Home Remedies for Knee Pain

Losing even 2 to 5 kg can ease knee pain. Avoid crash diets.

Simple topical care

Pain gels may help. Avoid broken skin. Warm oil massage is traditional, but avoid it on a hot or swollen knee.

What to avoid

• Running and jumping on a painful knee
• Taking painkillers for longer than advised
• Steroid tablets or injections without a doctor
• Massaging a swollen, injured knee hard

See a doctor

If pain lasts over 2 weeks, the knee swells, locks or gives way, or you cannot bear weight.

Key point

Rest early after injury, then keep the knee moving, protect it and manage weight.

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.