When To Go To The Doctor For A Knee Injury
Here are seven reasons that should prompt an immediate visit to your doctors office. Youre experiencing swelling. One of the most obvious signs that a knee injury has occurred is excessive swelling that you can see or feel. This pain freeze cream has helped many people feel relief from their nagging pain.
Mild Knee Replacement Complications
All of us will experience some mild knee replacement complications after surgery. Your recovery will be a time of adjustment and each persons body adjusts to their new knee differently.
Complications can include bruising, swelling, tenderness and pain during the healing process. In most cases, these minor complications will last only a short time .
Knee stiffness may develop after surgery, especially if you remain sedentary. Physical therapy will help with many of these mild complications.
Some mild complications may persist and need further attention from your physician. Ill mention the more serious complications below.
Always follow your doctors instructions to reduce your risk of developing complications.
What About The Mcl
Based on the degree of injury, walking is also possible with an MCL. With a partial tear, walking is possible but not without pain. Walking is also possible with a full-thickness MCL tear. Yet, this injury will need surgical intervention. A knee brace prevents the knee from moving inward, but some limited movement is possible. With both MCL and ACL injuries, walking will only be limited to short distances before undergoing surgery or physical therapy.
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How Is A Patellar Fracture Treated Without Surgery
If the pieces of bone are not out of place , you may not need surgery. Your doctor may apply a cast or splint to keep your knee straight and help prevent motion in your leg. This will keep the broken ends of bone in proper position while they heal.
Depending upon your specific fracture, you may be allowed to bear weight on your leg while wearing a cast or brace. With some fractures, however, weight bearing is not allowed for 6 to 8 weeks. Your doctor will talk with you about restrictions on weight bearing.
Caring For The Foot At Home
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Broken Knee Ct Scan With 3d Reconstruction
3D-CT Scan is a highly sophisticated investigation, which artificially reconstructs the geometry of the bony structures of the knee joint. It is a 3 dimensional x-ray image, which gives the precise location and orientation of the bone fragments in a broken knee. Thus, it is very important in intra-articular and comminuted fractures of knee joint, and greatly helps in pre-operative planning of a broken knee surgery.
Muscle Tendon Injuries Mcl And Lcl Injuries Acl Injuries And Meniscus Tears
Muscle Tendon Injuries
Almost all of these strains are treated with ice, elevation, and rest. Sometimes compression with an Ace wrap or knee sleeve is recommended, and crutches may be used for a short time to assist with walking. Ibuprofen or naproxen can be used as an anti-inflammatory medication.
The mechanism of injury is either hyperextension, in which the hamstring muscles can be stretched or torn, or hyperflexion, in which the quadriceps muscle is injured. Uncommonly, with a hyperflexion injury, the patellar or quadriceps tendon can be damaged and rupture. This injury is characterized by the inability to extend or straighten the knee and a defect that can be felt either above or below the patella . Surgery is usually required to repair this injury.
Except for elite athletes, tears of the hamstring muscle are treated conservatively without an operation, allowing time, exercise, and perhaps physical therapy to return the muscle to normal function.
MCL and LCL Injuries
ACL Injuries
Meniscus Tears
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Hairline Wrist Fracture Cast Or Splint
Immobilization may require a custom splint or a cast. For workers or athletes who need to continue their activity while healing, an ActivArmor cast may be an option. ActivArmor is the latest technology in casting. This allows 3D scanning and printing of a hard plastic custom cast. This allows the fractured area to get wet and protects against potential forces.
Hairline Fracture Wrist Cast in ActivArmor
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Comminuted Noncomminuted And Hairline Kneecap Fractures
- A comminuted patella fracture is one in which the bone is shattered into three or more pieces.
- In a noncomminuted patella fracture, the kneecap is broken in two pieces.
- A hairline kneecap fracture is a simple crack in the bone . Hairline fractures are also known as stress fractures, and are rare in the kneecap. They can occur in athletes, such as marathon runners, and may be due to overuse. A stress fracture of the patella may be difficult to see on an X-ray. The main symptom is pain in the front of the knee that gets worse over time.
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What Is The Prognosis For A Knee Injury
The goal for treating knee injuries is to return the patient to their previous level of activity. The prognosis for an individual injury depends upon the type of injury, the underlying health of the patient, and their willingness to work with their care provider and therapist to maximize their outcome.
