Knee Swelling After an Accident: Recovery Insights

Knee numbness

I was in a car accident five months ago, and I am now urgently seeking treatment for my knee.
My knee is swollen and cannot bend, and I also injured my lower back, making it difficult to get out of bed without assistance.
Additionally, I have other injuries that I am slowly treating.
Currently, only one side of my knee has not fully healed and still has a bit of swelling.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have told me that I have delayed treatment, leading to tissue hardening, and that I need to treat it slowly without rushing.
I have been undergoing traditional Chinese medicine treatment for half a month and have seen some improvement.
I plan to go to the hospital for treatment tomorrow to receive acupuncture and massage.
How much longer will it take for me to heal? I have heard that if the knee is not properly treated, it could lead to rheumatism and bone spurs in old age, which worries me, and I want to recover quickly.
Western medicine suggests not to worry and that my knee will heal over time, while traditional Chinese medicine progresses slowly and cannot be rushed.
I am uncertain about the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine, as I have only heard about different methods from others and fear that I might miss the opportunity for proper treatment.
Additionally, regarding my lower back, after initially injuring it, I experienced some numbness and pain near the lower back close to the buttocks after treatment.
Could you please give me some advice? Thank you.

Miss Zheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/03/18

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation

*Due to my lack of knowledge about the circumstances of your initial injury and your current condition, I can only provide you with general advice.* I am trained in Western medicine and have some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage).
My perspective is that ignoring the issue may "possibly" lead to gradual improvement, but there are many potential sequelae (for example, changes in weather or increased physical activity could exacerbate the problem).
It is essential to address any issues promptly; a slow approach is not advisable.
For subacute problems like this, any intervention should yield immediate results.
We need to identify the underlying issues and design a treatment plan accordingly.

*Generally, problems can be categorized into two directions: injury (tissue damage) and disability (loss of function).
We should focus on strengthening these two aspects based on the current situation and time frame.
The saying "it takes a hundred days to heal a muscle or bone injury" roughly translates to about three months, which pertains to the injury aspect (which cannot be rushed).
Disability includes issues such as joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, which should not be delayed.
Since I am unaware of your current condition, I cannot provide further specific advice.
After five months post-injury, it is generally advisable to focus on functional rehabilitation.

*For any therapy, it is crucial to understand its mechanism of action and the specific issues it targets; otherwise, it becomes a scattergun approach, trying things haphazardly.
This not only wastes time and delays treatment but may also lead to secondary injuries.
Take care.*

Reply Date: 2001/03/18

More Info

After a car accident, it is common to experience knee swelling and pain, especially if there were significant injuries involved. In your case, it seems that you have been dealing with multiple injuries, including knee swelling that has persisted for five months. It’s understandable that you are feeling anxious about your recovery, especially with concerns about long-term effects such as arthritis or bone spurs.

First, let’s address the swelling in your knee. Swelling is a natural response to injury, as it indicates inflammation in the area. This inflammation can be due to various factors, including soft tissue damage, joint effusion (fluid accumulation), or even bone injuries. The fact that your knee is still swollen and has limited range of motion suggests that there may still be underlying issues that need to be addressed.

You mentioned that you have been receiving traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for about half a month. TCM can be beneficial for promoting healing and reducing inflammation, but it is essential to have a comprehensive approach that includes both TCM and Western medicine. If your knee has not improved significantly after this period, it may be wise to consider further evaluation by an orthopedic specialist. They can perform imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, to assess the condition of your knee joint, ligaments, and any cartilage damage.

Regarding your concerns about chronic issues like rheumatoid arthritis or bone spurs, it is crucial to address any persistent swelling and pain early on. If the knee joint is not functioning correctly due to unresolved injuries, it can lead to degenerative changes over time. Early intervention can help prevent these long-term complications.

As for your lower back pain, it is not uncommon to experience discomfort in the lumbar region after a traumatic event, especially if there was a twisting motion involved. The fact that you feel numbness or tingling near your hips may indicate nerve involvement or muscle strain. It would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your back and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include physical therapy or specific exercises to strengthen the area.

In terms of your recovery timeline, it is difficult to predict exactly how long it will take for your knee to heal completely, as this can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injuries and your overall health. Generally, with consistent treatment and rehabilitation, many patients begin to see significant improvements within a few months. However, it is essential to be patient and allow your body the time it needs to heal.

In summary, I recommend the following steps:
1. Consult an Orthopedic Specialist: If you haven’t already, seek a second opinion from an orthopedic doctor to evaluate your knee and back injuries thoroughly.

2. Continue Rehabilitation: Engage in physical therapy focused on improving range of motion and strength in your knee. This may include exercises to reduce swelling and improve flexibility.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including pain levels and swelling. If you notice worsening symptoms, inform your healthcare provider.

4. Consider a Multidisciplinary Approach: While TCM can be beneficial, combining it with Western medical treatments may provide a more comprehensive approach to your recovery.

5. Be Patient: Healing takes time, especially after significant injuries. Focus on gradual progress rather than rushing the process.

6. Address Back Pain: Seek evaluation and treatment for your lower back pain to prevent it from becoming a chronic issue.

By following these steps and maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers, you can work towards a successful recovery. Remember that healing is a journey, and it’s essential to take it one step at a time.

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