Medicines and Products for Knee Pain

Medicines for knee pain depend on the cause and should be chosen with a doctor.

Pain relievers

• Paracetamol: often used first for mild pain. Do not exceed the daily dose and take care with liver disease and alcohol.
• Topical NSAID gels: can help knee osteoarthritis with fewer body-wide side effects
• Oral NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac): reduce pain and swelling, but can cause stomach ulcers, kidney problems, high blood pressure and heart risks. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time, with food. Avoid in pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcers and heart disease unless advised.
• Stronger painkillers only on a doctor's prescription

Injections

• Corticosteroid injections: can give short-term relief in a flare, but are limited in number and not suitable for infection
• Hyaluronic acid injections: evidence is mixed
• Injections should only be given by a doctor

For specific causes

• Gout: colchicine, NSAIDs or short steroid courses for attacks, and urate-lowering medicines for control
• Rheumatoid arthritis: disease-modifying drugs from a rheumatologist
• Infection: antibiotics and drainage in hospital

Supports and aids

Knee braces, sleeves, insoles and walking sticks may help some people.

Supplements

Glucosamine, chondroitin and turmeric have mixed evidence. Ask your doctor before use.

Cautions

• Do not combine different NSAIDs
• No aspirin for children and teenagers
• Check before medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Avoid leftover prescriptions and unlabelled powders

Key point

Use painkillers carefully, and pair them with exercise and weight control.

Before your appointment

Note when the knee pain began, where it hurts, and whether there was a fall or twist. Describe swelling, stiffness, locking, giving way, clicking and what makes it better or worse. List all medicines, painkillers, supplements and herbal products. Mention fever, other joint pain, gout and past knee problems. Bring earlier X-rays or reports and your usual shoes. Ask about tests, exercise, safe pain relief and when surgery is considered. Seek urgent care for a hot swollen knee with fever or inability to bear weight, or call 112 for severe symptoms.