Left Knee Pain: Injury or Inflammation?

The left knee is slightly twisted?

Hello, doctor.
Last night, when I was about to sit down on a cushion on the floor, I suddenly felt my left knee twist a bit.
Since I woke up today, I've been experiencing discomfort in the front of my left knee.
I need to keep my leg straight when going up and down stairs; bending it causes pain, and I also have to straighten my left leg before squatting down.
I would like to ask if this is inflammation or a strain? Should I seek medical attention for an X-ray, or should I just observe it and only see a doctor if it worsens? Thank you, doctor.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/27

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

It could be a strain; getting up from a seated position may compress the ligaments or meniscus inside the knee joint.
If the symptoms do not improve, it is advisable to see a physician for a more thorough evaluation.

Reply Date: 2023/02/27

More Info

Understanding left knee pain can be quite complex, as it can arise from various causes, including injuries, inflammation, or even underlying conditions. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a sudden discomfort in your left knee while attempting to sit down, which has since resulted in persistent pain, particularly when bending the knee. This situation raises important considerations regarding the nature of your pain and the appropriate steps to take for diagnosis and treatment.

Firstly, the symptoms you describe—pain when bending the knee, difficulty with stairs, and the need to keep the leg straight to avoid discomfort—suggest that there may be an issue with the structures within or around the knee joint. Common causes of knee pain in such scenarios include ligament injuries (such as sprains), meniscal tears, or inflammation of the surrounding tissues, such as tendinitis or bursitis.

1. Injury vs. Inflammation:
- Injury: If you felt a sudden "twist" or "pop" in your knee, it could indicate a ligament injury (like an ACL or MCL sprain) or a meniscal tear. These injuries often present with swelling, pain during movement, and sometimes a feeling of instability in the knee.

- Inflammation: On the other hand, if the pain is more gradual and associated with swelling or warmth around the knee, it could be due to inflammation, such as tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons) or bursitis (inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction).

2. Symptoms to Monitor:
- If you experience swelling, redness, warmth, or a significant decrease in range of motion, these could be signs of inflammation or a more serious injury.

- If the pain persists or worsens, or if you have difficulty bearing weight on the knee, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

3. When to Seek Medical Attention:
- Given that your symptoms have not improved and are affecting your daily activities, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional. An orthopedic evaluation may be necessary to assess the stability of the knee and determine if imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, are warranted.

- Early diagnosis can help prevent further injury and facilitate a more effective treatment plan.
4. Potential Treatments:
- If an injury is confirmed, treatment may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.

- In cases of inflammation, anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed, and activity modifications may be recommended to allow for healing.

In conclusion, while it is possible that your symptoms could be due to either an injury or inflammation, the persistent nature of your pain and its impact on your mobility suggest that a medical evaluation is warranted. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and help you return to your normal activities with less discomfort. Please consider scheduling an appointment with an orthopedic specialist to discuss your symptoms in detail and receive appropriate care.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Knee Pain: Ligament vs. Cartilage Inflammation Concerns

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing knee pain for about two months, with pain on both sides but more severe on the left. The main pain point is in the outer indentation area, and occasionally I feel discomfort in the middle of the knee while walking, but that only lasts for a ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Based on your description, it is difficult to determine the specific issue. Typically, an X-ray is needed to check for patellar valgus. If there is valgus deformity, it may lead to cartilage wear. Therefore, you should visit a hospital to consult a physician for an accurate diagn...

Experiencing Sharp Pain on the Left Side of Your Right Knee?

I have many scars on my knees due to frequent falls during my childhood. In the past six months, I have often felt a "sharp pain" on the left side of my right knee (I am left-handed). What could be the cause of this? Will it affect my future activities?

Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Subject: Knee Pain There are many potential causes of knee pain, and associated symptoms such as redness, swelling, and warmth should also be noted. Generally, injuries from trauma or sports can affect the ligaments, cartilage, and bones. If the bone is injured, the knee joint m...

Understanding Left Knee Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Surgery Options

Hello, doctor: I have been experiencing pain in my left knee since the beginning of this year. I visited the orthopedic department at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where they diagnosed me with a ligament injury. An X-ray showed that there is a bone fragment present. On rainy days...

Dr. Luo Zhongwei reply Orthopedics
Dear Jia, (1) The diagnosis you mentioned, "ligament injury," does not exist as a medical term. (2) The X-ray shows a bone, but its exact location in the knee can only be determined by reviewing the X-ray film in person. (3) There are many potential causes for knee ...

Understanding Pain Behind the Left Knee: Causes and Solutions

During the summer vacation, I worked as a factory operator, and the long-term heavy lifting and standing have put a strain on my left foot. I have been experiencing persistent pain behind my left knee, and I can't sleep well at night. I consulted a traditional Chinese medici...

Dr. Luo Zhongwei reply Orthopedics
Dear b9705072, your issues may be 1. tendonitis 2. cartilage tear or other possibilities. Please visit the outpatient clinic for an examination, as it cannot be diagnosed through written communication. Thank you!