Knee Pain: When Should You See an Orthopaedic Doctor?

← All articles · Published 3 November 2026

When to seek urgent help

Severe pain, a knee that cannot bear weight, marked swelling, a changed shape or locking needs urgent assessment. A hot, red, painful knee with fever may indicate infection: seek urgent hospital care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

When to arrange a consultation

If pain is not improving over a few weeks, or affects everyday movement, arrange an assessment. You do not need to wait for symptoms to become severe.

What happens next?

The diagnosis guides treatment. Options may include medication, physiotherapy or specialist investigation; surgery is considered when appropriate. Bring existing reports and describe when symptoms started and how they affect your day.

Explore our knee arthritis guide, knee replacement guide and orthopaedic physiotherapy.

Further reading: NHS: Knee pain. General patient information; an individual assessment guides care.