Persistent Knee Pain After Motorcycle Accident: Should I Seek Further Evaluation?

I was in a car accident last month, and my leg hurts a lot when I try to straighten or bend it?

Hello, doctor! I was in a car accident last month, and when I fell, my right leg was bent and trapped under the motorcycle, making it impossible to straighten or bend at that moment.
After arriving at the emergency room, an X-ray showed no abnormalities, but my knee was very swollen.
About two weeks later, the swelling decreased.
I later consulted an orthopedic doctor, who advised me to return for a check-up if I still had issues a month after the accident, to avoid wasting medical resources.
He only prescribed me a lot of painkillers, but since I’m not in constant pain, I haven’t taken them.
Although I feel somewhat better than I did immediately after the accident, similar to how I felt when I visited the doctor two weeks post-accident, my right leg still cannot fully straighten or bend, and there is significant pain on the side of my knee.
Should I go back for a check-up, or continue to monitor it myself? I feel this is affecting my daily life, as I cannot walk quickly or run without experiencing pain at certain angles.
I would appreciate your advice, thank you!

Liu Peiyu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/17

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

You can continue to observe and gradually bend your knee joint while performing some gentle movements.
Typically, if there is no fracture, a sprain will recover in about six weeks.

Reply Date: 2016/04/17

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out regarding your persistent knee pain following your motorcycle accident. Based on your description, it sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort and functional limitations in your right knee, which is concerning given the mechanism of injury and the symptoms you are describing.

After a traumatic event like a motorcycle accident, it is not uncommon to experience knee pain, swelling, and difficulty with range of motion. While the initial X-ray may not have shown any fractures or significant bony injuries, there are several potential soft tissue injuries that could be causing your ongoing symptoms. These include ligament sprains (such as the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL), meniscal tears, or damage to the cartilage within the knee joint.

The fact that you are still unable to fully extend or flex your knee, especially if you are experiencing pain on the lateral side, suggests that there may be an underlying issue that requires further evaluation. Soft tissue injuries can sometimes take longer to manifest symptoms, and they may not be visible on X-rays. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is often recommended in cases like yours, as it provides a more detailed view of the soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.

Given that your pain is affecting your daily activities and preventing you from walking or running comfortably, I would strongly recommend that you seek further evaluation from an orthopedic specialist or a sports medicine physician. They can perform a thorough physical examination, assess your range of motion, and determine if additional imaging, such as an MRI, is necessary.
In the meantime, it may be beneficial to rest your knee and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. Ice therapy can help reduce swelling and discomfort, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (if not contraindicated for you) can provide some relief. Physical therapy may also be a valuable option to help improve your knee function and strength, especially if there are any muscular imbalances or weaknesses contributing to your pain.

It’s important to listen to your body and not ignore persistent symptoms. While your doctor advised monitoring your condition, if you feel that your knee is not improving or if the pain worsens, it is entirely appropriate to return for further evaluation sooner rather than later. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and may prevent further complications down the line.

In summary, I encourage you to seek further evaluation to determine the exact cause of your knee pain. This will help you receive the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation to get you back to your normal activities as soon as possible. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!

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