Knee pain

What it feels like

• Pain on walking, climbing stairs, squatting or kneeling
• Swelling, either soon after an injury or gradually
• Stiffness after sitting or first thing in the morning
• Clicking, catching or the knee locking in one position
• A feeling that the knee is about to give way
• Warmth or redness over the joint

Common causes

• Osteoarthritis

  Wear of the cartilage that cushions the joint. The most common cause of knee pain in older adults, usually worse with activity and at the end of the day.

• Ligament injuries

  A twist or awkward landing can sprain or tear the ligaments that hold the knee steady, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The knee often swells within hours and feels unstable afterwards.

• Meniscus tears

  The meniscus is the cartilage pad between the bones. Tears cause pain on the inner or outer side of the knee, catching, and sometimes locking.

• Overuse and tendon problems

  Pain at the front of the knee from running, cycling or a sudden increase in activity, often involving the kneecap or the tendons around it.

• Inflammatory arthritis and gout

  Rheumatoid arthritis and gout can cause a hot, swollen knee without any injury. These need blood tests and sometimes joint-fluid tests to confirm.

• Fractures

  A fall or road accident can break the bones around the knee. Severe pain, deformity or inability to put weight on the leg needs emergency assessment.

When to seek care straight away

How it is assessed at the centre

1. 01A consultation and examination: where it hurts, how the knee moves, and whether the ligaments are stable.
2. 02Digital X-ray on site to look at the bones and the joint space.
3. 03Blood tests, arranged if an inflammatory cause is suspected.
4. 04An MRI scan, arranged when a ligament or meniscus injury needs to be confirmed before deciding on treatment.

Treatment options

• Non-surgical care

  Activity changes, pain relief, and physiotherapy at the on-site physiotherapy department to strengthen the muscles that protect the knee. Injections into the joint are used for some types of pain.

  Joint Disorders

• Arthroscopy (keyhole surgery)

  Meniscus repair, ACL reconstruction and removal of loose fragments through small incisions, with a faster recovery than open surgery.

  Sports Injury & Arthroscopy

• Joint preservation

  For earlier arthritis, treatments that aim to relieve pain and delay or avoid replacement.

  Joint Disorders

• Knee replacement

  For advanced arthritis that limits daily life despite other treatment, the worn joint surface is replaced with an implant, followed by rehabilitation.

  Joint Replacement Surgery

Questions patients ask

Does knee pain always need surgery?

No. Most knee pain settles with rest, physiotherapy and medicines. Surgery is considered when pain or instability persists despite these and imaging shows a problem that surgery can correct.

When is a knee replacement considered?

When arthritis causes persistent pain, stiffness or deformity that limits walking and daily activities, and non-surgical treatment no longer helps.

Is physiotherapy available at the centre?

Yes. Physiotherapy is on site, so rehabilitation after an injury or operation happens in the same building.

How do I book a consultation?

Call 080 2664 3970 or 96201 51588 during consultation hours, Monday to Saturday, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

What if it happens at night or on a Sunday?

Accident and trauma care is available at any hour. Call the emergency line, 98450 75749.