HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Feel, Hurt And Has Swelling. X-ray Showed Negative For Fracture. Having Swelling Till Calf. Serious?

default
Posted on Thu, 4 Jul 2013
Question: My husband fell & hurt his knee yesterday. It immediately started to swell. Xrays were negative for fracture. He has been doing RICE & ibuprofen, but a bit more than 24hrs later it is even more swollen & the swelling extends through the calf all th way into his foot. Is this cause for serious concern? Should he seek further medical care ASAP, or just wait until next week to try to get in to the ortho?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (55 minutes later)
Hi and welcome to XXXXXXX Thank you for your query.

this is still nothing to worry about. Swelling is in most cases caused by damage of joint capsule and it should pull back in 3-5 days. also there can be intracapsular hematoma and in this case swelling may persist for 1 week. This is very possible in his case and usually such hematomas extend through the calf. There are some injuries which can't be evaluated by xray such as ligamentar or menisceal damage but If he is able to move his lower leg and foot in all directions, there is no need to worry. If he has some limitations then only mri can be helpful. till orthopaedic exam he just needs to rest, keep his leg elevated, apply cold compresses,and use anti-inflammatory painkillers.
wish you good health. Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13886 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Orthopaedic Surgeon
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Feel, Hurt And Has Swelling. X-ray Showed Negative For Fracture. Having Swelling Till Calf. Serious?

Hi and welcome to XXXXXXX Thank you for your query.

this is still nothing to worry about. Swelling is in most cases caused by damage of joint capsule and it should pull back in 3-5 days. also there can be intracapsular hematoma and in this case swelling may persist for 1 week. This is very possible in his case and usually such hematomas extend through the calf. There are some injuries which can't be evaluated by xray such as ligamentar or menisceal damage but If he is able to move his lower leg and foot in all directions, there is no need to worry. If he has some limitations then only mri can be helpful. till orthopaedic exam he just needs to rest, keep his leg elevated, apply cold compresses,and use anti-inflammatory painkillers.
wish you good health. Regards