Knee pain A&E leaflet

Download and print as a PDF (234kB pdf)

Why have I been given this information?

You have been seen in the Emergency Department for knee pain and discharged home. This leaflet explains: 

• What may be causing your knee pain 
• How to manage it 
• Simple exercises to help your recovery 

Most knee pain settles naturally and requires no more treatment than pain relief. 

Occasionally you may be given a splint for your knee known as a cricket pad splint. 

We rarely give crutches for knee pain as it prolongs the duration of your symptoms. However, if you cannot walk, we may need to give you crutches. 

Rarely, some patients are referred to the Orthopaedic fracture clinic for a review. 

Knee pain

Most knee pain is not due to a serious condition and will resolve with time.

The symptoms include:

• Pain.
• Swelling.
• Stiffness.
• Bruising.
• Reduced movement.
• Muscle weakness.
• Tightness in the back of your thigh and calf.

Knee pain can be caused by a twist or a fall which may strain or sprain the ligaments, tendons or muscles. It may also be the result of overuse or repetitive activity. 

It is important to rest your knee. We advise gentle exercise to prevent stiffness and prolonged discomfort. 

Early, gentle movement of the knee will help it heal more quickly. Moving your knee will aid circulation and reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. 

The initial pain usually settles within a few days. 

Most simple strains do not cause lasting problems, as the body is very good at healing itself.

What treatments can I use?

Painkillers 

If your doctor has prescribed painkillers, they should be taken at the recommended dose. 

Rest 

Try and rest the leg for the first 24 to 72 hours. However, it is important to maintain flexibility in the knee so gently move it without causing too much pain. This will help with the healing process. 

Ice 

Wrap an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) in a damp towel and place over the knee. Use for 15 minutes up to three times a day. This will help reduce the swelling and pain. 

Elevation 

Whilst resting, place the leg in an elevated position with a support under your knee, so that the ankle is higher than the hip, to reduce swelling. 

Early movement and exercise 

Do not rest for long periods at a time as this will lead to stiffness and weakness and prolong your recovery. 

Simple exercises can be performed to help gain full function of your knee. 

Moving stiff muscles and joints is often uncomfortable to start with but becomes much easier as you regain the movement in your knee. 

Exercises for your knee

1. Pull your toes up towards your head and push your knees firmly into the floor.

2. Slide your foot up and down the bed, gently moving the knee joint.

3. Put a cushion under the knee, pull your foot and toes up, tighten your thigh muscle and straighten the knee.

4. Stand with the leg to be stretched straight behind you and the other leg bent in front of you. Hold onto the wall and lean forwards and down until you feel the stretching in the calf of the straight leg.

Please note: Perform each exercise gently and slowly, only moving as far as feels comfortable. Practice each exercise up to 10 times, two or three times per day. If your pain increases significantly stop the exercises and consult your GP or physiotherapist before continuing.

Further support

For general medical advice please use the NHS website, the NHS 111 service, walk-in-centres, or your GP.

NHS website provides online health information and guidance.

There are walk-in and urgent treatment services at Brighton Station, Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre, Lewes Victoria Hospital, Horsham Minor Injuries Unit and Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital.