Acute soft tissue knee injuries are commonly associated with sports and young active people. It should not be forgotten that there are also significant injuries that affect the older and less-active age groups. Most patients with acute severe knee injuries present to Accident and Emergency Departments, soon after their injury. However, patients may present to primary care at any stage. Early identification of these injuries allows prompt diagnosis, counselling and appropriate rehabilitation to prevent prolonged morbidity, and secondary cartilaginous or meniscus damage. This article focuses on traumatic knee swelling caused by anterior cruciate ligament rupture, patellar dislocation and meniscus injury.