a minor injuries department.
If you have had a knee injury and the knee continues to feel unstable or is ‘giving way’, and /or is getting stuck or ‘catching’, consider seeking further help or ring your GP.
Will it get better?
The answer for most people is yes as most symptoms will ease in the first 2 to 6 weeks for a new onset of knee pain or a flare-up of longstanding knee pain. It can take some people longer to get back to their normal and some describe ongoing problems.
Taking steps to look after your physical and mental health can give the best opportunity of a successful recovery.
What can I do to help myself?
Some of the most important things you can do to help your knee pain are related to your lifestyle choices and general health. We have provided some useful links to help guide you through.
The information in Step Two and Step Three explains the factors that can affect the severity and impact of muscle joint and bone symptoms.
Step Two explains the factors that may be contributing to your situation.
Step Three explains self-management advice on what you can do to help yourself.
Following the 3-step process will help you make the most out of the information on this website.
Learn more about:
If you have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis ABUHB Physiotherapy have produced some further reading and support called OAK – Options, Advice and Knowledge.
Alongside the self-management advice in Step Three, some general exercises for knee pain can be helpful to support a gradual return to normal movement and function.
What can be done to help me?
An assessment of your problem and treatment may be necessary if the self-management advice in Step 3 does not help. Consider seeking further help.
If you continue to be concerned about the symptoms you are experiencing and are unsure what to do contact your GP practice or ring NHS Wales 111.
