Left knee impact with the ground?
After falling from a motorcycle, my left knee hit the ground.
Initially, the skin on the inner side became completely numb.
Later, after being taken to the hospital and having an X-ray, it was determined that there were no fractures.
The doctor diagnosed it as a simple contusion.
The following day, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who assessed it as a misalignment of the tendons and bones that needed to be realigned.
The next day, a friend who is a rehabilitation specialist performed several movements and concluded that the ligaments were intact, but there was a contusion of the periosteum.
To this day, the skin on the inner side of my left knee remains numb.
Additionally, when bending, there is a sensation of something protruding on the inner side of the knee, which is currently still swollen.
I went to Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital hoping to get an MRI, but the doctor advised waiting for the swelling to subside first.
Since I have no issues with normal walking (on flat surfaces), he believes it is just a muscle contusion and suggested reassessing the situation in 3 to 4 weeks.
What could this be?
Liu Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/21
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
A knee joint contusion means that the tissues inside are injured due to impact, typically affecting the bones or ligaments.
If there is no involvement of these structures, it may only be soft tissue injury.
If there are no significant functional impairments, further examination is not necessary, and it will usually heal in about six weeks.
Reply Date: 2015/12/21
More Info
Knee injuries can be complex and multifaceted, especially following trauma such as a fall or accident. Based on your description, it appears that you have experienced a significant impact to your left knee, resulting in symptoms that include numbness, swelling, and a sensation of something protruding on the inner side of your knee. While X-rays indicated no fractures, the ongoing symptoms suggest that there may be more than just a simple bruise.
Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Numbness and Swelling: The numbness you are experiencing in the skin over the inner side of your knee could be due to nerve irritation or compression, possibly from swelling or inflammation in the surrounding tissues. Swelling is a common response to injury, as the body sends fluid to the area to promote healing. This can sometimes lead to a feeling of tightness or pressure.
2. Protrusion Sensation: The feeling of something "popping up" on the inner side of your knee could indicate a few possibilities:
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues) can cause swelling and a noticeable bulge.
- Meniscus Injury: Although your friend in rehabilitation suggested that the ligaments are intact, a meniscal tear could cause similar symptoms, including swelling and a sensation of catching or locking in the knee.
- Ligament Strain: Even if the ligaments appear intact, they may still be strained or partially injured, leading to swelling and discomfort.
3. Muscle Contusion: The diagnosis of a muscle bruise (contusion) is common after trauma. This can lead to localized pain, swelling, and sometimes a feeling of tightness or weakness in the affected area.
Next Steps in Management
1. Rest and Ice: Continue to rest your knee and apply ice to reduce swelling. Ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes every few hours, especially after any activity that aggravates your symptoms.
2. Compression and Elevation: Using a compression bandage can help manage swelling. Elevating your knee above heart level can also assist in reducing edema.
3. Physical Therapy: Once the swelling decreases, physical therapy can be beneficial. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve flexibility, which may help alleviate some of your symptoms.
4. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a close watch on your symptoms. If the numbness persists or worsens, or if you experience increased pain, instability, or difficulty walking, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider sooner rather than later.
5. MRI Consideration: While the physician at Lin Kou Chang Gung Hospital suggested waiting for the swelling to subside before considering an MRI, if your symptoms do not improve significantly in the next few weeks, it may be worth revisiting the idea of imaging. An MRI can provide a detailed view of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, which may not be visible on X-rays.
Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms following the knee injury suggest a combination of soft tissue damage, possibly involving the muscles, ligaments, or meniscus. While the initial assessment indicated no fractures, the ongoing numbness and swelling warrant careful monitoring and possibly further evaluation. It is essential to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations while also advocating for your health if your symptoms do not improve. Remember, recovery from knee injuries can take time, and patience is key.
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