[58F] Experiencing sharp knee pain and swelling post-injury

Patient Description

A 58-year-old female presents with sharp pain and swelling in the left knee that began approximately 7 hours ago following a slip on a snowy deck. The knee gave way and extended behind her, leading to an inability to bear weight or twist without significant pain, rated 8/10 in severity. There is no report of numbness, tingling, or color changes in the foot or toes, and no instability or locking sensation in the knee is noted. The patient has no known pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses and is currently taking Tylenol for pain management. She reports an allergy to Ibuprofen. No other medications or symptoms were reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Knee Sprain or Strain: This occurs when the ligaments or muscles surrounding the knee are stretched due to a twist or impact. This would explain the sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be helpful.

  • Meniscus Tear: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that provides a cushion between your femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). A tear can occur when the knee is twisted while bearing weight, which matches your description of the injury.

    • Treatment may involve physical therapy or, in severe cases, surgery.

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury: The ACL is a ligament that helps stabilize your knee joint. ACL injuries often occur during sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction — but slipping and falling can also cause an ACL injury.

    • Treatment may involve rest and rehabilitation exercises to help regain strength and stability. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Please note that these are potential diagnoses based on the information you've provided. It's important to see a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

What you can do

  1. Rest: Avoid putting weight on the affected knee as much as possible.
  2. Ice: Apply ice to your knee for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first 1-2 days to help reduce swelling.
  3. Compression: Use a compression bandage to help control swelling.
  4. Elevation: Try to keep your knee elevated as much as possible to help reduce swelling.
  5. Pain Relief: Since you're allergic to Ibuprofen, continue taking Tylenol as needed for pain relief.

What you should look out for

If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

  • Severe pain or swelling
  • Inability to move the knee
  • Instability or feeling like your knee is giving way
  • Fever or redness around the knee, which could be signs of an infection
  • Numbness or coldness in the foot, or color changes in the toes

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to get a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a knee sprain or strain?

Common symptoms of a knee sprain or strain include sharp pain, swelling, difficulty bearing weight, and sometimes bruising. The knee may feel tender to the touch and there might be limited range of motion.

How can a meniscus tear be diagnosed and treated?

A meniscus tear can be diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests like an MRI. Treatment may involve rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery to repair the tear.

What are the signs of an ACL injury and how is it treated?

Signs of an ACL injury include a popping sound at the time of injury, severe pain, rapid swelling, and instability in the knee. Treatment often involves rest, rehabilitation exercises, and sometimes surgery to reconstruct the ligament.

What should I do if I experience severe pain or swelling in my knee after an injury?

If you experience severe pain or swelling in your knee after an injury, it's important to rest the knee, apply ice, use compression, and elevate the leg. Seek medical attention if the pain is severe, if you cannot move the knee, or if there are signs of infection or circulation issues.

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