What should I do when my knee starts to hurt?

If your knee starts to hurt, try these steps. First, take a break from any activity that makes the pain worse. Gently rest your knee and avoid running or jumping until it feels better. You can put a cold pack or a bag of ice on the knee for about 15 to 20 minutes every few hours. This cooling method helps reduce pain and swelling. You might also want to wrap your knee lightly with an elastic bandage to support it. Remember to keep your knee raised on a pillow when you sit or lie down, as this can help with any swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can sometimes help, but be sure to follow the directions on the package. Sometimes knee pain can come from issues like joint wear and tear or extra fluid in the joint. If the pain continues, your knee becomes more swollen, or if you have trouble moving it normally, it's important to understand what might be causing your symptoms. Try our free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you need to see a doctor. They can check for conditions like osteoarthritis or patellofemoral pain syndrome and suggest treatments like physical therapy or other care plans.