Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for knee pain. The knee has many parts. Cartilage covers the ends of the bones. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that hold the bones together. The knee has 4 major ligaments. Muscles and tendons in the legs attach to bones near the knee. These let you bend your knee and move your leg.
Most knee pain is caused by an injury to a ligament, tendon, or muscle. Nerves and blood vessels also run around the knee. A special fluid inside the knee helps protect the joint. Injury, infection, or other problems involving any of these parts can cause knee pain.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Rest your leg and your knee. Try not to squat, kneel, or run.
●If you were given a splint or brace for your knee, wear it as instructed. To help with pain, or if the doctor told you to, use crutches when moving around to help keep weight off of your knee.
●Prop your leg on pillows, keeping it raised above the level of your heart. This helps lessen pain and swelling.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Use for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●You have bad pain that does not go away with pain medicine.
●Your knee has signs of infection, such as redness or more swelling.
●Your toes are numb, tingly, or blue.
●Your knee "locks" or "gives out."
●You cannot put weight on your leg.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Knee pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Patellofemoral pain (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a knee brace (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use crutches (The Basics)
