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

question-icon

Have Swelling Below Knee. Used Ice, Massage And Elevation. What Can Be Done Further?

default
Posted on Mon, 3 Jun 2013
Question: Swelling (edema) below knee after a fall 2 weeks ago. I have used ice, massage, leg elevation 30minutes 3to4 times a day. I also wear a elastic bandage from foot to knee (can not use support stockings).
How long should this last? What are the options if it does not disappear?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (25 minutes later)
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The swelling below the knee that you are having is likely to be related to a soft tissue injury usually takes 3-4 weeks to resolve.
1. Give enough rest to your leg. Avoid climbing stairs or squatting positions till acute pain subsides completely.
2. Take mild pain killers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
3. Stronger prescription NSAIDS with muscle relaxants may help if simple analgesics do not help. You can consult your orthopedician for prescriptions.
4. Hot compresses to your leg and foot will be useful pain relieving measure. You may continue using elastic bandage and elevation.
This should slowly subside with hot fomentation and proper rest.
In case, It does not subside on its own or it is associated with severe pain, and increase in swelling around the area, it could indicate a tear of one of the muscle fibres.
In that case, you might benefit by consulting your orthopedician who can examine you , and order a MRI to know the exact cause and provide the proper treatment for it.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (11 minutes later)
Thank you for your prompt answer.

Can I use an heating pad instead of hot fomentation?
Should I stop using ice?
The pain is very mild.

Regards,
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
After two weeks of injury, it is better to use a heating pad rather then icing.
The mild pain will subside by the heating pad and local analgesic gels. You can get some anti inflammatory medicines prescribed from your physician for an early relief.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
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. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

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
Have Swelling Below Knee. Used Ice, Massage And Elevation. What Can Be Done Further?

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The swelling below the knee that you are having is likely to be related to a soft tissue injury usually takes 3-4 weeks to resolve.
1. Give enough rest to your leg. Avoid climbing stairs or squatting positions till acute pain subsides completely.
2. Take mild pain killers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
3. Stronger prescription NSAIDS with muscle relaxants may help if simple analgesics do not help. You can consult your orthopedician for prescriptions.
4. Hot compresses to your leg and foot will be useful pain relieving measure. You may continue using elastic bandage and elevation.
This should slowly subside with hot fomentation and proper rest.
In case, It does not subside on its own or it is associated with severe pain, and increase in swelling around the area, it could indicate a tear of one of the muscle fibres.
In that case, you might benefit by consulting your orthopedician who can examine you , and order a MRI to know the exact cause and provide the proper treatment for it.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.