Knee pain: which doctor to see
Knees hurt both in athletes and in older people — for different reasons: from overuse to arthritis. If the pain does not settle in a week or two, the knee swells or locks, see an orthopedist.
Common causes
- Overuse from running, squats, climbing stairs
- Ligament and meniscus injuries
- Osteoarthritis — age-related joint wear
- Joint inflammation (arthritis)
- Excess weight adding load to the knees
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- The knee is suddenly swollen, hot and red, with fever
- The leg cannot bear weight, stepping on it is impossible
- Obvious deformity after an injury
- The knee is locked — it will not bend or straighten
- Knee pain with calf swelling and pain — call 103
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
Your specialist
Orthopedist
What to bring to the visit
- A description: when and how the pain started, whether there was an injury
- Knee images (X-ray, MRI), if you have them
- A list of medicines you take
- Shorts or comfortable clothes for the examination
Frequently asked questions
Orthopedist or rheumatologist?
After injuries and for "mechanical" pain on movement — an orthopedist. If joints hurt and swell "on their own" and feel stiff in the morning — a rheumatologist.
Will joint injections help?
That is for the doctor to decide after an examination and imaging: injections are not a universal remedy but part of a plan for specific situations.
More in “Back and joints”
- Low back pain
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- Neck pain
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- Numbness in the hands
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The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.