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Suggest Treatment For Swollen And Tender Knees

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Posted on Wed, 1 Apr 2015
Question: hi, about a 3 months ago, i fell down the stairs and directly fell onto my knees. Super painful. But i got up and thought it was ok. Couple days later went to get x ray on one of those knees /the right one/, that seems more swallen and tender. The xray came out fine and i was just recommended to follow the PRICE regim and bandage, masage with antiinflamatory ointment and streccht to no pain.



Its 3 months later. I have no pain in either knew. Except: when I poke kinda deep into the one that was exrayed i feel there are these tiny bubles (size of a sweat pea maybe) moving around. What is that? doesnt hurt but is tender.



On the other leg the knee works fine (both do, walking up and downs stairs and all) except when I knee on the bump that is no on my chin. where it took the biggest hit. and the tissue around my knees though no longer bruises is still more tender and softer than I would like it to be. Can you please tell me if there is anything I can do myself to help my health? Also are 3 months a normal time to heal these injuries? Can i still expect the bump to go away as well as those tiny bubbles and tenderness? or have I crippled my self for life? I am only 35 and was something active in dancing and kickboxing, dreading that i wont be able to do it anymore. thank you. XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Can be due to mild reactive fluid collection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Your knees are healing well. The presence of mild pain on kneeling at the site of injury is a normal finding and it gradually subsides. The feeling of tiny bubbles can be due to an internal bleeding or collection of some reactive fluid inside the joint. This can be detected on an MRI scan. Since the area is not painful during walking or climbing stairs the fluid is also likely to be reabsorbed in next few weeks with a hot compress and anti inflammatory drugs. You can use an elastic knee brace to give support to the injured area.
There is nothing worrisome. This will heal and you will be beck to all your normal activities.
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.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)
Dr, many thanks.


Even at 3 months post/ trauma it is normal? And the lump/bump on the chin bone (the area of impact) that is painful when I kneel on it, that will also likely get better and heal? Why is there a physical hard bump, what seems to be on the bone?

Also, is what level of activity is helpful to promote the healing? I do 45 min walking on treadmill every other day. Is there anything else I should do to promote the tissue healing? Also I take krill oil. Anything else to take?

Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The symptoms are normal.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The bump on the shin bone is due to fibrosis or the scar tissue after a hematoma in the area. It will gradually dissolve on its own.
Your findings are normal even 3 months after the trauma. The lump may take months to disappear.
You can continue using treadmill if it is not painful. You can do a hot compress in the area to help the healing. Do get an MRI scan done in case the knee is painful or there is redness - suggestive of an inflammation.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (13 hours later)
Thank you. One more question - most likely I wont be able to go get MRI or other tests done before end of May. Is waiting another 2-3 months considered a high risk? What I am worried about is the tissue/scars/bone lump potentially "settling" or forming something that will be unrepairable. (Of course if redness, temperature or big pain appears i would go right away)

And could you advice how often for how long the hot compress I should apply, and is it still worth it 3 months after the injury?

Also should I tape the knee and wear tepes or is that risking a weakening of the tendons/muscles? Subjectivelly the taping feels like it helps support it, but I wouldnt want to do it if it is contra productive.

thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You can wait for 2-3 months.

Detailed Answer:
You can wait for 2-3 months. It is not a high risk. By that time the lump may get dissolved on its own.
Hot compress can be applied for 10-12 minutes thrice a day. It will help in increasing the blood circulation in the area and can help in dissolving the lump.
There is no need to use tape. You can do regular strengthening exercises to help maintaining the muscle strength.
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

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Suggest Treatment For Swollen And Tender Knees

Brief Answer: Can be due to mild reactive fluid collection. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. Your knees are healing well. The presence of mild pain on kneeling at the site of injury is a normal finding and it gradually subsides. The feeling of tiny bubbles can be due to an internal bleeding or collection of some reactive fluid inside the joint. This can be detected on an MRI scan. Since the area is not painful during walking or climbing stairs the fluid is also likely to be reabsorbed in next few weeks with a hot compress and anti inflammatory drugs. You can use an elastic knee brace to give support to the injured area. There is nothing worrisome. This will heal and you will be beck to all your normal activities. 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. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal