Visiting your GP

If you are experiencing persistent pain in your knee or are finding it difficult to do normal things because of stiffness or loss of mobility, your GP is probably the first person you will turn to.

 

Your GP is likely to ask about what pain you are experiencing at different times of the day, how your mobility is being affected and any other symptoms you have. They may already know that you have a condition such as arthritis which could affect your knee.

 

If you have not seen your doctor about the problem before, they may carry out a physical examination, and order X rays and blood tests to diagnose the underlying problem. Many doctors use a scoring system to give them information about how badly your knee problems are affecting you. This usually involves a series of questions about the severity of the pain you are experiencing and how it affects everyday tasks, such as kneeling down and getting in and out of a car.

 

Your GP may then recommend some options for you. One option might be trying over-the-counter medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to see if these help. Another option may be referral to a consultant orthopaedic surgeon to talk about other options including a knee replacement operation. In some areas, NHS patients have to meet particular criteria before knee replacements are considered. If you are overweight, it is often recommended that you try to lose weight as this reduces the strain placed on your knee.

 

You can ask to be referred to a surgeon privately. This will mean you are seen at a time to suit you and, if the consultant feels you need a knee replacement, you can agree on the best time for it to be carried out.