Knee Pain and Injury

Knee pain after an injury is usually from a sprained ligament, a torn cartilage pad, or a bruise. A pop, fast swelling, or a knee that gives way points to a more serious injury. Most knee injuries can be checked at urgent care.

What Is It

The knee is held together by ligaments, including the ACL and MCL, and cushioned by the meniscus. Twisting, landing from a jump, a fall, or a hit to the side of the knee can injure them. Sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing are common causes. Knee pain without an injury often comes from overuse or arthritis.

Symptoms

Pain and swelling around the knee
A pop at the time of injury
A knee that gives way or feels unstable
Trouble straightening or bending the knee
Catching or locking
Bruising

Not sure how bad it is? A stretched or torn ligament is a sprain. Pain right on a bone, or not being able to put any weight on the leg, may be a broken bone.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines the knee’s ligaments and cartilage, and X-rays may be taken. Treatment may include a brace or crutches and pain relief. Torn ligaments or cartilage need an orthopedic specialist.

At home:

Rest and limit weight on the knee for a few days
Ice for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours
Wrap with a compression bandage and keep the leg raised
Use over the counter pain relievers as directed

Mild knee sprains improve in 1 to 3 weeks. Torn ligaments or cartilage take longer.

When to Get Care for Knee Pain

Watch at Home

Mild pain with no swelling after a minor twist
Able to walk normally
Improving each day

Come to Urgent Care Today

Swelling within a few hours of an injury
A pop at the time of injury
A knee that gives way or locks
Trouble putting weight on the leg
Pain not improving after a week

Go to the Emergency Department

The knee looks out of place or bent the wrong way
Bone showing, or a deep cut over the knee
A cold, pale, or numb foot below the injury
Severe pain with a hot, red, swollen knee and fever

FAQ

How do I know if my knee injury is serious?

A knee injury is more serious if you heard a pop, it swelled within hours, it gives way, or you cannot put weight on it. These need an exam and X-ray.

Should I walk on an injured knee?

Walk on an injured knee only as much as pain allows. If you cannot take 4 steps, use crutches and get it checked.

How long does a knee sprain take to heal?

A mild knee sprain usually heals in 1 to 3 weeks. A more severe sprain or torn ligament can take months.

What does a torn meniscus feel like?

A torn meniscus often causes pain along the side of the knee, swelling, and catching or locking when you bend or straighten it.

Can urgent care X-ray a knee?

Yes, urgent care can X-ray a knee. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the knee, and X-ray is available on site. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is a knee injury an emergency?

A knee injury is an emergency when the knee looks out of place, bone is showing, or the foot below is cold, pale, or numb.

Last reviewed October 2026