Key Takeaway
Seek orthopedic evaluation for knee pain that is severe, associated with swelling or instability, follows an injury with a “pop,” does not improve after 4 to 6 weeks, or limits your ability to work or perform daily activities.
Knee Pain That Should Be Evaluated Promptly
- A loud “pop” felt or heard at the time of injury, followed by swelling and instability — this may indicate an ACL tear
- Significant swelling developing within the first few hours of injury
- A feeling of the knee “giving way” or buckling under your weight
- Inability to fully straighten or bend the knee — possible meniscus tear or loose body
- Knee pain following a direct blow or fall with tenderness over the kneecap or tibial plateau
Chronic Knee Pain That Warrants Evaluation
- Knee pain that has persisted for more than 4 to 6 weeks without clear improvement
- Pain that is limiting your daily activities, work, or ability to exercise
- Knee pain accompanied by stiffness in the morning that takes more than 30 minutes to loosen up
- Knee pain that has progressively worsened over months despite rest and self-care
- Knee pain in patients over 50 with grinding or crepitus when bending
Common Conditions Found at Evaluation
- Meniscus tears — the shock-absorbing cartilage discs inside the knee are commonly torn in sports or with age-related degeneration
- ACL tears — the anterior cruciate ligament, critical for rotational knee stability
- Patellar tendinitis or patellofemoral syndrome — pain at or around the kneecap, common in runners and active individuals
- Knee osteoarthritis — progressive joint space narrowing and cartilage loss
- Bursitis — inflammation of the bursae around the knee
Knee Pain That Isn’t Getting Better?
Our knee and sports medicine specialists offer same-week evaluation with on-site imaging. Most insurance accepted.