How long should a knee be swollen after a fall?
After you suffer an injury, swelling usually worsens over the first two to four days. It can then last for as long as three months as the body attempts to heal itself. If the swelling lasts longer than this, your physical therapist or doctor may need to take a closer look to determine the cause of the delayed healing.
How can you tell if your knee cap is broken or sprained?
What are the symptoms of a fractured kneecap?
- Severe pain in and around the kneecap.
- Swelling.
- Pain when moving the knee in both directions.
- Difficulty extending the leg or doing a straight-leg raise.
- A deformed appearance of the knee due to the fractured pieces.
- Tenderness when pressing on the kneecap.
What happens when you fall on your knee and it swells?
Swelling of the knee can indicate a torn ligament or fracture. Your knee feeling warm to the touch after a fall could be a sign of inflammation stemming from an injured tendon or muscle. Warmth can also be a sign of infection or bursitis.
Why does my knee hurt after falling?
Your knee may take the hit or twist and bend awkwardly during a fall. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that the most common knee injuries include ligament or soft tissue tears, fractures and dislocations — all of which can cause pain when bending your knee.
Should I apply heat to a swollen knee?
Although therapeutic heat can be comforting in some situations, it should not be used to help reduce swelling and inflammation. In fact, the application of heat can actually increase swelling because it increases blood flow to the joint. On the other hand, applying therapeutic cold can help reduce knee swelling.
What should I do if I fell on my knee?
The first thing to do after a fall or knee strain is to get into a seated position. Provided you have no hip or back and neck injuries you should get into a seated position. Regardless of how you fell others may be at risk.
What is the treatment for swollen knee pain?
The conservative treatment most often advised for swollen knee is a formula of RICE (R- Rest, I-Ice, C-Compression, E-Elevation) therapy. Anti-inflammatories and pain-killers can help. Arthritis and joint related conditions may require additional treatment.