Problems with knee following an injury

Posted , 7 users are following.

Hello,  I am a firefighter that was injured on the job about 2 months ago.  I had my leg wrapped up with a large diameter hose that was pulled forcibly causing a twisting motion.  I felt a pop and pain radiated through my knee and leg. I stayed in a standing position the entire time but shifted my weight to my unhurt leg after the intial injury.  The leg and knee felt weak and I had trouble walking up any inclines.  I went to the ER and they did X-rays and found nothing broken.  They referred my to a occupation therapist.  I iced the knee, with compression, elevation and Ibuprofen for a couple days before the appointment.  The day of the appointment it was feeling much better, I was able to do the movements in the appointment with little pain and a small amount of swelling.  I was cleared to go back to work.  I had a hint of trouble when leaving the appointment, I tried to walk down some stairs and it was difficult and painful.  Going up not much problem just going down.  I was on an EMS call a couple days later and had to walk up some stairs to a 2nd floor apartment,  I needed to carry approximately 6o - 70 lbs of equipment up the stairs but almost couldn't because of the intense pain that shot through my knee.  I saw my doctor who stated it was a ligament strain that would take months to heal.  I have had some improvement in the knee but I have found when I pull on my leg such as from tripping or catching my foot on something I have that intense pain that shoots through my knee with weakness in my leg.  This is followed up with immediate swelling.  My question is do I just keep using the RICE method or do I need to see a specialist.  Is this normal for a ligament sprain?    

2 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    I would never hesitate on seeing a specialist. An X-ray will not shiw anything regarding soft tissue ( ligaments, muscles, etc.). Sounds like you may need an MRI, but an orthopedic specialist is a better bet for you.

    Good luck!

  • Posted

    Hi Angel, I'm a registered nurse who sustained a R meniscus tear interacting with a combative psych patient. I saw a specialist that informed me the tear was all the way across into the area that doesn't get blood supply so it won't heal. No guarantees by doing an arthroscopic surgery. You need MRI for definitive diagnosis. Pain went away after few months and I was good for 3 years. Now it is showtime. Need a full TKR. 
  • Posted

    YES ASAP Try to see a Knee & lower limb specialist. If your nesr Newcastle Proff Deehan is the man. Elsewhere I dont know. An orthopaedic opinion is essential. but RICE until then

    It might be an idea if people put down their country as we have such differing availability to medical services we can access and the meds prescribed.

    Im UK and use NHS and choose & book through my GP

  • Posted

    See a specialist  dont be pushed around..you need your knees.

    Good Luck

  • Posted

    definitely see a specialist. Your doc can't really know what the problem is without the proper tests, andan xray shows nothing but bone really . . you need a magnetic resonance to show what soft tissue damage there is, or possible meniscus  . . .Two months is a long time. Doesn't look as if it is just going to get better on its own!

     

  • Posted

    Hello Angel from Chicago,

    There are no accidents in life. I went on this site for the first time today after being diagnosed with a torn meniscus, left knee. Only an MRI can identify this injury. My orthopeduc surgeon gave me a shot in the knee . Should bring relef in a few days and hopefully last for months. When it flares up, ice the knee for 20 minutes, 600 mg ibuprofen every 6 hours. I'm wearing a knee support stocking and it helps a lot. One more thing. Years ago I had the cartlidge and ligament (menis) f

    around my right knee. This surgery did not limit me from having an active, pain free life for many years. I was able to do everything.

    Get yourself a good orthopedic surgeon. You do not have to suffer.

    Thankyou for your heroic work as an EMT.

    Wishing you the best,

    Trudi D

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.