Knee Pain and Movement Sensations After Injury - Orthopedics

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When the body is lying flat or the knees are straightened, and then the knees are bent, there is a sensation of something moving forcefully near the indentation on the outer side of the knee?


Dear Dr.
Chen,
I have experienced two sprains in my right knee over the past two years, but I have fully recovered and can engage in activities such as running and dancing without any issues.
For the past two years, I have consistently performed the same aerobic dance routine daily without problems.
However, two weeks ago, while dancing and performing a crossover jump with more force, I lost my balance upon landing and felt a significant soreness in my right knee.
The next day, when I woke up, I noticed that whenever I straightened my leg, such as when lying down and then bending my right knee, I felt something moving near the outer indentation of my knee, even without touching it.
Each time I touched the area near the outer indentation of my knee while simultaneously moving (straightening and bending) my knee, I could distinctly feel something moving forcefully in that area.
There is also tenderness when I press around that area, but there is no redness or swelling.
The knee appears normal externally.
Over the past two days, the pain has gradually decreased; if I do not apply pressure, there is no pain.
However, every time I straighten and bend my knee, I still feel something moving forcefully.
I also feel that my knee gets fatigued easily while walking.
This condition has persisted for about two weeks, and I have never experienced this sensation of something moving in my knee before.
Could this be due to tendon or ligament strain and inflammation? How long might it take for this condition to heal before I can resume exercising? I sincerely appreciate your help and time!
Best regards.

Lin Ting, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/19

Dr. Chen Bochen reply Orthopedics


Hello, based on your symptoms, it is initially assessed that you may have a ligament injury around the patella caused by external force.
You will need to rest for 3-6 weeks, and performing isometric exercises for the quadriceps can aid in your recovery.

Reply Date: 2023/08/19

More Info


Knee pain and unusual sensations after an injury can be concerning, especially when they persist for weeks. Based on your description, it seems that you may be experiencing a combination of soft tissue injury and possibly some instability in the knee joint due to the recent dance-related incident.
When you mentioned that you felt a sensation of something moving in the area of the knee, particularly around the outer side of the knee joint, this could indicate several possibilities. One common issue after a knee injury is the irritation or inflammation of the structures around the knee, such as the ligaments, tendons, or even the cartilage. Given that you have a history of knee injuries, it is possible that the recent incident may have exacerbated an underlying condition or caused a new injury.

The sensation of something moving could be related to the patellar tendon or the iliotibial band (IT band), which runs along the outer thigh and can sometimes become tight or inflamed, leading to discomfort and a feeling of instability. Additionally, if there is any swelling or fluid accumulation in the joint, it could contribute to the sensation of movement when bending or straightening the knee.

In terms of recovery, the timeline can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury. Generally, soft tissue injuries can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to heal. Since you mentioned that the pain has been gradually decreasing, this is a positive sign. However, it is crucial to allow adequate time for healing and to avoid activities that could exacerbate the injury, such as high-impact movements or those that put excessive strain on the knee.

Here are some recommendations to facilitate your recovery:
1. Rest and Ice: Continue to rest the knee and apply ice to reduce any inflammation. Ice can be applied for 15-20 minutes every few hours, especially after activities that may aggravate the knee.

2. Gentle Range of Motion Exercises: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle range of motion exercises can help maintain flexibility. Avoid any movements that cause pain.

3. Strengthening Exercises: As you progress, consider incorporating strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee, such as quadriceps and hamstring strengthening. This can help stabilize the knee joint.

4. Physical Therapy: If the symptoms persist or worsen, it may be beneficial to consult a physical therapist. They can provide a tailored rehabilitation program and assess for any underlying issues that may need addressing.

5. Gradual Return to Activity: Once you feel comfortable and pain-free during daily activities, you can gradually return to your dance and aerobic activities. Start with low-impact exercises and slowly increase intensity as tolerated.

6. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in symptoms. If you experience increased pain, swelling, or instability, it may be necessary to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional.

In conclusion, while it is possible that you are dealing with a tendon or ligament issue, the best course of action is to allow your body time to heal and to engage in appropriate rehabilitation exercises. If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks or if you have concerns about the stability of your knee, it is advisable to consult with a sports medicine specialist or orthopedic physician for a thorough evaluation and management plan.

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