Can Knee Injuries Be Prevented
To help prevent knee injuries:
- Make sure your kids wear the recommended protective equipment for sports .
- Make sure your kids wear supportive athletic shoes that are in good condition.
- During workouts, kids should always warm up and cool down.
- Encourage kids to do regular strength training to support muscles, and stretching or yoga to improve flexibility.
- When jumping, kids should bend the knees while landing. This takes pressure off the ACL and prevents injury.
- If kids cut laterally or pivot frequently , encourage them to crouch and bend at the knees and hips to reduce the chances of an ACL injury.
- For kids who play just one sport, conditioning and training year-round even if it’s at a lower intensity than during the competitive season can help them stay in shape and make an injury less likely.
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Are There Any Long Term Effects Associated With A Fractured Knee
The long-term effects and prognosis associated with a fractured knee depend on several things which includes the complexity and severity of an injury. Other factors include the following:
- If you had to undergo knee fracture surgery to correct the problem
- The time you need for rehabilitation
With this said, the majority of people who suffer a simple fractured knee injury make a recovery in anything from 3 to 6 months and are able to carry out normal daily activities. If you suffered a more serious knee injury, your recovery could take much longer. Long-term affects could include less mobility and stiffness in your knee and as such a doctor could recommend that you protect an affected knee to reduce the risk of any further damage being done. A doctor might also recommend you avoid doing any repetitive movements which includes the following:
- Squatting
- Climbing stairs
- Going up and down ladders
To find out whether you would be entitled to free private medical care and free private physiotherapy following an accident that left you with a fractured knee, please speak to one of our health experts today.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Broken Arm Or Wrist
In most cases it takes around 6 to 8 weeks to recover from a broken arm or wrist. It can take longer if your arm or wrist was severely damaged.
You will need to wear your plaster cast until the broken bone heals. The skin under the cast may be itchy for a few days but this should pass.
The hospital will give you an advice sheet on exercises you should do every day to help speed up your recovery.
Your arm or wrist may be stiff and weak after the cast is removed. A physiotherapist can help with these problems, although sometimes they can last several months or more.
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How Is A Dislocated Knee Diagnosed
Following a potential knee dislocation, a healthcare providers first priority will be to stabilize your injured limb.
Reduction, or repositioning of the injured joint, is crucial in order to reduce any pressure on the skin, blood vessels, and nerves in the affected area. Sometimes reduction occurs spontaneously before youre able to see a healthcare provider.
Once youre stabilized, your doctor can then assess the extent of your injury. They can perform various tests to determine the amount of ligament damage thats occurred. These tests typically involve determining the stability and range of movement of specific parts of the knee.
Since a dislocated knee can cause potentially serious disruption to the blood vessels and nerves of the joint, your doctor will perform an examination to assess if injury to these structures has occurred. This exam may include:
The use of imaging tests, such as X-ray and MRI, can help your doctor see and diagnose any damage thats occurred to the bones, ligaments, or tendons of the knee.
Additionally, a technique called arteriogram may be used to assess blood vessel damage. It combines an injected dye and X-rays so your doctor can see how your blood flows through the arteries in your legs.
Medical Care For A Broken Toe
The most common toes to break are the fourth and fifth toes, Dr. King says. Typically, those fractures are simple, and the pieces of bone are still aligned. For those cases, doctors usually recommend wearing a fracture shoe.
Its not a big boot. You still have mobility, but the hard sole doesnt bend. It allows you to walk around without putting pressure on your toes, explains Dr. King. The fracture shoe keeps your toes immobile so the bones can knit back together in the proper position.
However, a broken bone that isnt lined up needs adjustment. Your doctor may numb the toe and then straighten it before putting your foot in a fracture shoe. And in some rare instances, you may need surgery like if theres significant misalignment of the bone or a break that extends through the bone into one of the joints.
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Wear A Cast Or Splint
You may have to wear this during the first 1-3 weeks of recovery. It will keep the bone fragments in their place. You may have to walk with crutches during that time, though.
Afterward, your doctor may replace the cast with a knee brace. A knee brace can aid recovery, help you walk again, and protect the area at the same time.
