Having Burn Wound On Knee. Applies Neosporin. Taking Tylenol. Suffer Stiff Knee. Remedy?

Posted on Sat, 6 Jul 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 6 Jul 2013 Answered on

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I hit something in the road yesterday and fell off my bike. My left knee on the right side of the knee got road burn. I have been putting Neosporin on it and icing it. I have also been taking Tylenol. The burn spot on the right side of my knee is in a circular pattern and has a red ring around it. It seems to be OK when Im walking on it BUT the minute I sit down for awhile and get back up my knee area stiffens. I went to bed last night and woke up and tired getting out of bed but my knee area was so stiff I couldn't walk and was very very painful that it put me in tears. Please give me advice as to anything I can do that would help the stiffness when my leg is still and not in motion. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 hours later)

Hello,
Although your symptoms and history suggests that you may not be having any bony fracture but sometimes, minor crack may develop following an accident.
So the best thing would be to get an X-ray of knee joint done to rule out any fracture.
Treatment for you at the moment is...
Adequate rest
Locally application of cold pack
Local NEOSPORIN as being done
Take ibuprofen or Motrin 400 mg three times a day, for 4 to 5 days.
This should settle your problem.
In case your symptoms do not settle or they worsen, consult an orthopedician for further management.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (47 minutes later)

I didn't read anything in your reply as to what I can do for the stiffness at night time when I'm sleeping. And the tearful pain I feel when I wake up in the morning. Or will the motrin or ibuprofen help that?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (1 hour later)

Hello,
you are absolutely right.
Motrin or ibuprofen should help you in overcoming the morning stiffness.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E