- I am over the age of 18
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you recall any specific trauma (e.g. car accident, fall from height or direct impact, etc.) that caused your knee pain to start?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid this happen within the past 6 weeks?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you attend A&E or see your GP following this knee trauma?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you had an x-ray or any other investigations for this knee trauma?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid your x-ray reveal an injury to the bone?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of knee trauma.
Please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
You may need to attend A&E to rule out a possible fracture.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you having difficulty taking full weight through the leg, causing you to limp or rely on a walking aid since this knee trauma?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of knee trauma.
Please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
You may need to attend A&E to rule out a possible fracture.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of knee trauma.
Please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you recall any injury (e.g. twisting injury when running or playing sport, landing from a jump, direct impact, sports-related injury, etc.) that caused your knee symptoms to start?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid your leg give way at the time of the injury?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upWere you able to continue playing sport or the activity you were doing immediately after the injury?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you develop either of the following at the time of your injury:
- Immediate marked swelling in your knee?
- Significant swelling within the first 6 hours?
- Yes to either
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of knee trauma.
Please contact your GP practice for a first-contact physiotherapy appointment.
You may have injured your anterior cruciate ligament or meniscus, which will need to be assessed.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you hear or feel a pop from your knee at the time of injury?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of knee trauma.
Please contact your GP practice for a first-contact physiotherapy appointment.
You may have injured your anterior cruciate ligament or meniscus, which will need to be assessed.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you experienced any giving way of the knee since the injury?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of knee trauma.
Please contact your GP practice for a first-contact physiotherapy appointment.
You may have injured your anterior cruciate ligament or meniscus, which will need to be assessed.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upSince your injury, have you experienced any catching or locking where your knee gets physically stuck in a position (for longer than two minutes) and you have to use your hands to unlock it?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid your injury happen in the last 6 weeks?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for an urgent assessment.
Your pain may need further investigation or a referral to an acute knee clinic. Your GP practice will be able to give you further advice and guidance on the next steps.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
You may benefit from trying some exercises while you are waiting for an assessment.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you feel or see your kneecap move out of position to the side (dislocation)?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid your knee stay out of place and need to be put back in place by you or someone else?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid this happen in the last 6 weeks?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for an urgent assessment.
Your pain may need further investigation or a referral to an acute knee clinic. Your GP practice will be able to give you further advice and guidance on the next steps.
You may benefit from trying these exercises while you wait for an assessment.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
You may benefit from trying some exercises while you are waiting for an assessment.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou may be experiencing symptoms of patella instability, which involves the kneecap and the surrounding muscles.
Patella instability is relatively rare but can occur after a trauma (injury) and it can be more common in families because of the way the kneecap and surrounding bones have developed.
Most acute flare-ups improve within 2 to 6 weeks if managed well, but if there are ongoing symptoms of patella instability, it can take 2 to 6 months of rehabilitative exercise to get better.
Surgery is rarely needed for patella instability, and it is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement and exercises to improve the strength of muscles around the hip and knee joints.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for knee pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, knee pain can become persistent and get worse over time. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have pain on the inside of your knee?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes it hurt to press on the location highlighted in pink in this image?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided you may have sprained your medial collateral ligament (MCL).
This type of injury is very common and most acute flare-ups of pain settle within 2 to 8 weeks.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), managing swelling by applying ice packs, plus movement and exercise to improve the strength of the muscles around your hip and knee.
Surgery is rarely required but can be considered if supervised physiotherapy has not improved the stability of your knee or reduced pain. For a referral to physiotherapy, please contact your GP practice for further assessment. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice.
IMPORTANT - While many MCL injuries are mild and can be managed with relative rest and simple exercise, more significant injuries can happen alongside injuries to other important structures in the knee (such as the anterior cruciate ligament and menisci).
Please seek prompt medical advice if you can recall a significant injury (like when playing football and twisting your knee suddenly) and you have any of the following:
- You think you have sustained a significant injury
- You heard or felt a pop at the time of injury
- Your knee is very swollen
- Your knee feels unstable and / or is giving way
- You are struggling to take weight on your knee
- Your knee is getting stuck or locked in a position
- You are feeling a new clicking or popping sensation when bending your knee
If you have any of the above symptoms and the injury happened within the past 24 to 48 hours, please attend A&E for URGENT assessment or call 111.
If you have any of the above symptoms and the injury happened more than 48 hours ago but within the past 6 to 8 weeks, please contact your GP practice for URGENT advice or call 111. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice and after assessment you may be referred to an acute knee clinic or fracture clinic.
If you have any of the above symptoms and your injury occurred more than 8 weeks ago, please book an appointment at your GP practice for further advice and support (this may be with a first-contact physiotherapist).
While you wait for assessment, it is important to avoid running, twisting movements, or contact sports, manage the swelling (using ice packs) and restore your knee's range of movement and muscle strength.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for an MCL sprain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes it hurt when performing the test shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided you may have sprained your medial collateral ligament (MCL).
This type of injury is very common and most acute flare-ups of pain settle within 2 to 8 weeks.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), managing swelling by applying ice packs, plus movement and exercise to improve the strength of the muscles around your hip and knee.
Surgery is rarely required but can be considered if supervised physiotherapy has not improved the stability of your knee or reduced pain. For a referral to physiotherapy, please contact your GP practice for further assessment. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice.
IMPORTANT - While many MCL injuries are mild and can be managed with relative rest and simple exercise, more significant injuries can happen alongside injuries to other important structures in the knee (such as the anterior cruciate ligament and menisci).
Please seek prompt medical advice if you can recall a significant injury (like when playing football and twisting your knee suddenly) and you have any of the following:
- You think you have sustained a significant injury
- You heard or felt a pop at the time of injury
- Your knee is very swollen
- Your knee feels unstable and / or is giving way
- You are struggling to take weight on your knee
- Your knee is getting stuck or locked in a position
- You are feeling a new clicking or popping sensation when bending your knee
If you have any of the above symptoms and the injury happened within the past 24 to 48 hours, please attend A&E for URGENT assessment or call 111.
If you have any of the above symptoms and the injury happened more than 48 hours ago but within the past 6 to 8 weeks, please contact your GP practice for URGENT advice or call 111. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice and after assessment you may be referred to an acute knee clinic or fracture clinic.
If you have any of the above symptoms and your injury occurred more than 8 weeks ago, please book an appointment at your GP practice for further advice and support (this may be with a first-contact physiotherapist).
While you wait for assessment, it is important to avoid running, twisting movements, or contact sports, manage the swelling (using ice packs) and restore your knee's range of movement and muscle strength.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for an MCL sprain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided you may have sustained a soft tissue injury to your knee, which includes mild injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
Injuries like this can often happen if you stretch too far, twist suddenly or the wrong way or put too much pressure on your knee, causing a sprain or strain.
Most acute flare-ups of pain settle within 2 to 6 weeks and are best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), managing swelling by applying ice packs, plus movement and exercise to improve the strength of the muscles around your hip and knee.
IMPORTANT - While many soft tissue injuries are mild and can be managed with relative rest and simple exercise, more significant injuries can happen alongside injuries to other important structures in the knee (such as the anterior cruciate ligament and menisci).
Please seek prompt medical advice if you can recall a significant injury (like when playing football and twisting your knee suddenly) and you have any of the following:
- You think you have sustained a significant injury
- You heard or felt a pop at the time of injury
- Your knee is very swollen
- Your knee feels unstable and / or is giving way
- You are struggling to take weight on your knee
- Your knee is getting stuck or locked in a position
- You are feeling a new clicking or popping sensation when bending your knee
If you have any of the above symptoms and the injury happened within the past 24 to 48 hours, please attend A&E for URGENT assessment or call 111.
If you have any of the above symptoms and the injury happened more than 48 hours ago but within the past 6 to 8 weeks, please contact your GP practice for URGENT advice or call 111. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice and after assessment you may be referred to an acute knee clinic or fracture clinic.
If you have any of the above symptoms and your injury occurred more than 8 weeks ago, please book an appointment at your GP practice for further advice and support (this may be with a first-contact physiotherapist).
While you wait for assessment, it is important to avoid running, twisting movements, or contact sports, manage the swelling (using ice packs) and restore your knee's range of movement and muscle strength.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for knee pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided you may have sustained a soft tissue injury to your knee, which includes mild injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
Injuries like this can often happen if you stretch too far, twist suddenly or the wrong way or put too much pressure on your knee, causing a sprain or strain.
Most acute flare-ups of pain settle within 2 to 6 weeks and are best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), managing swelling by applying ice packs, plus movement and exercise to improve the strength of the muscles around your hip and knee.
IMPORTANT - While many soft tissue injuries are mild and can be managed with relative rest and simple exercise, more significant injuries can happen alongside injuries to other important structures in the knee (such as the anterior cruciate ligament and menisci).
Please seek prompt medical advice if you can recall a significant injury (like when playing football and twisting your knee suddenly) and you have any of the following:
- You think you have sustained a significant injury
- You heard or felt a pop at the time of injury
- Your knee is very swollen
- Your knee feels unstable and / or is giving way
- You are struggling to take weight on your knee
- Your knee is getting stuck or locked in a position
- You are feeling a new clicking or popping sensation when bending your knee
If you have any of the above symptoms and the injury happened within the past 24 to 48 hours, please attend A&E for URGENT assessment or call 111.
If you have any of the above symptoms and the injury happened more than 48 hours ago but within the past 6 to 8 weeks, please contact your GP practice for URGENT advice or call 111. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice and after assessment you may be referred to an acute knee clinic or fracture clinic.
If you have any of the above symptoms and your injury occurred more than 8 weeks ago, please book an appointment at your GP practice for further advice and support (this may be with a first-contact physiotherapist).
While you wait for assessment, it is important to avoid running, twisting movements, or contact sports, manage the swelling (using ice packs) and restore your knee's range of movement and muscle strength.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for knee pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of knee trauma.
Please contact your GP practice for a first-contact physiotherapy appointment.
You may have injured your anterior cruciate ligament or meniscus, which will need to be assessed.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upWere you able to continue playing sport or the activity you were doing immediately after the injury?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you develop either of the following at the time of your injury:
- Immediate marked swelling in your knee?
- Significant swelling within the first 6 hours?
- Yes to either
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you hear or feel a pop from your knee at the time of injury?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of knee trauma.
Please contact your GP practice for a first-contact physiotherapy appointment.
You may have injured your anterior cruciate ligament or meniscus, which will need to be assessed.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you hear or feel a pop from your knee at the time of injury?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you develop either of the following at the time of your injury:
- Immediate marked swelling in your knee?
- Significant swelling within the first 6 hours?
- Yes to either
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of knee trauma.
Please contact your GP practice for a first-contact physiotherapy appointment.
You may have injured your anterior cruciate ligament or meniscus, which will need to be assessed.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you hear or feel a pop from your knee at the time of injury?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of knee trauma.
Please contact your GP practice for a first-contact physiotherapy appointment.
You may have injured your anterior cruciate ligament or meniscus, which will need to be assessed.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upIs your knee swollen?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHas the swelling started in the past 2 weeks?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upIs your knee hot to touch? Test with the back of your hand and compare both knees.
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have a fever or do you feel unwell?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have ANY of the following symptoms:
- Confusion, slurred speech or difficulty making sense / being understood
- Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
- Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
- Yes to any
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms, which need further medical assessment to rule out infection or sepsis.
Please contact 999 immediately for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP for an URGENT same-day appointment and mention your symptoms.
If you are unable to get an appointment with your GP today, please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP for an URGENT same-day appointment and mention your symptoms.
If you are unable to get an appointment with your GP today, please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP for an URGENT same-day appointment and mention your symptoms.
If you are unable to get an appointment with your GP today, please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upCan you answer 'yes' to any of the following questions?
- Have you been under the care of rheumatology and diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis?
- Do you suffer with the skin condition psoriasis?
- Do you suffer with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?
- Do you suffer with uveitis or iritis, a condition involving inflammation at the front of the eye?
- Yes to any
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you recently had any infections (e.g. stomach upsets, diarrhoea, other gut infections, conjunctivitis or a sexually transmitted infection)?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have any of the following?
- Red or bloodshot eye
- Painful eye
- Blurred or misty vision
- Yes to any
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP or NHS 111 IMMEDIATELY for further advice and guidance.
You may have a condition called reactive arthritis.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP for an URGENT same-day appointment and mention your symptoms.
If you are unable to get an appointment with your GP today, please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
You may have a condition called reactive arthritis.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP for further advice and guidance, making sure to tell them about your symptoms.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have progressively worsening knee pain AND a previous history of cancer?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your previous history of cancer.
If you are still under the care of the oncology service, please contact the department urgently today for further advice.
If you have been discharged from the oncology service or are unsure, please contact NHS 111 immediately and mention to the call handler that you have a previous history of cancer and progessively worsening knee pain.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upWhere do you feel the pain in your knee region?
1. Front of knee (anterior)
2. Inside or outside of knee (medial or lateral)
3. Back of knee (posterior)- 1. Front of knee - anterior
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your knee pain get worse when you go up or down stairs?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your knee click or grind when you go up or down stairs?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you 45 years of age or older?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing a flare-up of knee osteoarthritis, which involves the knee joint.
Knee osteoarthritis is very common and while it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most acute flare-ups of knee osteoarthritis settle within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to get better or even get worse over time if it is not managed well.
Knee osteoarthritis is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, or quitting smoking (if applicable).
Osteoarthritis is NOT caused by activity or exercise. You WON'T wear out your joints by using them. In fact, being more active and exercising can be a great way to ease symptoms.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for knee pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Further information on managing knee osteoarthritis
Unfortunately, knee osteoarthritis can become persistent and get worse over time. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing a flare-up of patellofemoral pain syndrome, which involves the knee cap.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common cause of pain at the front of the knee, with around 1 in 4 people experiencing this type of pain at some point in their lives. Although it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue.
Most acute flare-ups of patellofemoral pain syndrome improve within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to get better or even get worse over time if it is not managed well.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for knee pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your knee hurt when performing the test shown in this video compared with your other knee?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes you knee hurt when you crouch, squat or kneel?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your knee pain ever get worse when sitting or driving for long periods?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your knee hurt when performing the test shown in this video compared with your other knee?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your knee hurt when you crouch or squat?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your knee hurt when performing the test shown in this video compared with your other knee?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- 2. Inside or outside of knee - medial or lateral
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you 45 years of age or older?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your knee pain limit you performing normal activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, sports, etc.?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your knee pain disturb your sleep, even with the regular use of pain relief?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing a flare-up of a degenerative meniscus tear or early knee osteoarthritis, which involves the knee joint and the cartilage (meniscus).
Degenerative meniscal tears are common and while they can be very painful, they are rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most acute flare-ups of pain settle within 6 to 12 weeks, but it can take much longer to get better or even get worse over time if it is not managed well.
Surgery is rarely required for a degenerative meniscus tear and it is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, or quitting smoking (if applicable).
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for knee pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Unfortunately, knee pain can become persistent and get worse over time. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing a flare-up of knee osteoarthritis, which involves the knee joint.
Knee osteoarthritis is very common and while it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most acute flare-ups of knee osteoarthritis settle within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to get better or even get worse over time if it is not managed well.
Knee osteoarthritis is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, or quitting smoking (if applicable).
Osteoarthritis is NOT caused by activity or exercise. You WON'T wear out your joints by using them. In fact, being more active and exercising can be a great way to ease symptoms.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for knee pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Further information on managing knee osteoarthritis
Unfortunately, knee osteoarthritis can become persistent and get worse over time. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing a flare-up of a degenerative meniscus tear or early knee osteoarthritis, which involves the knee joint and the cartilage (meniscus).
Degenerative meniscal tears are common and while they can be very painful, they are rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most acute flare-ups of pain settle within 6 to 12 weeks, but it can take much longer to get better or even get worse over time if it is not managed well.
Surgery is rarely required for a degenerative meniscus tear and it is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, or quitting smoking (if applicable).
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for knee pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Unfortunately, knee pain can become persistent and get worse over time. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your knee get stuck or locked and you have to use your hands to unlock it?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing a flare-up of a degenerative meniscus tear or early knee osteoarthritis, which involves the knee joint and the cartilage (meniscus).
Degenerative meniscal tears are common and while they can be very painful, they are rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most acute flare-ups of pain settle within 6 to 12 weeks, but it can take much longer to get better or even get worse over time if it is not managed well.
Surgery is rarely required for a degenerative meniscus tear and it is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, or quitting smoking (if applicable).
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for knee pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Unfortunately, knee pain can become persistent and get worse over time. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing a flare-up of a degenerative meniscus tear or early knee osteoarthritis, which involves the knee joint and the cartilage (meniscus).
Degenerative meniscal tears are common and while they can be very painful, they are rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most acute flare-ups of pain settle within 6 to 12 weeks, but it can take much longer to get better or even get worse over time if it is not managed well.
Surgery is rarely required for a degenerative meniscus tear and it is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, or quitting smoking (if applicable).
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for knee pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Unfortunately, knee pain can become persistent and get worse over time. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- 3. Back of knee - posterior
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you experiencing any pins and needles, numbness or a burning-type pain spreading in the affected leg since your knee problem started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you developed any pain or stiffness in your back since your knee pain started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYour knee pain could be a problem primarily coming from your back.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance, mentioning your symptoms of pins and needles, numbness or burning-type pain.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have any swelling in the back of your knee or calf?
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- I am over the age of 18
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- I am under the age of 18
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18