Treatment FAQ

when to seek treatment for knee pain after a fall

by Mr. Roscoe Harber PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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It’s important to monitor your symptoms closely to determine whether or not you should seek treatment following a knee injury after a fall. Abrasions and lacerations can be treated at home; however, if any of these injuries begin to bleed significantly, then you should seek a doctor.

Make an appointment with your doctor if your knee pain was caused by a particularly forceful impact or if it's accompanied by:
  1. Significant swelling.
  2. Redness.
  3. Tenderness and warmth around the joint.
  4. Significant pain.
  5. Fever.

Full Answer

What should I do if I Fall and hurt my knee?

Warnings and Precautions. Minor knee pain and bruising not associated with difficulty moving your knee or bearing weight after a fall often responds well to home treatment with periodic application of an ice pack, rest and over-the-counter pain medication.

What are the symptoms of a broken knee after a fall?

The knee might appear deformed with a severe fracture. Minor knee pain and bruising not associated with difficulty moving your knee or bearing weight after a fall often responds well to home treatment with periodic application of an ice pack, rest and over-the-counter pain medication.

When to seek immediate medical care for knee pain?

If your pain is moderate to severe, you cannot fully bend or straighten your knee, or you cannot bear weight, seek immediate medical evaluation. Seek emergeny medical care if your knee injury is accompanied a cold or pale foot, or numbness or tingling below the affected knee.

What causes knee pain after a fall?

Knee pain is a symptom common to most knee injuries and chronic knee conditions. To diagnose the cause of knee pain after a fall, your doctor will start by reviewing your medical history to determine if an underlying condition, such as an unstable knee joint, led to the fall.

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How long should knee pain last after a fall?

Your recovery time will depend on the severity of your injury and whether surgery is required. A sprained knee, for example, may heal completely in 2 to 4 weeks. However, complete recovery following surgery for a torn ligament may take 6 to 12 months.

How do I know if my knee injury is serious?

Call your doctor if you:Can't bear weight on your knee or feel as if your knee is unstable or gives out.Have marked knee swelling.Are unable to fully extend or flex your knee.See an obvious deformity in your leg or knee.Have a fever, in addition to redness, pain and swelling in your knee.More items...•

How do you tell if your knee is broken after a fall?

Kneecap Fracture SymptomsPain around the kneecap or in the knee.Bruising.Swelling, which can be severe, even with relatively minor kneecap fractures.Inability to bend or straighten the knee or to hold the leg out straight.Inability to bear weight, stand or walk.More items...

What happens if knee injury is not treated?

An untreated knee injury, for example, may click, catch, or buckle repeatedly, sometimes with pain. Injuries can also heal and become re-injured later. Disability. Left untreated, injuries like partial tendon tears can become full ruptures that leave no connection between bones and muscle.

How long should knee pain last before seeing a doctor?

Generally, athletes should see a healthcare provider for pain lasting more than 48 hours and other adults should see an expert if there seems to be no change for three weeks. Generally, most healthcare providers recommend that you schedule an appointment as soon as you notice that your symptoms impact the way you live.

What happens when you fall directly on your knee?

Fracture. It's possible to fracture your kneecap or patella. Because of where the patella sits in your knee, it's susceptible to breaking if you take a hard fall and land directly on it. A fracture is a serious injury requiring medical intervention.

What does a hairline fracture in the knee feel like?

Hairline fracture is characterized by pain in the affected area that tends to become extreme with time. Consider visiting an orthopedic specialist if you experience pain that becomes intense when exercising, but reduces when you rest. The affected area may also feel tender and appear swollen.

How do I know if I tore something in my knee?

SymptomsA popping sensation.Swelling or stiffness.Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee.Difficulty straightening your knee fully.Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.Feeling of your knee giving way.

Can you walk on a hairline fracture?

Many people continue their regular day-to-day schedules with a stress fracture because the pain isn't unbearable like it is with other fractures. For instance, a hairline fracture in your foot may cause difficulty walking, but not so much so that it alerts you to see Dr. Scheffel.

What are 5 symptoms of a knee injury?

The main symptoms of knee injury are as follows:Knee pain.Swelling.Heat.Redness.Tenderness.Difficulty bending the knee.Problems weight bearing.Clicking or popping sounds.More items...

Can you still walk with a torn ligament in your knee?

In most cases, the injured person can still walk with the torn knee ligament. But the movement will be severely limited, not to mention painful. Surgery may be the best route to a pain-free life, with amazing success rates. If someone suspects a damaged ACL or MCL seek immediate medical attention.

