Hurt my Knee?

Question

This morning I fell down the stairs (third step from the bottom) and landed squarely on my knee. I can bear some wieght on it, wiggle my toes, and bend it as much as I usually can, but I can't do any of this without extreme pain. I have it elevated, have been icing it most of the day, and have been taking OTC pain killers, but the pain has not gone down at all. I don't have health insurance but my state offers free care - but it's a hassle. Should I leave work and go to the hospital or wait it out, and if I wait it out how can I make the pain less? This really hurts!

I did not fall at work, I fell in my house while I was leaving for work and was on the ground for about 15 minutes before I could stand, but I came to work anyway. The people I work with are great and have giving me ice packs, have done the running around I usually do, and have given me permission to leave for the doc's if I want to.

Answer 1

you need an x-ray, at the very least you sound like you've sprained something

find out a way to pay for it, and go get it looked at

Answer 2

I'm not a doctor, but I too have problems with my knee. When I was in high school I was running track and tripped over a hurdle. I land on my knee. It hurt really really bad. I was too stubborn to go to the doctor so I just hopped around for about a week. Eventually the pain went away. However, about two months later I was messing around being silly (but not really "rough") when my knee completely gave out (couldn't put any weight on it at all). I went to the doctor, and come to found out I have torn my ACL (the main ligament in the knee). I suspect that's probably what you have done. My advice (coming from someone without the privledge of insurance) is to do exactly what you've been doing (rest, ice, elavation). If the swelling doesn't go down in a week and the pain go away then go to the doctor. The more you walk around on it, the more damage you could be doing. It could end up costing you a lot more in the long run!!

Answer 3

1. did you fall at work?
2. IF you fell at work, make sure you report it
3. What painkillers are you taking. You need one that is anti-inflammatory (i.e. NOT tylenol) Ibuprofen 600 to 800 mg every 6 hours (or better, 400mg every 3 hours), or Naproxen at 500 mg twice a day. Keep taking it for at least 2 days after the swelling goes down and the pain subsides. Reducing the inflammation will aid in the healing process, thus the purpose of the drug is NOT to alieviate pain (which it also helps to do) but to promote healing through reducing inflammation.
4) Keep up with the ice. 20 minutes on 20 minutes off.

Answer 4

I've done the same exact thing with my knee. It turns out I actually dislocated it! You should definitly go see a doctor about it. I've dislocated it three times and had to have surgury for a torn tendon. If knew I actually dislocated it the first time it probably wouldn't have happened the other two. So have a doctor look at it. Just keep icing and elevating it. Also if you have an Ace Bandage wrap it around it.

Answer 5

First of all your knees are very important. There is probably a lot of swelling to go with the pain. If a pain killer does not work, there is no point in taking them. You must see a doctor before you do anything else. You could possibly have broken your patella and that will require XRAY examination to determine. Get it fixed now and prevent the many recurrences that could happen.

Do it now! for your own good and get a prescription pain reliever that will work for you.

Answer 6

Stick it out unless the movement stops and the pain increases.. The knees can take a good beating after all it holds up your body. The best time to relieve the pain is at 4:20 (get my drift) day or evening. If it persists then you may need to be hassled by your free medical services.

Answer 7

I think it will be fine. I have done similar things and have also had 4 knee surgeries. It will take awhile but the pain should subside. If after a week it still hurts than you should go see a doctor. Aspirin or advil should help with the pain.

Answer 8

when you fell did your knee cap come out of place? If it did then you need to stop what you are doing and get to the Dr as soon as possible. You could have done major damage.

Answer 9

give it a couple of days. if no change for the better see your Dr. Blown Knees are no fun and they get worse as you get older. I will be getting knee implants in a couple of years.

Answer 10

you will possibly desire to ice it for 20 minutes each 2 hours all day to help cut back swelling and soreness. warmth might strengthen the circulate to that section and in turn strengthen your soreness and swelling.