Knee pain that won’t go away: When is it time to get a scan?

Why does knee pain linger?

Sometimes, knee pain is caused by age-related wear and tear that degrades the cartilage. Cartilage is a type of soft tissue that cushions the spaces between the bones within a joint, such as the knee. If it wears away, the bones can rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation that worsen over time.

Knee pain can also be caused by soft-tissue damage such as tears in tendons or ligaments, resulting from injury, overuse, or repetitive strain. Sometimes, these injuries don’t heal on their own and can lead to long-term knee pain and instability. If you have a knee injury and it isn’t diagnosed or treated, your pain may repeatedly come and go.

The knee is a complex joint made up of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, and if it becomes injured or you repeatedly lift heavy objects, twist at the knee, run or otherwise put pressure on this joint, you may experience knee pain that doesn’t get better.

There are numerous conditions that can affect the knee joint, causing pain and other symptoms.

• Ligament injuries - sprains to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) often caused by twisting the knee during exercise, which can cause an immediate popping sound on injury, and instant pain, swelling and instability.

• Muscle and tendon injuries - strains to the muscles and tendons in the knee that can cause cramps, spasms and weakness.

• Meniscus tears - tears or damage to the cartilage in the knee joint, often caused by twisting the knee during sport, that can cause pain and a locking or catching sensation in the knee.

• Cartilage damage - inflammation can also cause cartilage damage, leading to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Early osteoarthritis - caused by wear-and-tear in the knee joint as the cartilage wears away, leading to stiffness, swelling and pain that gradually feels worse.

• Dislocations and fractures - damage to the knee bone, most commonly the kneecap, caused by a fall or a direct blow to the knee, leading to immediate pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty walking.

Having a knee scan is also recommended if you experience sudden knee pain, your knee looks out of place after an injury or accident, or if you feel a sudden ping or pop in the knee.

X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds are all types of medical scans used to create detailed images of the inside of the knee. They show different tissues and structures and work in different ways.

While an X-ray is useful for detecting bone fractures and late-stage osteoarthritis, an MRI can help doctors diagnose a wider range of conditions that can cause knee pain.

MRI scans can diagnose early cartilage damage, meniscus tears, and ACL and PCL injuries. They can also reveal early-stage inflammation and subtle stress fractures that might not be detected on an X-ray.

Having a knee scan to diagnose the cause of pain and instability can be a recommended first step if you’ve experienced a significant injury or you’re playing sports at a semi-professional or professional level.

In many cases, knee pain can be managed with painkillers and rest, while other types can be treated with physiotherapy and strengthening exercises.

But if you have knee pain that isn’t getting better, a scan is still a good idea. Scan images will provide you and your doctor with clarity over what’s causing your pain, allowing you to make informed decisions about your treatment.

Knee scans do involve waiting lists if you get one via the NHS. But, private providers like Scan.com can be accessed immediately with no GP referral required.

You’ll have your results in days, and your scan includes a consultation with an expert radiologist and a digital report that you can share with your NHS GP or specialist. Each booking is reviewed to ensure you’ve booked the most appropriate scan for your symptoms.

Having a knee scan will give your doctors a clear idea of what’s going on inside your knee joint to cause your pain. Knee scans provide insight into the specific issue or injury and its extent.

Once you have your scan results, you can decide whether to continue your care with one of Scan.com’s clinical experts or seek treatment with another private consultant or the NHS.

Either way, your doctor can confidently make a diagnosis, and together, you can explore a tailored treatment plan. This might involve a combination of rest, physiotherapy and knee and leg strengthening exercises, or it might mean surgery for more serious knee injuries, such as an ACL or PCL tear or a bone fracture.

You and your doctors can also make treatment decisions based on your age, fitness level and occupation.

Having persistent knee pain may be stopping you from exercising, playing sports and taking part in the leisure activities you enjoy. But it doesn’t have to be that way. A scan will give you the clarity you need to make treatment decisions and move forward.