Finding answers with your GP when your knee hurts
Why knee pain deserves attention
Knee pain often affects how you move, work, exercise, and enjoy daily life. Whether it appears suddenly after an injury or develops slowly over time, it can feel frustrating and worrying. Your knees support your body with every step, so even mild discomfort can affect confidence and mobility. Talking about what you feel helps your GP guide safe and sensible care.
How knee pain can feel in everyday life
Knee pain does not always present the same way. You may feel aching, stiffness, sharp pain with movement, clicking, instability, swelling, or weakness. Some people notice pain during stairs or squatting, while others struggle after sitting or first thing in the morning. These details matter because they help your GP understand which structures might be involved and which type of help suits you best.
Common reasons knee pain appears
Knee pain may relate to muscle strain, ligament sprain, tendon problems, cartilage wear, arthritis, or inflammation inside the joint. It may follow a sports injury, heavy work, a fall, or gradual joint wear with age. Weight, alignment of the legs, previous injury, repetitive stress, and certain health conditions also influence knee health. Sometimes knee pain reflects pain referred from the hip, back, or surrounding tissues, which is another reason careful assessment matters.
When knee pain needs urgent review
Seek urgent care if knee pain follows a significant injury, if you cannot bear weight, if the knee locks completely, if swelling appears suddenly with heat and severe pain, if the joint looks deformed, or if you develop fever with a painful swollen knee. Quick assessment helps protect joint function and prevents complications.
How your GP helps you find answers
Your GP listens to your story, examines the knee, checks movement, swelling, tenderness, and stability, and looks at how you walk and stand. They may organise scans or blood tests when appropriate. Your GP explains what is likely happening, discusses realistic expectations, and guides a treatment plan that matches your lifestyle, work needs, and activity goals. Referral to physiotherapy, sports medicine, or an orthopaedic specialist may be arranged when needed.
Treatment and everyday support that make a difference
Management depends on the cause. It may include rest from aggravating activity, gradual strengthening, stretching, targeted exercises, weight management, pain-relief strategies, supportive braces, or guided rehabilitation. Your GP helps you understand what to avoid, what to continue, and how to return safely to normal activities. Small, consistent steps often bring the most meaningful improvement.
Why speaking with your GP matters
You do not need to push through ongoing knee pain or guess what is safe. If knee pain interferes with daily life, activity, driving, sport, or sleep, or simply worries you, talk with your GP. You deserve reassurance, a clear plan, and care that supports strength, movement, and confidence over time.
This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.