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Suggest Treatment For Cracking Sensation In Right Knee, Swelling And Pain

Posted on Tue, 23 Jun 2015

Question: I was performing a front kick (karate) with my right leg. I kicked rather higher and with more force than normal. After I stopped kicking I started to walk around and I heard two cracks coming from my right leg. I shrugged it off and went on my usual walk around the block.. That night my right knee swelled quite a lot and I could not walk without the knee hurting. The question is, could I have detached a ligament or muscle? It has been several days since the incident and the swelling has decreased but I cant walk any distance without the knee hurting. Could it be a detached ligament? If so, will I have to operate, or will the knee heal by itself? P.S. I have made an appointment to see an orthopedist later on this week, to see what recommds.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You may have torn ACL ligament

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. I think that you might have torn your ACL ligament in the knee because your symptoms are typical.
Your doctor will ask you to get MRI of the knee joint to confirm the diagnosis. If there is torn ligament then you might need arthroscopic surgery to repair this.
I would recommend you to wear knee brace and avoid knee bending. Ice application is good for you. It is good that you are going to see a orthopaedic doctor. But I would recommend you to see a sports medicine expert because he can offer you better advise.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
Thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (13 minutes later)

Thanks for the answer. Next questions:
1. The possible arthroscopic surgery, how involved it it?

2. Can the surgery be performed without the use of general anesthesia? , and can local anesthesia be used?

3. Normally how long is the healing process?

Thanks.

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Dr. Here is a photo of my knee. Please focus on my right knee.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
All these answers depends on your MRI

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have seen your image and yes your knee looks like swollen. It had sustained ligament or cartilage injury.I would recommend you to get MRI to see what is extent of injury. It is not right to tell you about surgery before diagnosis. For your knowledge I am giving you these answers.
1. Arthroscopic surgery is key hole procedure with very small incision and you can go back home same or next day.
2.It needs spinal anesthesia so you will be awake but your lower part needs complete anesthesia.
3.Healing of ACL takes nine months in complete healing. After that you can run and play. Walking is allowed from third day of surgery.
thanks

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