Knee Bruises: Symptoms, Recovery, and When to Seek Help

Knee contusion with bruising and pain?

Hello, Doctor.
Three days ago, I accidentally hit my right leg against a hard object while jumping (the leg was bent at about a 45-degree angle at the time of impact, near the lower left inner thigh).
On the day of the incident, the skin surface was red without any open wounds, and I experienced bone pain.
Now, on the fourth day, the impact site has turned yellow, close to skin color, but upon closer inspection, the surface texture is different from the surrounding skin; it is not a small triangle but rather has a diagonal line pattern.
The outer area of the impact site appears reddish-purple, with the very outer edge being deep purple (the area of the bruise, including the yellow part, is approximately 3 cm in diameter).
In the past, when I bruised other areas, they would typically turn deep purple after a few days, so this situation is unusual for me.
On the first day, walking was quite painful, and I had to drag my leg.
Over the past few days, I can walk, but I avoid bending my leg or putting weight on the other leg due to the injury, preferring to drag my leg instead.
I do not feel pain when squatting, but if clothing is tight or if I repeatedly bend and straighten my leg, my knee will hurt.
When I hang my foot in the air with my thigh and calf at a 90-degree angle and perform a forward kicking motion, I sometimes feel a sort of catching sensation, but it is not painful.
Is there a specific timeframe within which I should be particularly attentive or seek treatment for this condition? Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to respond.

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/07

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Currently, you can apply heat and gradually resume movement for about six weeks.
Pay attention to any persistent swelling, sensations of locking, or any sounds occurring.
If any of these symptoms arise, you should consult a physician for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2016/11/07

More Info

Knee bruises, particularly those resulting from trauma such as a fall or impact, can present a range of symptoms and recovery considerations. Based on your description, it sounds like you have sustained a contusion to your knee, which is characterized by localized swelling, discoloration (bruising), and pain. The symptoms you are experiencing, including the yellowing of the bruise and the surrounding purple discoloration, are typical of the healing process of a bruise.

Symptoms of a Knee Bruise
1. Pain: This can vary from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury. You mentioned that you experience pain when bending the knee or putting weight on it, which is common.

2. Swelling: Bruising often leads to swelling in the affected area. You may notice that the area around the bruise feels tight or swollen.

3. Discoloration: The color changes you observe (from red to purple to yellow) are part of the normal healing process. Bruises typically change color as they heal due to the breakdown of hemoglobin in the blood.

4. Limited Range of Motion: You may experience stiffness or a feeling of tightness in the knee, especially when trying to bend or straighten it.

Recovery Timeline
The recovery from a knee bruise can vary based on the severity of the injury. Generally, minor bruises may heal within a few days to a week, while more severe bruises can take several weeks. Since you are already on day four, you may notice gradual improvement in pain and swelling over the next few days.

When to Seek Help
While many knee bruises can be managed at home, there are specific signs that indicate you should seek medical attention:
- Severe Pain: If the pain worsens or becomes unbearable, it may indicate a more serious injury, such as a ligament tear or fracture.

- Inability to Bear Weight: If you find it increasingly difficult to walk or bear weight on the affected leg, this could be a sign of a more significant injury.

- Persistent Swelling: If swelling does not decrease after a few days or worsens, it may require further evaluation.

- Changes in Sensation: Numbness, tingling, or a feeling of instability in the knee could indicate nerve involvement or other complications.

Management and Treatment
For a knee bruise, the R.I.C.E. method is often recommended:
1. Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured knee as much as possible.

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

3. Compression: Use an elastic bandage or compression wrap to help minimize swelling.

4. Elevation: Keep the knee elevated above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.

Additional Considerations
- Physical Therapy: If you continue to experience pain or limited range of motion, consider consulting a physical therapist. They can provide exercises to strengthen the knee and improve flexibility.

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

In summary, while your symptoms are consistent with a typical knee bruise, it is essential to monitor your condition closely. If you notice any concerning signs or if your symptoms do not improve within a week, it would be prudent to seek medical evaluation. Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure a smoother recovery process.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Care, and When to Seek Help

Hello, Doctor. In January of this year, I had an accident where both of my knees fell vertically to the ground, resulting in extensive bruising on both knees. I had an X-ray taken, and the doctor said there seemed to be no issues, and no treatment was provided. It took about thre...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. First, observe the situation; if the pain persists, medical attention is necessary. 2. You can wear a knee brace. 3. There is no need to take dietary supplements. 4. You can perform muscle strengthening exercises to enhance the strength of the quadriceps, which will help reduc...

Understanding Knee Injuries After a Bike Accident: When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor: On March 3rd, I had a motorcycle accident and injured my right forearm, which has a bruise, and it seems my elbow was also impacted. My knee did not show any obvious external injuries, but the force of the impact was significant. A few days later, in addition to the...

Dr. Yang Nanping reply Orthopedics
Hello: Knee injuries often accompany damage to cartilage and ligaments. If there is no improvement after resting and applying ice for a period of time, it is recommended to visit an outpatient clinic for treatment. Sincerely, Dr. Yang Nan-Ping, Orthopedics.

Understanding Knee Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention

I injured my knee two weeks ago and had severe bruising, but now, two weeks later, there is no bruising, yet it still hurts. It hurts even with light touch. Is this normal? Should I go to the hospital for further examination? Thank you.

Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
After a knee joint injury, in addition to using X-rays to rule out bone injuries, the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, as well as the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, may also be injured. Damage to these soft tissues often leads to joint effusion and hematoma, w...

Knee Pain and Bruising in Teens: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello Doctor: I am currently 18 years old. Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my knee bones (sometimes with a tingling sensation, and it hurts more at night than during the day). Occasionally, my shin bones also hurt, and I have noticed small bruises appearing around my k...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
You need to go to the hospital to see a doctor, as it could be a problem with the patella, such as patellar cartilage inflammation or improper alignment of the patella.