Knee Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Did you feel or hear a snap, pop, or grinding in your knee?

See significance of a snap, pop, or grinding if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have severe pain?

Yes

Has a lot of swelling developed within 30 minutes of an injury?

Yes

Does your knee look twisted or bent out of its normal position?

Yes

Are you unable to stand or walk (bear weight)?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Did you feel or hear a snap, pop, or grinding, but you do not have other symptoms?

Yes

Did you feel or hear a snap or pop, and your knee has given out or feels like it will buckle?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had a grinding sensation in your knee, but you do not remember a specific injury?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	September 19, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer