Knee Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention - Orthopedics

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When it comes to knee injuries, understanding when to seek medical attention is crucial for proper healing and recovery. Based on your description, it sounds like you experienced a significant knee injury two weeks ago, which resulted in severe bruising and ongoing pain, even in the absence of visible bruising now. This situation raises several important considerations.

First, it’s essential to recognize that pain following a knee injury can persist for various reasons, even after the initial bruising has subsided. The knee is a complex joint composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, and injuries can affect any of these structures. Common injuries include ligament tears (such as ACL or PCL tears), meniscus tears, and soft tissue injuries, which may not always be visible through external signs like bruising.

Given that you are still experiencing pain with light touch, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Persistent pain can indicate underlying issues such as:
1. Ligament Injury: Injuries to the ligaments, such as sprains or tears, may not always present with swelling or bruising after the initial injury. A complete tear, for instance, can lead to instability in the knee, which might not be immediately apparent.

2. Meniscus Injury: The meniscus is a cartilage that acts as a cushion between your femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). A tear in the meniscus can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee, even if the swelling has decreased over time.

3. Bone Contusion or Fracture: While X-rays may have shown no fractures, a bone contusion (bruise) can still cause significant pain and may not be visible on an X-ray. An MRI may be necessary to assess for any hidden injuries.

4. Soft Tissue Damage: Injuries to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments surrounding the knee can also lead to prolonged pain and discomfort.

5. Inflammation: Sometimes, inflammation can persist even after the initial injury has healed, leading to ongoing pain and sensitivity.

In light of these possibilities, it is prudent to consult with a healthcare professional, ideally an orthopedic specialist, who can perform a thorough examination and may recommend imaging studies such as an MRI. An MRI can provide detailed images of the soft tissues in the knee, helping to identify any ligament tears, meniscus injuries, or other issues that may not be visible on X-ray.

In summary, while some pain may be normal following a knee injury, ongoing pain, especially with light touch, is a sign that further evaluation is warranted. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and prevent long-term complications. Therefore, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible to ensure that your knee is properly assessed and treated.