Knee Injuries: When to Seek Further Medical Advice

Q: Knee Injuries: When to Seek Further Medical Advice

Hello： Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the healing time for muscle and bone injuries is typically 2 to 3 months. <br>If the symptoms are mild, it may take about 1 month. <br>The medications prescribed by Western medicine are mostly anti-inflammatory pain relievers or m

Knee contusion?

Hello Dr.
Ding, I have a question to ask you.
I previously fell and my right knee hit the ground directly.
After the bruise faded, I still feel pain when pressing on my knee, but it feels like it's the tendons that are hurting.
It also hurts when I kneel.
At first, even touching the surface of the skin would cause pain in the tendons.
A week later, I went to see an orthopedic doctor, who said it was a trauma and prescribed medication for me.
I took the medication for five days and followed the doctor's advice not to kneel or massage and to reduce my activity level.
I initially thought I was getting better, but today when I pressed on it, I realized it still hurts.
Should I continue taking the medication for a longer period, or is it possible that it is not just a trauma? I initially thought it was a minor injury, but the prolonged pain is making me a bit worried that it could be a more serious issue.
I hope the doctor can help me with this.
Thank you.

Nai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/05/21

Dr. Ding Hanxiang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hello: Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the healing time for muscle and bone injuries is typically 2 to 3 months.
If the symptoms are mild, it may take about 1 month.
The medications prescribed by Western medicine are mostly anti-inflammatory pain relievers or muscle relaxants.
It is recommended that you visit a nearby Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Generally, if the injury has lasted more than 3 days and is no longer in the acute phase, heat therapy is applied first, followed by acupuncture or tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage) based on the specific injured area.
Ding Hanxiang

Reply Date: 2006/05/21

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your knee injury. It’s understandable to feel anxious when recovery is not progressing as expected, especially after a fall that resulted in pain and bruising. Let’s break down your situation and discuss when it might be necessary to seek further medical advice.

From your description, it seems that you experienced a direct impact to your right knee, which led to bruising and ongoing pain. Initially, the pain you felt could be attributed to soft tissue injury, which includes damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, or the joint capsule itself. The fact that you are still experiencing pain after a week, particularly when pressing on the knee or kneeling, suggests that the injury may be more significant than initially thought.

Here are some key points to consider regarding your current condition:
1. Persistent Pain: If you continue to experience pain after following your doctor's advice for a week, it may indicate that the injury is not healing as expected. Pain that persists or worsens could suggest a more serious underlying issue, such as a ligament sprain, meniscus tear, or even a fracture that may not have been visible on initial imaging.

2. Functional Limitations: You mentioned that kneeling causes pain and that you have a sensation of discomfort when pressing on the knee. If these symptoms are affecting your daily activities or mobility, it is a sign that further evaluation is warranted. Functional limitations can be a red flag indicating that the injury may require more than conservative management.

3. Response to Medication: You were prescribed medication for pain management, and while it’s common for some injuries to take time to heal, if you find that the pain persists despite medication, it may be time to reassess your treatment plan. Sometimes, a different class of medication or additional therapies may be necessary.

4. Signs of Complications: Keep an eye out for any new symptoms such as swelling, increased warmth, or redness around the knee, which could indicate inflammation or infection. If you notice these signs, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

5. Imaging Studies: If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may recommend further imaging studies, such as an MRI, to assess for any internal injuries that may not have been detected initially. This is particularly important for evaluating soft tissue injuries like ligament tears or cartilage damage.

6. Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination by an orthopedic specialist can provide valuable insights. They can assess the stability of your knee, range of motion, and any specific areas of tenderness that may guide further treatment.

In conclusion, if your pain persists beyond the initial recovery period, or if you experience any new or worsening symptoms, I strongly recommend returning to your healthcare provider for a follow-up evaluation. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to joint injuries, as early intervention can prevent long-term complications and facilitate a more effective recovery.

Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and seeking further medical advice is a proactive step towards ensuring a full recovery. Wishing you a speedy recovery and relief from your knee pain.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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