KNEE INJURY
Injury Definition
- Injury to a bone, muscle, joint or ligament of the knee.
Types of Injuries
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Dislocations (bone out of joint)
- Sprains - Stretches and tears of ligaments
- Strains - Stretches and tears of muscles (pulled muscle)
- Contusion (bruise) - A direct blow or crushing injury results in bruising of the skin, muscle, and underlying bone
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- ANIMAL BITE to knee
- BURNS to knee
- PUNCTURE WOUND to knee
- SKIN INJURY is main concern
- KNEE PAIN and no recent injury
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR KNEE INJURY
Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If
- Major bleeding (actively bleeding or spurting) that can't be stopped
- Injury looks like a dislocated joint (crooked or deformed)
- FIRST AID for Bleeding: Apply direct pressure to the entire wound with a clean cloth.
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
-
You think you have a serious injury
- Severe pain
- Severe swelling
- You can't stand (bear weight) or walk
- You are over age 54, have osteoporosis, or use steroid medications routinely
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If
- You think you need to be seen
- "Snap" or "pop" was heard at the time of injury
- There is a large swelling or bruise (wider than 2 inches) at the site of the injury
- You are limping
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
- You have other questions or concerns
- Injury interferes with work or school
- Injury and pain have not improved after 3 days
- Injury is still painful and swollen after 2 weeks
Self Care at Home If
- Minor bruise
- Minor strained (pulled) muscle or sprained (stretched) ligament
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR BRUISE, SPRAIN OR STRAIN
- Treatment of Bruise
(e.g. direct blow to knee area):
- Apply a cold pack or an ice bag (wrapped in a moist towel) for 20 minutes each hour for 4 consecutive hours. (20 minutes of cold followed by 40 minutes of rest for 4 hours in a row).
- 48 hours after the injury, use local heat for 10 minutes 3 times each day to help reabsorb the blood.
- Rest the injured part as much as possible for 48 hours.
-
Treatment of Sprains and Strains of knee:
- FIRST AID - Wrap with a snug elastic bandage. Apply an ice pack (crushed ice in a plastic bag covered with a moist towel) to reduce bleeding, swelling, and pain.
- Treat with R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for the first 24 to 48 hours.
- REST the injured leg for 24 hours. You may return to normal activity after 24 hours of rest if the activity does not cause pain.
- Continue to apply crushed ICE packs for 10-20 minutes every hour for the first 4 hours. Then apply ice for 10-20 minutes 4 times a day for the first two days.
- Apply COMPRESSION by wrapping the injured part with a snug, elastic bandage for 48 hours. If you experience numbness, tingling, or increased pain in the injured part, the bandage may be too tight. Loosen the bandage wrap.
- Keep injured leg ELEVATED and at rest for 24 hours. Put your leg up on a pillow and stay off your feet as much as possible.
-
Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours
(e.g. Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil,
Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
- Expected Course: Pain and swelling usually begin to improve 2 or 3 days after an injury. Swelling is usually gone in 7 days. Pain may take 2 weeks to completely resolve.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Pain becomes severe
- Pain does not improve after 3 days
- Pain or swelling lasts more than 2 weeks
- You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
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