Could My Fall Have Caused Knee Injury?
Hello everyone! I’m an 18-year-old female, standing at 5'5". I suffer from hypermobility disorder, which causes my knees to be particularly flexible. To avoid hyperextension and frequent dislocations, I usually rely on crutches for mobility. Recently, while attempting to ascend an abrupt slope, I had a minor fall (thankfully, I managed to catch myself before hitting the ground). Currently, my knee isn't notably swollen, but I am experiencing significant difficulty putting weight on it or bending it, as even slight movements result in considerable pain. The discomfort seems to be concentrated deeply within the joint, especially towards the lower right section of my knee. I’m looking for any insights regarding what might be going on with my knee. Any suggestions?
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 9:50:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your knee, especially given your hypermobility disorder and the recent fall. Based on your description, it’s possible that the fall may have caused a strain, sprain, or even a minor injury to the structures within your knee joint, even if there is no noticeable swelling.
Explanation:
Hypermobility can increase the risk of injuries to joints, particularly with falls or awkward movements. Your symptoms of pain when bearing weight or attempting to bend the knee suggest that something might be irritated or injured, regardless of whether there's external swelling. The discomfort in the lower right section of your knee may indicate issues with ligaments, tendons, or the cartilage, such as a sprain or even patellar tendonitis.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Protection: Avoid putting weight on your affected knee. Continuing to use crutches can help prevent further strain.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to your knee for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours. This can help reduce pain and manage any potential swelling that may arise.
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Elevation: When resting, elevate your leg on a pillow above the level of your heart. This can help reduce any swelling that may develop and promote healing.
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Gentle Range of Motion: When comfortable and after a couple of days, gently move your knee through a pain-free range to maintain flexibility. However, avoid forcing any movements that cause pain.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage your pain. Follow dosing instructions and consider any personal health restrictions you may have.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including increased pain, swelling, or difficulty moving your knee.
If your knee pain does not improve significantly within a week, consider seeking professional evaluation to rule out more serious injuries.
Remember, your comfort and safety are the most important things right now, so take good care of yourself. If you have more concerns or symptoms change, feel free to ask for further guidance.
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