Knee Pain Self-Assessment

Is it a minor strain or something more?

Take our quick knee assessment to better understand your symptoms and discover your next steps toward a pain-free life.

Start the Knee Assessment

Common Symptoms to Watch For:

Stiffness and Swelling: Feeling like your knee is “full” or difficult to bend, especially in the morning.
Instability: A sensation that your knee might “give out” or buckle when you put weight on it.
Mechanical Catching: Feeling a click, pop, or “lock” when you try to straighten your leg.
Localized Tenderness: Pain that is specific to one spot, such as the inner joint line or directly under the kneecap.

Possible Underlying Causes:

Osteoarthritis: The gradual breakdown of cartilage, often resulting in “bone-on-bone” pain.
Meniscus Tears: Damage to the C-shaped cushion of cartilage in your knee, often caused by twisting.
Ligament Injuries: Sprains or tears to the ACL, MCL, or PCL, typically following an impact or sudden change in direction.
Bursitis or Tendonitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs or tendons around the joint, often due to repetitive motion or overuse.

Start the Knee Pain Assessment

Where is the pain located primarily?(Required)

Front of the knee (under or around the kneecap)

Inside or outside of the knee (the joint line)

Back of the knee

It feels deep inside the whole joint

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How would you describe the onset of this pain?(Required)

It came on suddenly during a specific movement (pop, twist, or fall).

It has gradually worsened over several months or years.

It comes and goes depending on my activity level.

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Q2-A-pts

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Does your knee ever lock in place or catch when you try to straighten it?(Required)

Yes, frequently.

Occasionally.

No, but it feels stiff.

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Q3-A-pts

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When is the pain at its worst?(Required)

First thing in the morning or after sitting for a long time.

During or immediately after high-impact exercise (running, jumping).

When climbing stairs or squatting.

It hurts even when I’m resting or sleeping.

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Have you noticed any physical changes in the appearance of your knee?(Required)

Significant swelling (the "water on the knee" look).

A "bowed" or "knock-kneed" appearance that has changed over time.

No visible changes, just internal pain.

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Q5-A-pts

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Does your knee ever feel unstable, like it’s going to give out or buckle?(Required)

Yes, it feels like I can't trust it to hold my weight.

Only when I make quick, pivoting movements.

No, it feels stable but very stiff/painful.

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Q6-A-pts

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How old are you?(Required)

Under 18

18-40

41-60

60+

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Have you previously had surgery or a major injury on this specific knee?(Required)

Yes, within the last 5 years.

Yes, many years ago.

No, this is a new or developing issue.

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Q8-A-pts

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What is your primary goal for seeking treatment?(Required)

To get back to competitive or recreational sports.

To walk, garden, or shop without constant aching.

To delay or avoid a major surgical procedure.

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On a scale of 1-10, how much does this knee pain limit your daily life?(Required)

1-3: It’s a nuisance, but I can do everything.

4-7: I’ve stopped doing certain hobbies/activities because of it.

8-10: I struggle with basic movements like walking or stairs.

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Q10-A-pts

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Score A

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Score B

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Score C

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A vs B Comparison

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A vs C Comparison

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B vs C Comparison

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A-Is-Winner-True

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Where should we send your results?

This assessment is for educational purposes only. Fill in the form if you’d like to receive more information about knee pain and treatment.

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FAQs About Knee Pain

When should I see a doctor for my knee pain?

If your knee pain is accompanied by significant swelling, redness, or an inability to bear weight, you should seek a professional evaluation immediately. Additionally, if the pain persists for more than two weeks despite rest and ice, or if it interferes with your daily activities (like walking or sleeping), it’s time to consult a specialist.

Do I always need surgery for a knee injury?

Not necessarily. Many knee conditions, including certain meniscus tears and early-stage arthritis, can be managed with conservative treatments like physical therapy, injections, or activity modification. Our goal is always to find the least invasive path to getting you back to your normal lifestyle.

Sports medicine typically focuses on repairing acute injuries (like ligament tears) or overuse issues in active individuals, often using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. Joint replacement is generally reserved for advanced degenerative conditions (like severe osteoarthritis) where the joint surfaces need to be resurfaced or replaced to restore function.

How is the cause of my knee pain diagnosed?

A diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. From there, your doctor may order imaging tests such as X-rays (to look at bone alignment and arthritis) or an MRI (to see soft tissues like ligaments and cartilage).

Can I exercise with knee pain?

Low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling are often beneficial for knee health, as they strengthen the supporting muscles without placing undue stress on the joint. However, you should avoid high-impact activities (like running or jumping) until you have received a definitive diagnosis to avoid further injury

Practice Philosophy & Giving Back

We believe in using state-of-the-art orthopedic and medical technology along with an individualized treatment plan to help better care for our patients.

Our mission is to help as many people as possible experience life without limits.

For Dr. Clegg and our team, that means providing state-of-the-art, minimally invasive and orthopedic care to patients throughout Southern Indiana so they can get back to doing what they love as quickly and safely as possible without pain.

Our patient-centered approach comes from Dr. Clegg’s belief that we can, and should, always be improving the patient experience. In fact, as a result of this pursuit to improve the patient experience, Dr. Clegg has developed a revolutionary rapid recovery protocol allowing patients to recover faster and obtain better results from surgery.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Take the first step toward making pain a memory today. Fill out the information below and a member of our team will be in touch to schedule a consultation with Dr. Clegg.

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Schedule a Consultation Today

Take the first step toward making pain a memory today. Fill out the information below and a member of our team will be in touch to schedule a consultation with Dr. Clegg.

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This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name
First Last
Phone
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