Ongoing Knee Discomfort Six Weeks Post-Injury – MRI Results Awaited
Hello everyone! I'm reaching out on behalf of my fiancé, and any guidance you can offer would be invaluable: - **Age/Gender**: 36/Male - **Height/Weight**: 180 cm (5’10”), 82 kg (180 lbs) - **Current Medication/Drugs**: None *About six weeks ago, he experienced a significant impact to the side of his kneecap while dismounting from his bicycle. Since that incident, he has noticed a gradual increase in both pain and difficulty moving the knee, despite attempting rest, elevation, and ice therapy. At this point, he has had to start using crutches for mobility.* *Here are his current symptoms:* - Intense discomfort around the front and lateral aspects of the knee, particularly when navigating stairs, pivoting, or bearing weight. - No apparent swelling or bruising has been observed at any stage. - An ultrasound conducted by an osteopath indicated a small hematoma in the bursa area located in front of the kneecap. - An MRI was conducted today, and we are expecting the orthopedic assessment by next week. Thank you for any insights you can provide!
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 8:11:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your fiancé has been experiencing significant knee discomfort following an injury, and it's great that an MRI is on the way for further evaluation. Let's look at the situation and outline some key points and steps to take while waiting for further assessment.
Main Points
- Ongoing pain after a knee injury can stem from various issues such as ligament injury, meniscus damage, or inflammation.
- Using crutches is a wise decision to minimize stress on the knee.
- Adequate rest, gentle movement as tolerated, and monitoring of symptoms are crucial right now.
Explanation
From your description, the impact to his knee may have caused more than just a temporary strain, especially since pain and mobility issues are worsening. A small hematoma in the bursa suggests localized bleeding and may contribute to discomfort. The symptoms you mention—intense pain during movement and difficulty with certain activities—indicate that rest and protection of the knee remain important until the MRI results provide a clearer diagnosis.
Next Steps
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Continue Crutch Use: To limit weight-bearing on the affected knee, maintaining mobility with crutches will help avoid exacerbating his symptoms.
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Pain Management: If he hasn't been using any over-the-counter pain relief, medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort and inflammation. Ensure he follows the recommended dosages.
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Gentle Movement: Encourage him to perform gentle range-of-motion exercises as tolerated to prevent stiffness, avoiding any activity that causes sharp pain—think of movements such as slowly bending and straightening the leg.
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Cold Therapy: Continuing to apply ice to the knee for 15-20 minutes every few hours can help manage pain and inflammation.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on any changes in his symptoms, including increased pain, swelling, or any new symptoms. Document these to discuss during the orthopedic follow-up.
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Prepare for the Orthopedic Appointment: Collect any previous medical notes and symptoms to share with the orthopedic specialist. Discuss how the pain is affecting his daily life and mobility.
While waiting for the MRI results and orthopedic consultation, focus on these steps to support his knee's recovery. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further clarification!
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