Knee injury: Quick guide to spotting, treating, and recovering

Twisted your knee or woke up with sharp pain? Knee injuries are common and can be confusing. This page gives clear, practical steps to spot trouble, provide immediate help, and know when to see a doctor. Read this so you don’t make the problem worse and can start recovering fast.

How to tell if it’s a serious knee injury

Not every ache needs ER care. Look for these warning signs: severe swelling within a few hours, inability to put weight on the leg, a loud pop at the time of injury, visible deformity, or numbness below the knee. If any of these show up, get medical help quickly.

Less urgent but still needing attention: persistent pain that lasts several days, constant stiffness, or a knee that gives way during walking. Those often mean ligament or cartilage damage and usually need assessment by a clinician or physiotherapist.

Immediate steps you can take right now

Follow simple first aid to limit damage and reduce pain. Remember the basics: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE). Rest from activities that cause pain. Ice the area for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours for the first 48 hours. Use a compression bandage to control swelling, and keep the leg elevated above heart level when possible.

If you can’t bear weight, use crutches or a support brace until a professional checks you. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help, but don’t use them to push through painful activity.

Avoid heat, massage, or heavy massage in the first 48 hours—those can increase swelling. Also skip deep squats or twisting motions until the knee is assessed.

What happens at the clinic? The doctor will ask how it happened and check for swelling, range of motion, and stability. They may order an X-ray to rule out a fracture or an MRI to look at ligaments and cartilage if needed.

Treatment depends on the injury. Minor sprains and strains heal with rehab and time. Partial ligament tears often respond to physiotherapy and strengthening. Complete ACL or meniscus tears may need surgery, especially for active people who want to return to sport.

Rehab is the real work. Expect early focus on pain and swelling control, then gradual strength and balance work for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hips. Simple home exercises—straight leg raises, mini-squats, and heel slides—help a lot when done consistently. A physiotherapist will guide progression and return-to-activity plans.

Prevent future knee injuries by building leg strength, improving balance, and warming up before exercise. Replace worn-out shoes, avoid sudden increases in training load, and use proper technique for jumps and landings.

Want more? Check articles tagged “knee injury” on our site for real cases, treatment updates, and rehab tips. If you’re unsure, book a medical check—early care speeds recovery and lowers the risk of long-term problems.