Knee Problems and Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have knee pain or tenderness?
See significance of knee pain or tenderness if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have severe pain?
Yes Is a young child unable to walk or carefully protecting his or her knee after a known or suspected injury?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have pain with swelling or bruising that began within 30 minutes of an injury?
Yes Do you have moderate pain that is getting worse?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have moderate pain that has not gotten better after 24 hours of home treatment?
Yes Does moving or bending your knee still cause mild pain after 48 hours of home treatment?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had intermittent mild pain without other symptoms for 2 weeks?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: October 30, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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