Knee pain is incredibly common, especially as we get older. But how do you know when it’s something you can manage at home versus when you need professional medical care? This guide will help you understand the warning signs and make the right decision for your health.
When Home Treatment May Be Enough
Not every ache requires a doctor visit. You can often manage knee pain at home if:
- The pain is mild and started after a new activity or minor strain
- There’s no significant swelling, redness, or warmth
- You can still walk and bear weight on the knee
- The discomfort improves with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers
Home care basics: Rest the knee, apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times daily, use compression wraps, and elevate your leg. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with pain and inflammation.
Give home treatment about one to two weeks. If you’re not seeing improvement, it’s time to call your doctor.
Signs You Should Schedule a Doctor Visit
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of these:
- Pain lasting more than 2 weeks despite home treatment
- Gradual worsening of pain over time
- Stiffness that limits your ability to fully bend or straighten your knee
- Swelling that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations with pain
- Knee pain that interferes with daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping
- Pain that requires regular medication to manage
These symptoms often point to conditions like osteoarthritis, which responds well to treatment when caught early. Not sure how serious your pain is? Our pain assessment quiz can help you evaluate your symptoms.
Red Flags: When to Seek Urgent or Emergency Care
Some knee symptoms require immediate medical attention. Go to the emergency room or urgent care if you have:
- Severe pain that came on suddenly
- Inability to bear any weight on your leg
- Visible deformity - the knee looks misshapen or out of place
- Significant swelling that developed rapidly (within hours)
- A locked knee - you cannot bend or straighten it at all
- Signs of infection: redness, warmth, and swelling combined with fever, chills, or feeling unwell
A red, hot, swollen knee with fever is especially concerning. This could indicate a joint infection (septic arthritis), which needs immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage.
Also seek emergency care if your knee pain followed a serious injury, fall, or accident, particularly if you heard a “pop” when it happened.
What Type of Doctor Should You See?
Choosing the right doctor depends on your situation:
Start with Your Primary Care Doctor
Your regular doctor is a good first choice for most knee pain. They can:
- Evaluate your symptoms and medical history
- Order X-rays or other imaging tests
- Prescribe medications or physical therapy
- Refer you to a specialist if needed
Orthopedic Specialist
An orthopedist focuses on bones, joints, and muscles. Consider seeing one directly if:
- You’ve had a significant injury
- Your primary doctor recommends it
- You’ve already tried basic treatments without relief
- You’re considering procedures like injections or surgery
Rheumatologist
These specialists treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. See a rheumatologist if:
- Multiple joints are affected (not just your knee)
- You have symptoms of inflammatory arthritis (prolonged morning stiffness, fatigue)
- Your doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or lupus
Sports Medicine Doctor
If your knee pain is related to exercise or athletics, a sports medicine physician can help with both treatment and prevention strategies.
Need help finding a qualified specialist? Browse our provider directory to find doctors in your area who specialize in joint pain treatment.
Why Waiting Too Long Can Be a Problem
It’s natural to hope knee pain will go away on its own. Sometimes it does. But delaying care for a serious problem can lead to:
- Worse outcomes - Arthritis and injuries often respond better to early treatment
- More damage - Continuing to use an injured joint can cause additional harm
- Fewer treatment options - Advanced joint damage may require more invasive procedures
- Longer recovery - Early intervention typically means faster healing
The good news? Most knee conditions have multiple treatment options, from physical therapy to injections to surgery. The earlier you get a proper diagnosis, the more choices you’ll have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I see a doctor for knee pain that comes and goes?
If the pain keeps returning over several weeks or months, yes. Intermittent pain is often an early sign of osteoarthritis or other joint conditions. Getting checked out early gives you the best chance for effective treatment.
Can I go straight to a specialist, or do I need a referral?
This depends on your insurance. Traditional Medicare doesn’t require referrals to see specialists, but many Medicare Advantage plans and private insurance plans do. Check with your insurance before scheduling.
What tests might the doctor order?
Most doctors start with X-rays, which can show arthritis, bone damage, or alignment problems. They may also order an MRI to see soft tissues like ligaments and cartilage. Blood tests can help rule out inflammatory conditions or infection.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Write down your symptoms, including when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your daily life. Bring a list of your current medications and any previous test results. This helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.