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What Causes Sharp Stabbing Pain In The Knees?

Posted on Sat, 23 Sep 2017

Question: I feel on my left knee onto concrete. I went to the ER and they said I didn't break anything but there was fluid, but no one would drain it. They said my knee is bone-on-bone and were surprised that I wasn't in bad pain before I fell. They gave me crutches to help me walk while it heals. I've been icing and elevating my knee for the last 10 days, the bruising is healing (more yellow, pink/brown) now. But the bruised area itches intensely and it feels a little warm to the touch. Should I be concerned of the intense itching and warmth? Also it still hurts when I walk, but it more so feels like pressure, not a sharp or stabbing pain.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need some more information

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I appreciate your concern,

Kindly answer the following to comment further and advise accordingly

Was an MRI of the knee done?

Can you please upload the MRI report findings here?

Awaiting...

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (34 minutes later)

No, an MRI was not done, just an xray.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

An MRI is a much more accurate and superior investigation tool that even detects minor cruciate ligament tears as far as the knee is concerned.

Effusion or fluid in the knee isn't easily picked up on the x rays. If there is significant swelling then an MRI should be advised to rule out a fracture, meniscal or cruciate ligament injury.

The bruising , pain and itching appears to be related to bone bruising which requires knee immobilization and NSAIDs for 3 to 4 weeks.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (27 minutes later)

Thanks for the information. It sounds like I don't need to be concerned with the itchiness. Regarding it feeling warm, should I not be concerned with that also?

In the ER, they did say there was fluid and commented that no one would touch it, I would assume they meant drain it, but I could be wrong. I just want to make sure that giving it more time to heal without further medical attention at this item would be reasonable.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

The warmth and itchiness indicate an inflammatory process. In my view , doing an MRI would be a better option as compared to taking the risk of wait and see approach with empiric treatment.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 minutes later)

Thanks again for your help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
most welcome

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome

Let me know if you have any query in future, I will be more than happy to assist.

Thanks

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