The problem Knee pain.

The minor illness series is presented as a tool for you to cut out and keep for quick reference. The series will cover conditions that are commonly presented in general practice and will aim to provide guidance on identifying, managing and treating the symptoms that you will regularly see in any minor illness clinic.

Knee pain can arise from an acute injury or a chronic disease process. Acute events include injuries to the collateral ligament, cruciate ligament and meniscus (cartilage) as well as fractures. Chronic knee pain can result from patellofemoral problems, anterior knee pain syndrome, osteoarthritis, gout, pseudogout and rheumatoid arthritis. Septic arthritis can produce acute knee pain. Sometimes swelling is more prominent than pain.

* Children with knee problems may present with a limp. Pain from the hip and lower lumbar spine can be referred to the knee.

Making the diagnosis

The history

* If there has been an injury, what was the mechanism? Was there twisting? If so, which way? Was there direct …