How to describe knee pain to your doctor
Knee pain is easier to talk about when you can say exactly where it is and when it shows up. A few short notes are enough.
Where exactly
Point to the spot, then put it into words. If it moves around, write each place.
- the front, around or under the kneecap
- the inside of the knee
- the outside of the knee
- the back of the knee
- above or below the joint
What it feels like
Pick the words that fit, or use your own:
- aching
- sharp when you move
- stiff
- clicking or catching
- giving way
- swollen or tight
What makes it worse
Write down what you were doing when you noticed it. These are the details that tend to get forgotten:
- stairs, up or down
- squatting or kneeling
- standing up after sitting
- running, walking far or a long drive
- mornings, or the end of the day
When it started
Write when you first noticed it, even as a range, or "not sure". The day you first wrote it down can be later, so keep that date separate.
A note to take with you
Copy the prompts that matter to you:
- Where it is:
- What it feels like:
- When it is worse:
- When I first noticed it, or "not sure":
- What I want to ask:
To put your notes on one printable page, use the free visit summary.
Related guidance: NHS: preparing for an appointment
Keep dated notes in Ever Since
A symptom entry can include where it is, how strong it feels, and your own words. Each entry keeps the date it was logged. Symptom logging is included in the free plan.
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