When should I see a doctor for knee pain?

Knee pain is a common problem, and it’s understandable to wonder when you should see a doctor. While some knee pain gets better with home care, other times it’s a sign you need medical attention.

You should see a doctor for knee pain if:

You have sudden, severe pain, especially after an injury.
Your knee looks deformed or feels unstable.
You can’t bear weight on your knee or it buckles when you try.
The pain is severe and doesn’t improve after a few days of home care.
You have swelling that’s getting worse or doesn’t go away.
You have warmth and redness around the knee, which could be signs of infection.
You experience numbness or tingling in your knee, leg, or foot.

It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor if:

You’re concerned about your knee pain.
You’re not sure what’s causing it.
Home care isn’t helping.

Your doctor can figure out what’s causing your pain and recommend the right treatment. This might include rest, ice, medication, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery.