Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
How knee pain is diagnosed: history, examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, blood tests and joint fluid tests.
Doctors aim to find the cause and the extent of the problem.
History
The doctor asks when the pain started, where it is, whether there was an injury or twist, morning stiffness, swelling, locking, giving way, fever, other joints, medicines and other illnesses.
Examination
They look for swelling, warmth, deformity and muscle wasting, check movement and walking, and test the ligaments, meniscus and kneecap. They also check the hip and the back.
Imaging
Blood tests
Joint fluid test
Fluid taken from a swollen knee can show crystals in gout or bacteria in infection. This is urgent for a hot knee.
Arthroscopy
A keyhole look inside the knee, used for both diagnosis and treatment in selected cases.
Key point
Many knee problems are diagnosed from history and examination, with X-ray or MRI used when needed.
Before your appointment
Note when the knee pain began, where it hurts, and whether there was a fall or twist. Describe swelling, stiffness, locking, giving way, clicking and what makes it better or worse. List all medicines, painkillers, supplements and herbal products. Mention fever, other joint pain, gout and past knee problems. Bring earlier X-rays or reports and your usual shoes. Ask about tests, exercise, safe pain relief and when surgery is considered. Seek urgent care for a hot swollen knee with fever or inability to bear weight, or call 112 for severe symptoms.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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