Should I go to A and E with knee pain?

If your knee pain is that bad, you might have a broken bone. In this case, go to the ER. However, if your knee only hurts when you walk on it, and you don't think it's broken, avoid the expense of the ER by having a family member or friend help you to urgent care instead.

Why does my knee hurt after a fall?

Knee pain after a fall might signal any of several types of injuries involving the bones, tendons, cartilage or ligaments of the joint.

How to treat a knee injury?

Minor knee pain and bruising not associated with difficulty moving your knee or bearing weight after a fall often responds well to home treatment with periodic application of an ice pack, rest and over-the-counter pain medication. If your pain is moderate to severe, you cannot fully bend or straighten your knee, or you cannot bear weight, seek immediate medical evaluation. Seek emergeny medical care if your knee injury is accompanied a cold or pale foot, or numbness or tingling below the affected knee. These symptoms often signal damage to the blood vessels at the knee, an injury that requires immediate treatment.

What is the pain of a patellar dislocation?

Patellar dislocations cause immediate, severe pain until the kneecap is back in place. The pain diminshes but persists after the dislocation is relieved.

What ligaments are involved in knee sprain?

Four ligaments support and stabilize your knee joint, namely the anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, medial collateral and lateral collateral ligaments. A fall that involves twisting of your knee can damage one or more of these ligaments resulting in pain and joint instability. Overstretching or a partial or complete tear of a ligament is called a sprain. The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is particularly suceptible to injury. Other knee damage often occurs with an ACL tear. In addition to pain, knee sprain injuries commonly lead to swelling, tenderness, decreased knee range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or feeling the knee is giving way.

What is a tear in the knee called?

Overstretching or a partial or complete tear of a ligament is called a sprain. The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is particularly suceptible to injury. Other knee damage often occurs with an ACL tear. In addition to pain, knee sprain injuries commonly lead to swelling, tenderness, decreased knee range of motion, ...

What happens if you fall on your knee?

A fall directly onto your knee typically leads to a contusion, or bruise. Your knee is likely to feel tender and swell a bit. Some mild discomfort when walking might also occur. If the pain is severe, you likely have a more extensive knee injury.

Can a twisted knee cause a popping sensation?

A fall on a twisted knee can lead to a meniscus tear. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the tear and might include a popping sensation, swelling , stiffness, pain, inability to fully bend or straighten the knee, and knee buckling or catching. Traumatic meniscus tears are often accompanied by knee ligament damage.

What to do if you fall on your knees?

Minor knee pain and bruising not related to difficulty moving your knee or bearing weight after a fall often responds well to home treatment with periodic application of an ice bag, rest and over-the-counter pain medication.

How to treat a knee injury?

Minor knee pain and bruising not related to difficulty moving your knee or bearing weight after a fall often responds well to home treatment with periodic application of an ice bag, rest and over-the-counter pain medication. If your pain is moderate to serious, you can not completely flex or straighten your knee, or you can not bear weight, seek instant medical examination. Look for emergency medical care if your knee injury is accompanied a cold or pale foot, or numbness or tingling below the affected knee. These symptoms often indicate damage to the blood vessels at the knee, an injury that needs immediate treatment.

What happens when a kneecap pops back in place?

With a partial dislocation, or patellar subluxation, the kneecap usually pops back into put on its own when the knee is corrected. Total dislocations take place less regularly and normally involve damage to the ligament that normally holds the kneecap in place. Patellar dislocations cause instant, serious pain up until the kneecap is back in place.

What happens if you dislocate your patella?

Patellar dislocations cause instant, serious pain up until the kneecap is back in place. The pain reduces but persists after the dislocation is eased. Other symptoms include swelling and failure to bear weight. I have something else.

What does it mean when your knee is numb?

These symptoms often indicate damage to the blood vessels at the knee, an injury that needs immediate treatment.

What happens if you fall on your knee?

A fall straight onto your knee normally leads to a contusion, or contusion. Your knee is likely to feel tender and swell a bit. Some mild discomfort when walking may likewise occur. If the pain is serious, you likely have a more extensive knee injury.

Can a hard fall cause a fracture in the knee?

A tough fall can cause a bone fracture including the knee joint. Symptoms of a patella fracture include instant pain, swelling, inability to completely flex or correct the alignment of the knee, and inability to stroll. A fall that includes hitting the inside or beyond your knee can lead to a fracture of the large bone of the shin at the knee.

What to do if your knee hurts?

