Warning-sign checks
Anterior knee pain: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911Go to an emergency department after an injury if:
- The knee or leg looks deformed
- Bone is visible or there is a deep open wound
- Your foot becomes cold, pale, numb, or unusually weak
- You cannot straighten the knee after a sudden injury
- You cannot put weight on the leg after significant trauma
Other emergency signs, for anyone
- Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
- Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
- Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
- Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
- Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
- Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
- Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
- Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen todaySeek same-day medical care if your knee becomes hot, clearly swollen, and very painful, especially with fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell.
These symptoms can indicate joint infection or intense inflammation.
Seek assessment sooner for persistent swelling, repeated giving way, true locking, or unexplained pain at rest.
And for anyone, someone who:
- has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointmentBook a routine appointment if pain lasts several weeks, keeps returning, worsens, or limits sleep, work, exercise, or daily movement.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Anterior knee pain. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.