Knee Pain

Symptoms

DEFINITION

• Pain in the knee

Causes of Knee Pain

• Arthritis (e.g., degenerative, gouty, infectious, inflammatory, traumatic)
• Baker's Cyst (popliteal cyst): This is a fluid collection in a cyst that bulges out from the knee joint. Symptoms include painful or painless swelling in the area behind the knee.
• Bursitis: Prepatellar bursitis is a fluid filled sack localized on the inferior aspect of the anterior knee.
• Cellulitis
• Overuse injury, tendonitis
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (chondromalacia patellae)
• Trauma (e.g., contusion, dislocation, fracture, sprain, strain)

Some Signs and Symptoms That Could be SERIOUS

• Severe pain and unable to walk
• Knee swelling with fever (possibility of infection of knee joint)
• Unilateral calf pain and/or swelling (possibility of blood clot in leg)

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Knee pain after a KNEE INJURY

Should I Call?

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Care at Home

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 moist 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 Medicines:
   • For pain relief, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen.
   • Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol):
     • Take 650 mg by mouth every 4-6 hours. Each Regular Strength Tylenol pill has 325 mg of acetaminophen.
     • Another choice is to take 1,000 mg every 8 hours. Each Extra Strength Tylenol pill has 500 mg of acetaminophen.
     • The most you should take each day is 3,000 mg.

   • Ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil):

     • Take 400 mg by mouth every 6 hours

     • Another choice is to take or 600 mg by mouth every 8 hours.

     • Use the lowest amount that makes your pain feel better.

   • Naproxen (e.g., Aleve)

     • Take 250-500 mg by mouth every 12 hours.

     • Use the lowest amount that makes your pain feel better.

   • Extra Notes

     • Acetaminophen is thought to be safer than ibuprofen or naproxen in people over 65 years old. Acetaminophen is in many OTC and prescription medicines. It might be in more than one medicine that you are taking. You need to be careful and not take an overdose. An overdose can hurt the liver.

     • Before taking any medicine, read all the instructions on the package.

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

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

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