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What Causes Stiff Leg And Knee Pain After An Injury?
Posted on
Mon, 5 May 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 5 May 2014
Answered on
Mon, 26 May 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : age 20
been playing sports for years, never had much of an injury
I was playing semi pro football, went up for a pass, when I came down I landed with a stiff leg. My knee hurt intantly. I limped off the field. After a few minutes it felt weak, but didn't hurt that bad and went back in the game. After the game I iced it. Now I can run and walk on it with mild pain, but it hurts to stand on it. I can't do any form of squat or deadlift or anything that puts any sort of weight on the knee.
been playing sports for years, never had much of an injury
I was playing semi pro football, went up for a pass, when I came down I landed with a stiff leg. My knee hurt intantly. I limped off the field. After a few minutes it felt weak, but didn't hurt that bad and went back in the game. After the game I iced it. Now I can run and walk on it with mild pain, but it hurts to stand on it. I can't do any form of squat or deadlift or anything that puts any sort of weight on the knee.
Brief Answer:
Soft tissue knee injury
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
Most acute knee injuries take 4-6 weeks to get better but will improve spontaneously. The most common ligament to sprain is the MCL which repairs itself over 3-4 weeks.
It is difficult to fully examine the knee early on following the injury because of pain and guarding. You should avoid further sporting activities particularly those where you might be pivoting or twisting for at least 4 weeks. Early physiotherapy is important to maintain your range of motion and prevent quadriceps weakness. As the pain and swelling start to subside and you gradually reintroduce your activities then you should be on the alert for the following symptoms.
1. Painful clicking in your knee - meniscal problem
2. the knee getting stuck in a flexed position - meniscal problem
3. giving way or instability in the knee - cruciate ligament injury
Regular tylenol and an anti-inflammatory medication, elevation and icing will be useful in the short term. A neoprene sleeve for your knee improve proprioceptive feedback early on after the injury and may be of benefit to you.
I hope this answers your question.
Best wishes
Soft tissue knee injury
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
Most acute knee injuries take 4-6 weeks to get better but will improve spontaneously. The most common ligament to sprain is the MCL which repairs itself over 3-4 weeks.
It is difficult to fully examine the knee early on following the injury because of pain and guarding. You should avoid further sporting activities particularly those where you might be pivoting or twisting for at least 4 weeks. Early physiotherapy is important to maintain your range of motion and prevent quadriceps weakness. As the pain and swelling start to subside and you gradually reintroduce your activities then you should be on the alert for the following symptoms.
1. Painful clicking in your knee - meniscal problem
2. the knee getting stuck in a flexed position - meniscal problem
3. giving way or instability in the knee - cruciate ligament injury
Regular tylenol and an anti-inflammatory medication, elevation and icing will be useful in the short term. A neoprene sleeve for your knee improve proprioceptive feedback early on after the injury and may be of benefit to you.
I hope this answers your question.
Best wishes
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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