Patient guide / Knee
Understanding knee pain and conditions
These articles explain knee problems, care options and when to seek advice. Similar symptoms can have different causes; these texts do not provide a diagnosis.
This page is awaiting validation. It does not replace a consultation or a programme adapted to your situation.
Knee osteoarthritis: managing flare-ups and staying active
Knee osteoarthritis can make walking, stairs and sleep difficult. Pain can vary without the joint deteriorating with every movement. Care aims to preserve your activities and find a manageable load, with different options according to your needs.
Read the guidePain and conditionsMeniscus tears: treatment options and a locked knee
A meniscus tear can follow a twist or develop gradually. The word “tear” on an MRI does not decide on surgery by itself. The circumstances, possible movements and daily difficulties help guide discussion of rehabilitation, repair or another approach.
Read the guidePain and conditionsPatellofemoral pain: stairs, running and pain around the kneecap
Pain around or behind the kneecap can affect stairs, running, squats or prolonged sitting. Managing patellofemoral pain means understanding the activities that provoke it and gradually rebuilding the knee’s capacity. Pain in this location alone is not enough to make the diagnosis.
Read the guidePain and conditionsPatellar tendinopathy: managing load and returning to jumping
Pain in the tendon below the kneecap may appear with jumping, acceleration or strength training. Often called patellar tendinitis or jumper’s knee, this problem needs suitable load progression. Complete rest and intensive exercises imposed on everyone are not universal solutions.
Read the guidePain and conditionsACL tears: treatment choices and rehabilitation
An anterior cruciate ligament injury, or ACL tear, can change knee stability and confidence in movement. The choice between rehabilitation without surgery and reconstruction depends on several factors. In either case, progression should prepare real activities and respect any associated injuries.
Read the guidePain and conditionsKnee sprains: collateral ligaments, protection and recovery
After a twist or blow, “sprain” can describe very different injuries. Ligaments on the sides of the knee may be stretched or torn, alone or with other structures. Assessment helps choose the protection needed and prepare a gradual return to activity.
Read the guidePain and conditionsBaker’s cyst: understanding a lump behind the knee
A Baker’s cyst is a pocket of fluid behind the knee. It may accompany another joint problem. Any new lump still needs examination: swelling behind the knee cannot be identified reliably from a photograph or description.
Read the guidePain and conditionsKnee bursitis: swelling, kneeling and signs of infection
A swollen pocket in front of the kneecap may be bursitis, particularly after repeated kneeling. Infection can cause similar signs. Before strengthening or massaging the area, the cause of swelling needs to be understood, together with when to seek help.
Read the guidePain and conditionsKneecap dislocation: first steps, instability and recovery
A kneecap that moves out of its usual position is an injury needing prompt assessment. It may move back by itself, but that does not remove the need for examination. Recovery aims to restore mobility, strength and confidence, with follow-up suited to the injuries and risk of recurrence.
Read the guidePain and conditionsOsgood-Schlatter disease: knee pain during growth
In a growing young person, pain over the bump on the shin bone just below the knee may be Osgood-Schlatter disease. This guide is for young people and the adults supporting them. It helps explain assessment, activity adjustments and why unusual pain should not be dismissed.
Read the guidePain and conditionsKnee replacement: preparing for surgery and recovery
A knee replacement may be offered when pain and limitations have a major impact on life despite suitable care. Understanding preparation, the first weeks and progression helps you take part in decisions. Your surgical team’s instructions always take priority over this page’s general information.
Read the guidePain and conditionsKnee pain: warning signs and when to seek help
Knee pain does not always need emergency care, but some changes need assessment without delay. This page helps you decide how to seek help. It cannot rule out an illness or injury. If you are uncertain or symptoms are changing quickly, seek medical advice.
Read the guideText updated on
Medical review: awaiting Hasib Selimovic.