Kneecap pain
Kneecap pain (also called patellofemoral pain) is pain felt at the front of the knee, around or behind the kneecap. Read more about kneecap pain →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the orthopaedics wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
orthopaedics waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 5 weeks |
| Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust | Bath and North East Somerset | 12 weeks |
| Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Liverpool | 13 weeks |
| George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust | Nuneaton and Bedworth | 13 weeks |
| South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust | Warwick | 14 weeks |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 15 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 15 weeks |
| University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Camden | 16 weeks |
About kneecap pain
Patellofemoral pain is pain at the front of the knee, around or behind the kneecap. It is common, and is usually linked to how the kneecap moves over the thigh bone, to muscle imbalance, or to overuse, rather than to a single injury. It typically gets worse going up or down stairs, squatting, kneeling, or sitting with the knee bent for a long time.
How it is treated
It is almost always managed without surgery. The mainstay is physiotherapy: exercises to strengthen the thigh and hip muscles and improve how the kneecap tracks, alongside activity changes and pain relief. Some people are helped by taping or shoe insoles. Surgery is rarely needed.
After treatment
Most people improve over a few weeks to a few months with consistent exercises, and there is usually no operation to recover from. Keeping the thigh and hip muscles strong is what stops the pain coming back, so the exercises are worth continuing once you feel better.
Sources: NHS: Knee pain. Last updated October 2026.
What happens next with kneecap pain
The usual steps, from seeing your GP to recovery, and the questions people ask at each one.
Before referral
How do I get this looked at?
See your GP about pain at the front of the knee or around the kneecap. They can examine you, suggest exercises, and refer you if it doesn’t settle. Your NHS waiting time starts once a hospital receives a referral.
Source: NHS, Knee pain
Does it need surgery?
Usually not. It’s mostly managed with physiotherapy and exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee.
Source: NHS, Knee pain
Getting referred
How do I get referred?
Ask your GP to refer you to a musculoskeletal (MSK) or physiotherapy service. For most planned care you have a legal right to choose which hospital, including one with a shorter wait.
Source: NHS, Your choices in the NHS
Your first hospital appointment
What happens at the appointment?
A physiotherapist or specialist examines your knee, talks through exercises and treatment, and checks whether any tests are needed. Bring your symptoms and questions.
Source: NHS, Going into hospital
Deciding on treatment
What are my options?
Most people improve with a tailored exercise programme over a few months. Your physiotherapist or specialist will guide you.
Source: NHS, Knee pain
How long does it take?
It often takes weeks to months of exercises to settle, and sticking with them is what helps.
Source: NHS, Knee pain
Can I keep working?
You can usually keep working. Ask your physiotherapist or specialist about any activities to avoid.
Source: NHS, Knee pain
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.