Knee Injury Inquiry: What Could It Be? 🤔 (37/m)
Greetings, Ask Docs, I have a quick query to pose. I’m a hockey goalie and sustained an injury to my left knee during last night's match. I wasn't executing any unusual maneuvers, but something felt off, and I’d rate the pain at around 5 out of 10. There was no sensation of popping or tearing, but I do notice slight swelling right beneath the kneecap. The discomfort seems localized in the kneecap area or just behind it. Remarkably, I can fully bear weight and maintain balance on the injured leg, even while wearing my goalie gear, which adds considerable weight. The pain primarily occurs when I rise from a seated position; specifically, pushing off with my left leg elicits discomfort. Conversely, if I'm standing firmly on that leg, I don't experience any issues. I do feel occasional twinges, particularly when rotating my foot inward, similar to the position of sitting cross-legged, though this happens infrequently. Using my walking pad at home seems beneficial, allowing me to walk without any problems. I also have no difficulty fully extending my knee, and I’m not sensing any structural issues or instability. There’s no pain upon palpation, and it feels like the condition has eased somewhat overnight. I’m hopeful it's just a mild strain and not related to any serious ligament injuries involving the ACL, MCL, or PCL. I've reached out to my doctor, but the earliest appointment is next week, prompting me to seek some insights here. I’m wary of any potential for more severe damage in the interim since the pain is manageable and doesn’t seem to hinder my activities significantly. Thank you for your input! :)
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 9:50:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve experienced a possible mild knee injury, and it’s great to hear you can still bear weight and maintain your activities. Your symptoms—localized pain near the kneecap, slight swelling, and some discomfort when pushing off—suggest that it could be a mild strain or perhaps something related to patellar tendinopathy or bursitis, rather than a serious ligament injury.
Explanation:
Given that you did not experience a popping sensation and can perform most activities without severe pain, it is less likely you're dealing with a major ligament injury (like an ACL or MCL tear). The symptoms you describe, especially the localized pain and swelling beneath the kneecap, often point to overuse or strain injuries that can occur in sports, particularly for a goalie who frequently maneuvers in a crouched position.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Avoid Aggravating Activities: Limit any activities that could worsen the injury, particularly movements that require quick pivots or aggressive pushes with your left leg.
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Ice the Knee: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to your knee for 15-20 minutes every couple of hours during the day to reduce swelling. Ensure you do not apply ice directly to the skin.
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Compression and Elevation: Consider using a knee brace or compression wrap to help reduce swelling. Elevate your knee when sitting or lying down, propping it up on pillows to facilitate drainage.
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Gentle Range of Motion Exercises: As you’re already walking, continue to do so gently. Avoid any rotations that cause pain. Simple movements to flex and extend your knee without weight (like seated leg raises) are beneficial.
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Pain Management: If needed, over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. Follow dosing instructions as per the package guide.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms over the next few days. If you notice increased swelling, severe pain, an inability to bear weight, or instability in the knee, it is essential to seek medical evaluation sooner.
Since your doctor will be able to provide more personalized care next week, this interim strategy can help manage your symptoms effectively until then. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution with injuries, especially in active individuals like yourself. Take care, and I hope for a speedy recovery!
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