Knee Injuries: Weakness and Bruising After a Fall

Knee injury resulting in weakness?

Hello, I experienced recurrent dislocations of my knee during middle school before the second year of high school, and I received treatment from traditional Chinese medicine.
The last dislocation led me to the hospital for an MRI, where the doctor informed me that my left knee's collateral ligament was completely torn and could only be repaired through surgery.
However, I did not undergo surgery, and after some time, I was able to run, jump, and bend my knee normally.
A few days ago, I fell while riding my bicycle.
At the moment of the fall, I did not feel any pain or displacement of the joint, but I noticed a small area of bruising on the inner side of my left knee, which has become somewhat weak, and I cannot fully bend it.
I am unsure if this is due to ligament damage or some other injury to the joint.

A Bao, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/24

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

If symptoms do not improve after a period of time following a bruise, it is necessary to see a physician for a thorough examination to determine the underlying issue.

Reply Date: 2016/04/24

More Info

Knee injuries can be complex, especially after a history of dislocations and ligament tears. Based on your description, it seems that you may be experiencing a combination of symptoms related to both soft tissue damage and possibly residual effects from your previous knee issues.

Firstly, the presence of bruising on the inner side of your knee suggests that there may have been some trauma to the soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Bruising occurs when small blood vessels break and leak blood into the surrounding tissues, which can happen even if there is no significant impact or injury to the bone itself. In your case, the bruise could indicate a strain or minor tear in the ligaments or muscles around the knee joint, particularly since you mentioned a history of a complete tear of the collateral ligament.

The weakness and inability to fully bend your knee could be attributed to several factors. After a knee injury, it is common for the surrounding muscles to become weak or inhibited due to pain or swelling. This can lead to a feeling of instability or weakness in the joint. Additionally, if there is any residual damage to the ligaments, it could contribute to a sensation of weakness or instability, especially during activities that require bending or bearing weight on the knee.

Given your history of knee dislocations and ligament injuries, it is essential to consider the possibility of recurrent instability. Even if you did not feel any immediate pain or dislocation at the time of your fall, the impact could have exacerbated any underlying issues. The fact that you are experiencing difficulty bending your knee and a feeling of weakness suggests that further evaluation is warranted.

I recommend that you seek a thorough evaluation from an orthopedic specialist. They may suggest imaging studies, such as an MRI, to assess the condition of your ligaments and other soft tissues in the knee. This will help determine if there is any new injury or if the previous injury has led to chronic instability or other complications.

In the meantime, here are some general recommendations for managing your symptoms:
1. Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate your knee pain or weakness. Give your knee time to heal.

2. Ice: Apply ice to the bruised area for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling and pain.

3. Compression: Use a compression bandage to help minimize swelling.

4. Elevation: Keep your knee elevated to help reduce swelling.

5. Gentle Range of Motion Exercises: Once the initial pain and swelling subside, gentle stretching and range of motion exercises can help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.

6. Physical Therapy: If recommended by your doctor, physical therapy can be beneficial in strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving stability.

7. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and inflammation.

It's understandable to feel anxious about your knee's condition, especially with your history of injuries. Focusing on the steps you can take to care for your knee and seeking professional guidance will help you manage your concerns and work towards recovery. Remember, it's essential to listen to your body and not rush back into activities until you have fully healed.

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