[22F] With knee pain and instability post-injury

Patient Description

A 22-year-old female experienced sudden knee pain after her knee twisted while her leg remained still. This incident occurred approximately four days ago. The patient reports persistent pain rated at 6 out of 10, difficulty moving the knee, and a tight sensation. There is swelling present, although it has been managed with icing. The patient also experiences instability and a locking sensation in the knee, accompanied by numbness and tingling in the leg or foot. There are no changes in color or temperature of the leg or foot. The patient has a history of a previous ligament tear in the same knee but has not undergone any imaging tests, physical therapy, or used any supportive devices like braces or crutches for this recent injury. The symptoms have neither improved nor worsened since the injury.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your knee pain:

  • Ligament Injury (such as an ACL or MCL tear): Given the twisting motion and the noise you heard, it's possible that you may have injured a ligament in your knee. This is especially likely since you've had a previous ligament injury. Ligament injuries can cause pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty moving the knee.

    • Typical treatment may include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. An MRI may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

  • Meniscus Tear: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that provides cushioning in your knee. A sudden twist can cause a tear, leading to pain, swelling, and a feeling of tightness or locking in the knee.

    • Treatment often involves rest, ice, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

  • Knee Sprain or Strain: This involves stretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons around the knee. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.

    • Treatment typically includes RICE, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy.

What you can do

While it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take in the meantime:

  1. Continue RICE: Rest your knee, apply ice to reduce swelling, use a compression bandage, and elevate your leg when possible.
  2. Avoid Strain: Try to avoid putting too much weight on your knee. Consider using a brace or crutches if needed.
  3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
  4. Track Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and share this information with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Increased swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee
  • Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest and medication
  • Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
  • Numbness or tingling that persists or worsens

Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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2 mo ago

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People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a ligament injury in the knee?

Common symptoms of a ligament injury in the knee include pain, swelling, instability, difficulty moving the knee, and sometimes a popping sound at the time of injury. Treatment may involve rest, ice, compression, elevation, physical therapy, and possibly surgery.

How can a meniscus tear be identified and treated?

A meniscus tear can be identified by symptoms such as pain, swelling, a feeling of tightness or locking in the knee, and difficulty moving the knee. Treatment often involves rest, ice, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery to repair the tear.

What is the RICE method and how does it help with knee injuries?

The RICE method stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It helps reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and promote healing in knee injuries by minimizing movement, applying cold to reduce inflammation, using compression to limit swelling, and elevating the leg to decrease blood flow to the area.

When should I seek medical attention for knee pain?

You should seek medical attention for knee pain if you experience increased swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee, severe pain that doesn't improve with rest and medication, inability to bear weight on the affected leg, or persistent or worsening numbness and tingling.

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