10 Common Knee Problems, When to Worry and When to See a Doctor

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10 Common Knee Problems, When to Worry and When to See a Doctor

Here’s a guide to 10 common knee problems, including when to worry and when to see a doctor.

1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries

Symptoms: Instability, pain, swelling, ‘pop’ sound at injury
When to worry: Inability to bear weight, suspected associated injuries (e.g. meniscal tears)
When to see a doctor: Be referred to orthopaedics for further evaluation and possible surgery

2. Meniscus Tears

Symptoms: Pain, locking or catching sensation, swelling
When to worry: Persistent pain, limited mobility, or failure to improve with conservative management
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with NSAIDs and physioherapy; be referred to orthopaedics if symptoms persist

3. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

Symptoms: Pain around the kneecap, worse with activity
When to worry: Sudden severe pain, swelling, or instability
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with physiotherapy and NSAIDs; be referred to orthopaedics if symptoms persist

4. Knee Fractures

Symptoms: Severe pain, deformity, inability to bear weight
When to worry: High-energy trauma, neurovascular compromise, or open fractures
When to see a doctor: Urgent referral to orthopedics for surgical evaluation

5. Collateral Ligament Sprains

Symptoms: Pain on the side of the knee, instability
When to worry: Severe pain, significant instability, or failure to improve with conservative management
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with NSAIDs and physiotherapy; be referred to orthopedics if symptoms persist

6. Bursitis

Symptoms: Swelling, pain, redness
When to worry: Fever, redness, or swelling that worsens over time
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with NSAIDs and aspiration; be refer to orthopaedics if symptoms persist or suspected infection

7. Tendinitis (e.g. Patellar Tendinitis)

Symptoms: Pain, swelling, worse with activity
When to worry: Persistent pain, limited mobility, or failure to improve with conservative management
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with NSAIDs and physiotherapy; be referred to orthopaedics if symptoms persist

8. Osteoarthritis

Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, limited mobility
When to worry: Sudden severe pain, significant functional impairment
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with NSAIDs and physiotherapy; be referred to orthopaedics for possible joint replacement

9. Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome

Symptoms: Pain on the outside of the knee, worse with activity
When to worry: Persistent pain, limited mobility, or failure to improve with conservative management
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with NSAIDs and physiotherapy; be referred to orthopaedics if symptoms persist

10. Dislocation

Symptoms: Deformity, severe pain, inability to move the knee
When to worry: Neurovascular compromise or delayed reduction
When to see a doctor: See orthopaedics urgently for surgery

Key Points

A thorough history and physical examination are crucial in diagnosing knee problems.
Imaging studies (e.g. x-rays, MRI) may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Referral to orthopaedics is often necessary for persistent or severe symptoms, or when surgical intervention is considered.
Early recognition and management of knee problems can improve outcomes and reduce complications.