Knee Bump Concern
Approximately six weeks ago, I was engaged in a game of ball hockey when I received a strong blow to the outer side of my knee. This occurred directly on the tibial plateau, and since I wasn’t wearing any protective padding, the impact was quite severe. There was a minor cut that bled a little, but I was able to walk around for a couple of days without experiencing significant pain or my leg giving way. Interestingly, I attended a concert shortly after and felt perfectly fine with no discomfort. Recently, I’ve noticed a firm bump on that knee when I compare it to my other one. It gives the impression that there might be a small fragment of bone sticking out a bit. Based on my understanding, it doesn’t seem plausible that I have a fracture, as I would expect to be in noticeable pain if that were the case. I’m still capable of running, biking, climbing stairs, working out, and participating in other activities with no restrictions on movement or discomfort. The only time I experience a bit of pain is when I rise from the floor and place my weight directly on that area. It’s a sharp stinging sensation, but I manage to remain stable. I suspect this might simply be a significant bone bruise that is taking longer to recover, but I’d appreciate hearing additional opinions on the matter. Thank you!
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 4:50:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the bump on your knee after sustaining an injury. Given your description and the activities you can still perform without significant discomfort, it’s likely to be a benign condition such as a bone bruise, a soft tissue injury, or a localized swelling rather than a fracture.
Explanation: After a strong impact like yours, it’s common for the body to respond with inflammation and healing processes which can lead to swelling or bumps. The firm bump you feel could be due to several factors including:
- Bone bruise or contusion: This is a common consequence of trauma, where blood accumulates in the bone and surrounding tissues, leading to swelling.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac) near your knee could also cause swelling.
- Possible small bone irregularities: Although rare, a hard bump might indicate some changes in the bone structure at the site of impact.
Since you have minimal pain and can perform activities without hindrance, it reduces the likelihood of a significant injury like a fracture.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bump. If it starts to grow in size, becomes painful, or if you notice swelling that limits your movement, it would be important to take further action.
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R.I.C.E. Method: When you experience pain, try the Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (R.I.C.E.) method to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Rest the knee when feeling any pain and avoid activities that increase discomfort.
- Ice the area for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
- Use a compression bandage to help reduce swelling.
- Elevate your knee when resting to help with any swelling.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: As you’re still active, continue to gently stretch and strengthen the muscles around your knee, as long as it doesn’t cause pain. This can aid in healing and provide stability.
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Avoid Pain Triggers: Pay attention to activities that cause pain, like rising from the floor. Modify your movements to prevent re-injury.
If you notice significant changes in symptoms, such as increased pain, swelling, or instability, consider seeking a medical evaluation for imaging if necessary. But for now, your approach seems well-directed toward monitoring and self-care. Let me know if you need more specific advice!
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