Most people will, at one time or another, experience knee pain. This is frequently due to an over-use syndrome (better known as something you should not have done!) Unless pain is severe with swelling and an inability to walk, most problems can be managed without a visit to the doctor.

No matter what the underlying cause of the trouble, the initial attempt at treatment should include exercise to strengthen the muscles which protect the knee. Short-term use of anti-inflammatory medications may also help. It is probably worthwhile to try this treatment before making an appointment to see the doctor.

Exercise should include weighted straight leg lifts. Simply strap a weight (or a purse with a large strap containing soup cans or bricks) to your ankle and do straight leg lifts, either lying down or while seated in a chair. Ten sets several times daily, increasing the weights as able, should suffice. Do not do these exercises by bending and straightening the knee as this can increase symptoms. Use of over the counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can also be helpful.

If this treatment fails to provide improvement in one or two weeks, then an appointment with your Orthopaedic doctor would be appropriate.

P.S. About 50% of patients will recover with the above technique and not require a visit to the doctor!