Knee Injury Sustained While Playing Hockey
I am a 14-year-old, standing approximately 5'11" tall and weighing around 180 pounds. I do not smoke, use vaping products, or consume any illicit drugs, but I have some concerns regarding my injury. Recently, my hockey skates were improperly sharpened, which made it difficult for me to stop effectively while skating. When I attempted to brake, I lost my balance and crashed knee-first into the boards. This incident occurred around four hours ago. Since then, I have been applying ice frequently to the affected area. Currently, I am experiencing a mild limp, and my knee is noticeably swollen; however, I have not observed any bruising as of now. I have yet to consult a physician about this injury.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 7:10:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's good that you're taking proactive steps with your knee injury. Based on your description, it seems like you might be dealing with a sprain or strain, which can cause swelling and discomfort. Here’s some information and guidance on how to care for your knee effectively.
Main Points:
- Current Symptoms: You're experiencing knee swelling and a mild limp with no bruising observed.
- Initial Care: Ice application is a good first step. It helps reduce swelling and pain.
Explanation:
When you crashed knee-first into the boards, your knee likely experienced a force that could have caused an injury to the ligaments, tendons, or even the joint itself. Mild swelling indicates an inflammatory response, which is common after such injuries. Since you haven't seen bruising yet, it's possible that the injury is not severe, but you should still monitor it closely.
Next Steps:
- Continue Ice Application: Keep applying ice to your knee for 15-20 minutes every hour as much as possible. Make sure to wrap the ice in a cloth to protect your skin.
- Rest Your Knee: Avoid putting weight on the injured leg. If you're limping, it's a sign to give it time to heal. Use crutches if necessary, or try to elevate the leg when you can to reduce swelling.
- Compression: Consider using an elastic wrap or knee brace to provide support and further decrease swelling. Just be careful not to wrap it too tightly to avoid restricting circulation.
- Monitor Symptoms: Over the next few days, keep an eye on your swelling and pain. If pain starts to increase or you begin to experience severe pain, inability to move the knee, or increase in swelling, it would be important to seek medical advice promptly.
- Gentle Movement: When the pain decreases, you can begin gentle range-of-motion exercises to avoid stiffness. Start with simple movements such as bending and straightening your knee gradually.
Remember, if at any point you have concerns about your symptoms or if they worsen, seeking care from a healthcare provider would be advisable. Healing can take time, so be patient with yourself as you recover. Let me know if you need more information or assistance!
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