Symptoms Diagnosis And Treatment Of A Broken Bone In The Hand Or Wrist
Many times, when a bone is broken in the hand or wrist during game play, the person knows it. Breaking a bone hurts, and sometimes it can even be heard. At the time of the injury, you may hear or feel a snapping or grinding. After the injury, it may be painful to touch or move the area that was hurt playing sports. Swelling and bruising may follow the injury, and the area may continue to hurt constantly or when touched.
Broken bones need to be evaluated. When you see a hand specialist for a suspected broken bone in the finger, hand or wrist, the doctor may take x-rays or occasionally order a CT scan or MRI to see the structure of the bones, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Some broken bones require realignment you may hear your hand specialist call this a reduction. Depending on the break location, type of fracture, severity and other factors, you may be given a brace or cast to immobilize the area. The hand specialist may also give you medication and prescribe physical therapy after a time. Some of the most serious breaks may require surgery, which should be done by a hand specialist.
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How Do I Know If My Toe Is Broken Or Just Bruised
A bruise on the bone can feel similar to a break, Dr. King says. The most obvious sign that its a fracture is if the painful toe is pointing in a different direction than your other toes. Sometimes, its obvious that one toe is pushed out to the side, but it can also be a subtle twisting that turns the toe up a little bit.
Other symptoms that indicate its a broken toe include:
- Swelling.
- Unable to bear weight on your foot.
- Pain that lasts more than a day or two.
What to do for a broken toe at home
Many people reach for ice and pain relievers to soothe painful injuries. But thats not the most helpful if you have a broken toe, advises Dr. King. Icing the toe can slow blood flow, and anti-inflammatory medications decrease inflammation however, you actually need that inflammation for healing. So, its best to allow the natural healing response to take place, keep the foot elevated and take a medication like Tylenol® for pain relief, if you have no medical contraindications.
Follow these steps immediately following injury and seek medical attention right away if you notice the following in your toe:
- Not pointing in the same direction as others on the same foot.
- Not positioned like the same toe on your uninjured foot.
- Bone poking through the skin.
- A deep cut or wound.
Otherwise, its safe to wait a day or two to see if the pain subsides. If it persists, see a doctor. An X-ray can determine if you have a fracture, what type and how to treat it.
Broken Hand Symptoms: How Do I Know If I Have A Broken Hand
Approximately 6 million people suffer a broken bone every year in the United States, and broken fingers are very common. The location and severity of the hand fracture will determine the symptoms the patient experiences and the available treatment options. So what does a broken hand feel like? Lets take a look at a few of the most common broken hand symptoms.
Fractured hand symptoms involving the metacarpals include pain, swelling, general tenderness along the site of the injury, and bruising. These metacarpal fractures symptoms may be more pronounced as the patient makes a fist or even loosely grips items. Metacarpal fractures may also give the involved fingers a shortened appearance. For example, Boxers fracture symptoms may include the knuckle appearing indented or crushed inward due to displacement along the neck of the metacarpal. Broken finger symptoms include pain, decreased range of motion, swelling, and sensitivity to even the lightest touch. Fractured finger symptoms may also include bruising, and its possible for the finger to appear deformed or misaligned. Broken thumb symptoms include swelling, bruising, sensitivity to the touch, and decreased range of motion. Some patients also report numbness or feelings of cold around the injury. In some cases, the hand or fingers may change colors, becoming pale or even blue, after a fracture of the hand. Patients may also notice other tactile sensations, such as tingling.
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Sprained Wrist Vs Broken
Now, how can you tell if its a sprained wrist vs broken wrist? A deformity of the bone, such as a bone sticking out or nearly sticking out of the skin, is the easiest way to tell a broken bone.
Otherwise, determining sprained wrist vs broken wrist is not that easy, and we recommend that you see an orthopedic physician who can make that diagnosis. Sometimes we find that mild pain in the wrist could end up being a fracture, while severe pain could be just a sprain. Therefore, the best decision is to get your injury evaluated by a physician who may use diagnostic testing to confirm their diagnosis.
You dont want to find out too late that you had a broken bone or that you have a severe sprain. This could lead to improper healing or deformity or even necrosis of the bone.
Dr. Garry Kitay states that although most wrist injuries can be treated with bracing and rest, certain conditions need urgent attention to avoid long term harm. These include several types of ligament ruptures and unstable fractures. If your pain is severe, or you are not improving quickly, seek medical attention. Dr. Kitay is a board-certified physician by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and he practices at the JOI San Marco location.
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