Suggest Remedies For Swelling, Pain And Purple Discoloration Of Left Knee

Posted on Thu, 15 Sep 2016

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

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 Answered on

Wed, 5 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I fell in a shop on a wet crushed onion last Friday. I've got pins and screws in my left leg as a result of an accident in 2005. I came right down on my left knee. It swelled up and is purple in colour at present. my gp says I've lots of swelling and fluid. my shoe is hard to get on with swelling and I can feel it getting hot. I can also feel a funny sensation like someone tapping a pen on my leg, I haven't had this in years since my accident but it's back. I'm afraid I've done damage, could I have moved the nail or screws? I am also overweight which doesn't help so I'm worried I've done damage.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
X-ray recommended to see if damage is done to screws

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the accident you had.

The knee is the joint that keeps all the weight of our body.

When falling, the knee can be traumatized, and swelling is due to trauma.
The changes in color of the skin are due to damaged blood vessels during the fall.

Being overweight will delay the healing process.

As the accident was last Friday, and the knee is still swollen, if I was your caring doctor would advise you to run an x-ray of the knee and ankle to evaluate the changes there. X-ray will help see if damage is made to screws or nails.

Hope this helps.
Dr.Albana

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar