Post-Fall Discomfort
A 46-year-old female in overall good health sustained an injury on February 21, 2025, after taking a tumble, landing heavily on her left knee. Initial X-rays showed no signs of any fractures, leading the physician assistant to suspect a possible bone contusion. Fast forward to March 17, and while the kneecap remains sensitive to pressure—something anticipated—there’s an unexpected development: the knee experiences discomfort when wearing flip-flops. Should this issue prompt a consultation with an orthopedic specialist, or could it be a normal aspect of the healing process?
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 4:40:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about ongoing discomfort after a knee injury, especially when symptoms change. In your case, it sounds like you're experiencing sensitivity and discomfort when wearing certain footwear, which could be part of the healing process but warrants attention.
After sustaining an injury like a bone contusion, it’s normal for sensitivity and discomfort to persist, especially during activities that put pressure on the affected area. However, if you notice an increase in discomfort, or if the knee feels unstable or swells significantly, this could indicate an issue that needs further evaluation.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your discomfort. Pay attention to what activities or footwear worsen your symptoms and note any swelling, instability, or changes in pain level.
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Modify Footwear: Since you experience discomfort with flip-flops, consider switching to supportive footwear that offers more cushioning and stability, which may alleviate pressure on your knee.
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Rest and Ice: Ensure you’re allowing your knee adequate rest and applying ice to reduce inflammation, especially after any activity that aggravates your symptoms.
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Gentle Exercises: Start incorporating gentle range-of-motion exercises and stretches to promote healing and maintain mobility. Avoid high-impact activities that might strain the knee.
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Consultation Consideration: If discomfort persists or worsens, or if you experience additional symptoms like swelling or instability, it would be prudent to consult an orthopedic specialist for a thorough evaluation.
Listening to your body and seeking care as needed is essential in the healing process. If you have more specific questions or notice further changes, feel free to reach out.
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