Knee Pain

The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body.  Its system of bone and connective tissue gives you the agility you need to run, jump, pivot, dance and more.  You demand a lot from your knees and, in return, the joint responds instantly by cushioning forces up to six times your body weight.  It’s no wonder the knee is also the most commonly injured joint in the body.  Injury to the knee usually occurs as a part of the aging process or during athletic activity.

I’ve just injured my knee – What do I do?

Did you hear or feel a pop?

Did you have swelling immediately, a few hours later or the next day after hearing the pop?

Do you have difficultly bearing weight on that leg?

Does your knee still hurt?

If you’ve answered yes to one or more of these questions, you should seek medical care.

First, stop the activity that caused the injury and then follow R.I.C.E.

Rest – Get off your leg as soon as possible.

Ice – Place a reusable frozen gel pack, baggie of ice or bag of frozen vegetables on your knee for 20-minute increments during the first 24 hours to help bring down the swelling. Place a towel between your skin and the cold therapy to protect your skin.

Compression – Wrap an Ace bandage snuggly around your knee but not too tight to cut-off the circulation.  When wrapping, overlap the bandage by half its width each time.  If you feel tingling or cold in your toes or knee area, the wrap is too tight.

Elevate – Lie down and prop your leg on pillows or other comfortable object so that your leg is slightly higher than heart-level.  Elevation will help some of the fluid move away from the injured knee, reducing swelling.  If your knee pain is severe and you’re unable to bear any weight, call Lederman Kwartowitz Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine right way to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced orthopedic physician assistants or doctors. Depending on the severity of your injury, you’ll be seen the same day or next day for evaluation and treatment. If your injury is more serious or it is after office hours, we may advise you to be seen at Lakes Urgent Care.

Lakes Urgent Care in The Lakes Medical Center

With top-notch doctors on staff, you’ll be seen in less than an hour — that’s a lot sooner than the average four-hour wait at your typical emergency room. The professionals at Lakes Urgent Care work hand-in-hand with Drs. Lederman and Kwartowitz and their staff.  They will have your medical records to their office within 24-48 hours. The team at Lakes Urgent Care also has a direct line of communication to Lederman Kwartowitz Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine to offer you priority appointments, often the next business day.

Learn more about our non-surgical treatments available, minimally invasive surgery and knee replacement options.