Knee Injury
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| Wed, 01-18-2006 - 7:15pm |
As you might remember I sprained my ankle about 3 weeks ago now. The ankle is much better, not as strong as it was before just yet (going down stairs is the most problematic now..walking and going up stairs isnt a problem) but its getting there.
However during my fall from grace, I landed really hard on my knees and most of my weight landed on my left knee. It was purple and scraped up but that is also now gone. However, the effects are still there. Its difficult for me to cross my legs because the pressure from one leg to the other causes pain. I can feel the knee go numb after only five minutes. Its difficult to squat, get on my knees, bend my left leg under the other for an extended period of time but its not hard to bend it (sitting in a chair type bend). How long should I go before I seek out a doctor? Any ideas for strengthening it?
Thanks ladies!
Rubyshoes


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While I'm not a medical professional I do have a lot of experience with knee injuries.
I'd recommend icing and wrapping for at least a week as well as maintaining some mobility, just so you don't get stiff. From the sounds of it your knee is only painful when pressure is put on it while it's bent. If that's the case, I'd say it's more inconvenient than anything and will probably take time to heal but eventually will be ok. We have a tendon as well as ateries that run right over the top of our knee and when these are injured there's nothing to protect them so, they can take a lot of time to rebuild.
However, I'd gague your pain (1-10) today and if it's still at the same level in a week I'd make the doctor's appointment. I don't know what your regular exercise regimen is but I'd take a break from anything strenuous right now and if you walk long distances, I'd cut that short as well. A lifetime of sports and running has taught me that rest now = no pain later.
Thanks Lesleylou for the info. I forgot to mention that when I massage my knee it feels like its grinding underneath..if that makes sense? That could also be the tendon I suppose. Its just weird. I've been having difficulty with my knees since I moved to Chicago (stiff and sore, difficult to bend) so this injury just adds right on. I know that it is partly due to my weight which is why I'm desperate to lose it but even at that...its just weird.
Thanks!
Rubyshoes
That grinding you hear/feel is probably inflamed tissue and/or fluid around the knee. This is pretty common with a knee injury (or, if you're like me and you've injured a knee before, you tend to hear/feel the grinding even when you're not in pain). The best things are ice, which will help with the inflammation and resting the knee. You can also take an anti-inflammatory like Aleve.
Good luck :)
Thanks again! :) I dread doctors so this is good for me for now. I didnt do the doctor when I fell in the first place so hopefully a little home remedy will help this too.
Rubyshoes
As someone with knee problems since my preteen years who has undergone surgery and many rounds of physical therapy, I can relate. I would see a doctor before attempting any strenghtening exercises on your own. You need to have an orthopedist test for stability and then recommend which muscle groups you should work on to help that particular injury.
But that's just my two cents.
If you feel a grinding under your kneecap - go see the doctor. You may have an injury to the articualr cartilage which covers the kneecap or you may have hurt one of the cruciate ligaments. Not to alarm you - it's not like you are going to fall apart or anything, but I definitely think that this warrants a trip to the MD.
And, yes, our weather here is hell on the joints, ain't it?
Oh bother...
So today I'm sitting in my sex offender class and I'm massaging my knee...except...it feels squishy!!!!!!! Aaaaaah, I'm retaining fluid now. So I called a doctor tonight, hoping to get in ASAP. New to the city, dont know any doctors or who is good...sigh...seriously...life sucks right now. Every time I turn around this week I find myself in tears. Here we go again.
Rubyshoes
I don't have an appointment yet, I hope they call me back tomorrow.
Little bro (not a doc but knows injuries pretty well) said it's probably a burst bursa sac and I'll probably have to see a doctor to get it drained with a needle....greaaat...its probably one of those really ginormous needles and Big Bushy Bertha Badcheck is gonna roll up her arms, grin devilishly and stick me like a pincushion.
I really, REALLY hate doctors....sigh...
Rubyshoes
I treat with Dr. Hefferon at Northwestern. He is a knee specialist and former Bulls orthopedic surgeon. And a great guy. His information is on the Northwestern hospital website. I also do all of my physical therapy at the Rehab Institute of Chicago (RIC).
I am sure that you will be fine but it's better to be safe than sorry. Feel better soon, ruby.
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