*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

This Week - K : Knee Pain

Knee pain can often be treated at home. You should start to feel better in a few days. Call 111 if the pain is very bad.

How to ease knee pain and swelling

If you have knee pain, try these things at first:

put as little weight as possible on your knee - for example, avoid standing for a long time
use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel on your knee for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel or tablets

your knee is very painful
you cannot move your knee or put any weight on it
your knee is badly swollen or has changed shape
your knee locks, gives way or painfully clicks - painless clicking is normal
you have a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, and have redness or heat around your knee - this can be a sign of infection

111 will tell you what to do. They can tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.

Other ways to get help

You can also go to an urgent treatment centre if you need to see someone now.

They're also called walk-in centres or minor injuries units.

You may be seen quicker than you would at A&E.

Find an urgent treatment centre

A doctor can suggest treatment based on what's causing your knee pain.

They might:

If you have knee pain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

Knee pain can be a symptom of many different conditions.

This information might give you an idea of what the cause might be. But do not self-diagnose - see a GP if you're worried.

We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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