Knee Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have knee pain or tenderness?

See significance of knee pain or tenderness 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

Is a young child unable to walk or carefully protecting his or her knee after a known or suspected injury?

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

Yes

Do you have pain with swelling or bruising that began within 30 minutes of an injury?

Yes

Do you have moderate pain that is getting worse?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have moderate pain that has not gotten better after 24 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Does moving or bending your knee still cause mild pain after 48 hours of home treatment?

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

Yes

Have you had intermittent mild pain without other symptoms for 2 weeks?

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