Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about knee pain:

1. What is causing my knee pain?
   
   
2. What tests might I need, and what do they involve?
   
   
3. Do I need to repeat x-rays from time to time?
   
   
4. Will rest make my knee pain go away?
   
   
5. Will exercise lessen my knee pain?
   
   
6. What kind of exercises should I perform or avoid?
   
   
7. Do the sports I play contribute to knee pain?
   
   
8. Has inactivity or excess weight been a cause?

   
   
9. Are there medications to help my knee pain?
   
   
10. Do these medications pose any risks?
    
    
11. Could surgery be needed to alleviate my knee pain? If so, what kind?
    
    
12. What are the benefits and risks of surgery?
    
    
13. Is my knee pain temporary or permanent?