Make an appointment with your doctor if your knee pain was caused by a particularly forceful impact or if it's accompanied by: If you've had minor knee pain for some time, make an appointment with your doctor if the pain worsens to the point that it interferes with your usual activities or sleep.

How to help knee pain?

Elevation. Lying down with your knee propped up on pillows may help control pain and swelling.

What are the symptoms of a knee injury?

Make an appointment with your doctor if your knee pain was caused by a particularly forceful impact or if it's accompanied by: 1 Significant swelling 2 Redness 3 Tenderness and warmth around the joint 4 Significant pain 5 Fever

How to help knee pain from arthritis?

Long-term knee pain from arthritis is often helped by weight loss and exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint. Other self-care options include: Rest. Avoid more-strenuous or painful activities, but keep active.

How to get rid of a knee injury?

Ice. Put ice on your knee for 15 to 20 minutes a few times each day. Use ice cubes or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Compression.

How long after a fall will you feel pain?

For most people, the first few days after the fall will be the worst. You will have pain, be sore, and it may be hard to stay comfortable throughout the day. When this is happening, you will probably want to stay home, take it easy, and see if your pain gets better in the next few days.

What to do if your pain does not go away?

If your pain does not go away in a few days, this is generally the point you will want to book an appointment with a chiropractor. (Again, you should only wait to seek medical attention if your injuries are mild and not severe!)

How Long Should You See A Chiropractor After A Fall?

After an injury or fall, the number of chiropractic appointments you need will vary. It depends on the severity of your injury, how much pain you are in at the time, and how long the pain lasts.

What to tell a chiropractor about a fall?

Tell the chiropractor about the fall, what pain you are feeling, and where it hurts. From there, your chiropractor will do an evaluation and determine what issues there are and if they think anything more serious is going on.

What happens when you fall?

When you fall or get injured in some other way, your body gets impacted — either mildly or severely . Your joints, ligaments, bones, and muscles are all affected.

What to do if you hit your head?

If you fall and hit your head, experience very intense pain, or something just does not feel right and leaves you worried immediately, then you should seek medical attention right away. Spine and head injuries are serious and should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Is it wise to seek professional help after an injury?

It’s always wise to err on the side of caution and seek professional help and advice for any pain you are having after an injury. That way, you can make sure there is nothing more serious going on. Or, at the very least, you can seek relief from the pain and discomfort you are feeling.

Why do you go to the doctor after a fall?

If the fall is minor, then you will continue to feel fine and have peace of mind knowing that you are in good shape. If it turns out your fall is more serious, then you took the steps to get the treatment you need ...

What happens if you fall on your back?

Maybe when you fell, you remember that you hit your head or landed on your back, and now it hurts . It is common for falls to injure people in ways in which they might not be aware despite their symptoms. You might have fractured your wrist, arm, hip, or another part of your body, even if you feel fine.

Can you stand up after a slip and fall?

After your slip and fall accident, you may be able to stand up, walk, and feel fine doing everyday things as you usually do. Over time, however, you might notice later that you increasingly do not feel well. Maybe you cannot sit or bend without back pain or have a constant headache.

Is time important in slip and fall cases?

Time is critical in slip and fall personal injury cases. The more diligent you are in seeking medical care, the better your chances are for establishing a sound lawsuit. If you delay medical treatment, the defendant could cast doubt about the severity of your injuries or how they happened.

Can you fall again if you have fallen before?

Finding injuries that are below the surface early can get you on the path to recovering from them faster. You Might Be at Risk of Falling Again. If you have fallen before, you could be twice at risk of falling again, according to research the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights.

Can you file a lawsuit for a slip and fall?

Waiting to seek medical treatment can prolong your discomfort and possibly worsen your condition. You could also be at risk of falling again. If you plan to file a lawsuit in your slip and fall accident, delayed treatment could weaken the basis for a personal injury lawsuit. It is better to show that you sought treatment ...

What happens when you fall on your knee?

Knee injuries from falling can include sprains, strains or other injuries affecting the ligaments and tendons that connect and support the kneecap, ACL or MCL tears, dislocation of the kneecap, or breaks of the kneecap, the lower portion of the femur or the upper portion of the tibia or fibula, among other knee injuries.

How long after a slip and fall can you get a concussion?

Many slip and fall accidents result in hidden injuries, such as concussions, sprains or soft tissue damage, which may not become evident until days or even weeks after the accident. Seeking medical attention right away after a fall can reduce your risk of experiencing long-lasting injury, chronic pain or even death.

What are the most common injuries resulting from a slip and fall?

The following are some of the more common injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident: Head injuries. Shoulder injuries.

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