Knee pain: when to wait it out and when to get it looked at
Most knee pain settles on its own. A few patterns should not wait. Here is how to tell the difference.
Written by Jordan Pike, MPH · April 3, 2026Medically reviewed by Helen Marsh, MD · April 1, 2026
Knees take a lot of load and complain about it. Most knee pain after a long hike or a new exercise program is soreness that improves over a week or two with rest, ice and gentle movement. But some symptoms mean something is structurally wrong, and waiting makes them worse.
Usually fine to wait two weeks
- Aching after activity that improves with rest
- Stiffness in the morning that loosens up within half an hour
- Mild swelling without warmth or redness
Book a visit
- Pain that has lasted more than two weeks despite rest
- The knee locks, catches, or gives way
- Swelling that appeared within a few hours of an injury
- You cannot fully straighten or bend the knee
Go to urgent care or the emergency department
- You cannot put weight on the leg
- The knee looks deformed
- The knee is hot, red and swollen and you have a fever (possible infection)
At the clinic we will examine the knee and, if needed, take an X-ray on site. Most people leave with a diagnosis and a plan that starts with physical therapy rather than surgery.