What Do I Do If I Injure My Knee?

A knee injury can be incredibly painful. It depends on the severity of the injury as to how the injury should be treated. We recommend taking these steps after a knee injury to protect the joint.

How Do I Know If I Need Medical Care?

The first step is to assess how badly damaged the knee joint is. Did you hear a snapping or popping sound? Is the knee swelling profusely or bruising significantly? Are you unable to walk or put weight on the leg at all? If so, you should go to the ER for immediate evaluation and follow up with your orthopedic surgeon. If the injury is not an emergency, but you still need to be evaluated by a physician, make an appointment to see your orthopedic doctor as soon as possible.

How Do I Care for My Knee at Home?

If your knee injury is minor or you cannot get to your physician right away, employ the RICE technique: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Avoid high-impact exercise while the knee is injured. Taking ibuprofen may help reduce the swelling and alleviate some of the pain; not everyone is able to take NSAIDs, so be sure to check with your doctor first.

How Do I Prevent Knee Injuries?

Knee joints take a lot of abuse. High impact sports, running, jumping, and repetitive bending and crouching can all take their toll. There are many steps you can take to help prevent knee injuries:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can damage your joints over time with extra strain.
• Wear supportive shoes. When you don’t wear shoes that adequately support you and are designed for the activity you’re performing, you will add strain to your knees.
• Stretch regularly. Stretching is a great way to help ensure you remain flexible.
• Get plenty of smart exercise. Low-impact exercises like yoga, strength training, and swimming can help improve joint health and keep your knees in shape.

For more information on maintaining knee health and treating an injured knee, make an appointment today with Specialty Orthopaedics in Harrison, NY. We’ll provide the most effective forms of treatment to help relieve your pain and restore your range of motion.