Knee Injury Two Weeks Later: Should I Worry?
I’m a 30-year-old female figure skater and recently took a hard fall on my knee. It happened while I was simply skating forward, nothing complicated at all. Initially, I didn’t feel much pain, so I kept going and later utilized the RICE method once I got off the ice. After that, I took a brief break from skating and also reduced my time and intensity on the ice for a couple of days. Throughout this time, I haven’t had any issues bearing weight on it. Although there was significant swelling immediately following the fall, it subsided fairly quickly. At this moment, the knee appears normal, similar to the one that hasn’t been injured. However, I still experience discomfort when kneeling or hitting it lightly, which are sensations I normally wouldn’t even notice. The pain seems localized around the patella area. Strangely, I don’t feel any soreness during regular movements like walking, jumping, or twisting. Initially, I also felt discomfort along the outer bend of my knee, but that has since improved. **Could this be a simple bruise, allowing me to return to my routine while using knee protection during sports until the pain alleviates? Or might this require imaging for further evaluation?** I reside in the United States, and my insurance isn’t great, so I prefer to avoid unnecessary expenses if monitoring the situation is a viable option.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 1:30:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been proactive in managing your knee injury, and your approach has helped alleviate swelling and restore normal functions. Based on your description, you might be dealing with a minor bruise or soft tissue injury around the patella. Here’s how to assess your situation further and what steps to take next.
Explanation
Injuries from falls can sometimes cause localized bruising or irritation without major structural damage, especially if you're still able to bear weight and perform regular movements without significant pain. The discomfort you're experiencing when kneeling or lightly tapping is not uncommon and may indicate some underlying soft tissue inflammation or bruising.
Next Steps
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Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your pain or swelling. Note if any activities worsen your discomfort.
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Modify Activities: Gradually return to your skating routine, but consider using knee protection (like a knee brace or padding) for added support during activities, especially those that may put pressure on your knee.
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Rest and Ice as Needed: If you notice any increase in pain or swelling after activities, return to using the RICE method. Rest, ice, compress, and elevate as necessary to help manage any flare-ups.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate light stretching and strengthening exercises for the knee to maintain flexibility and support recovery, avoiding any that cause pain.
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Evaluate Pain Levels: If the discomfort persists or worsens over the next week, particularly if you start experiencing pain during regular movements or if any new symptoms arise (like locking, instability, or increased swelling), consider seeking imaging studies like an ultrasound or MRI to evaluate for potential cartilage damage or other injuries.
By following this plan, you can gradually assess your knee health and decide if further evaluation is necessary while managing your current discomfort effectively. Let me know if you need support with exercises or any other details!
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