In the first 3 days after your injury, use the RICE method even before you see your doctor.
Ask for help around the house.
Avoid applying heat, as that could make the swelling worse.
To wrap your leg, extend it in front of you. Start with one end of an ace bandage, and wrap it all the way around your lower thigh so it goes back over itself. Then, move down your leg, overlapping the bandage as you wrap it around and around your leg. Leave a little extra space when you go around your knee cap. When you reach the end, tuck it in or let it stick to itself if it’s the self-adhesive kind. Don’t wrap it so tight that it cuts off circulation. [5] X Research source
When you elevate your leg, the fluid around your knee has to work against gravity, so some of it will drain away.
If you have a fever in addition to redness or swelling around your knee, visit your doctor, too.
Similarly, your doctor will want to know how quickly it swelled (if it did) and whether you had pain almost immediately or if it came on slowly.
The doctor will also likely push on your knee gently or try to pull on the ligaments, depending on what kind of injury they think you have.
These tests shouldn’t be painful. You’ll just need to lie still while the technician takes the images.
If you have fluid drawn from your knee, the doctor will numb the area first. Then, they will use a long needle to extract the fluid. It should be relatively painless, though maybe a bit uncomfortable.
Typically, they will numb the area before inserting the needle.
One type is a corticosteroid shot. It can help with inflammation and pain, including arthritis pain. Another type is hyaluronic acid. The fluid in this shot is similar to the lubricant your body already produces, and the doctor would insert it into the joint. It may help with pain. A platelet-rich plasma injection works best for younger people. It may also help older people with arthritis. It may reduce inflammation and encourage healing.
Insurance typically covers at least some physical therapy. Exercise is an important part of rehabilitation after a knee injury. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about what kinds of physical activity are safe and appropriate for you during your recovery.
Another type of surgery is a partial-knee replacement, where the doctor just removes and replaces the damaged parts with metal or plastic. This surgery can also sometimes be done with small incisions, lessening your recovery time. You may also need a complete knee replacement, where the doctor takes out the joint and puts in metal or plastic replacements. Typically, you’ll need a traditional surgery for this procedure, so the recovery time is a bit longer.
Ask your doctor about what over-the-counter medications you can take to help. Your doctor may also prescribe you creams to help numb the pain.
Always read the instructions on the back of the bottle when taking any medication. Talk to your doctor about which one is best for you. You can also try over-the-counter pain relief creams.
The cast will need to be put on the doctor’s office. You can get knee braces at most pharmacies and big box stores.
You can find crutches at pharmacies, big box stores, and medical supply stores. If you’re low on cash, you can sometimes find crutches at thrift stores, or your insurance may cover it if your doctor writes a prescription for them.
Ask your doctor for a recommendation for a local acupuncturist.
They may need to run further tests to determine if there are any complications that might be delaying your healing.
