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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Swelling In The Knees Due To An Injury Be Treated?

I fell while hiking last weekend and landed on my left knee. This week my leg has become progressively more and more swollen. I ve elevated it, iced it, kept Arnica on it all week. Is this something I should seek immediate attend for? I have an appointment with a sports doctor next week.
Tue, 26 Feb 2019
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

In your case, there are few possible causes and if there was no injury then some other chronic disorder may be present. Without more information, it is not enough to determine the diagnosis. It could be a hematoma (bleeding in the tissues) or a swollen knee joint capsule. If it's in the back of the knee then it could be a Baker's cyst. Clinical examination (and perhaps fluid aspiration if there's any) would help to determine the diagnosis. Either an orthopedics specialist or your primary care physician can do that.

Until then you can try to apply ice packs (not directly on the skin - wrap them with a towel) and perhaps use some painkillers starting with paracetamol (acetaminophen) and advancing to NSAID if paracetamol is not enough and there's no contraindication for NSAID.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon
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How Can Swelling In The Knees Due To An Injury Be Treated?

Hi, In your case, there are few possible causes and if there was no injury then some other chronic disorder may be present. Without more information, it is not enough to determine the diagnosis. It could be a hematoma (bleeding in the tissues) or a swollen knee joint capsule. If it s in the back of the knee then it could be a Baker s cyst. Clinical examination (and perhaps fluid aspiration if there s any) would help to determine the diagnosis. Either an orthopedics specialist or your primary care physician can do that. Until then you can try to apply ice packs (not directly on the skin - wrap them with a towel) and perhaps use some painkillers starting with paracetamol (acetaminophen) and advancing to NSAID if paracetamol is not enough and there s no contraindication for NSAID. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon