[22M] With knee pain, swelling, and white dots post-injury

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

• Infection (Cellulitis or Abscess): The redness, warmth, and swelling around your knee, along with the white dots, could indicate an infection. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and pain. An abscess is a collection of pus that can form due to infection and may present as a swollen, painful area.

  • Treatment: Infections typically require antibiotics, which a doctor can prescribe. If an abscess is present, it may need to be drained by a healthcare professional.

• Bursitis: This is the inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues. Falling on your knee could have caused trauma leading to bursitis.

  • Treatment: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can help reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can also help. In some cases, a doctor may recommend draining the bursa or injecting corticosteroids.

• Traumatic Injury: The fall you described could have caused a traumatic injury to your knee, such as a ligament tear, meniscus injury, or bone bruise.

  • Treatment: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are initial treatments. A doctor may recommend imaging studies like X-rays or an MRI to assess the extent of the injury and may suggest physical therapy or other interventions.

What you can do

While you should consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take in the meantime:

1. Rest: Avoid putting weight on your affected leg to prevent further injury.
2. Ice: Apply ice packs to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to reduce swelling and pain.
3. Compression: Use an elastic bandage to wrap your knee, but ensure it's not too tight to avoid cutting off circulation.
4. Elevation: Keep your leg elevated above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.
5. Pain Relief: Continue taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen as directed on the package.
6. Monitor Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and get insights. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention more urgently if you experience any of the following:

• Increased redness, warmth, or swelling
• Pus or discharge from the white dots or swollen area
• Fever or chills
• Severe pain or inability to move your leg
• Any signs of spreading infection, such as red streaks extending from the affected area

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, I am not a doctor. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.