Health history

Your health history gives your healthcare provider clues about the cause of your knee pain. It helps your healthcare provider set goals for your treatment. You’ll be asked about your pain and which activities make it worse. Your healthcare provider will also ask about past knee problems and activities you like to do.

Knee exam

A physical exam helps your healthcare provider locate your specific knee problem. Your healthcare provider will look at and move your knee to find signs of swelling or soreness. Then they will check to see how well your kneecap tracks. Other tests of knee function may also be done.

Tests

Diagnostic tests may help your healthcare provider learn more about your knee problem.

• X-rays. These can show the alignment and position of your bones, including your kneecap. They can help detect if a fracture is present.

• CT scan. This test can show more alignment details. It can also help to detect a break (fracture).

• MRI. This test can show bone, cartilage, ligament, or muscle problems.

• Arthroscopy. This procedure uses a tiny camera to let your healthcare provider see inside your knee joint and possibly repair any damaged tissue. It may be done under general or local anesthesia.

Imaging tests such as an MRI scan may help your healthcare provider find the cause of your knee problem.