Seeking Advice on Knee Pain After Injury
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for some guidance. I’m a 20-year-old female residing in the UK. I was prescribed co-codamol, naproxen, sertraline, and contraceptive pills; I don’t use illegal drugs but I do vape occasionally. In 2023, I was involved in a moped accident that resulted in a broken femur. Subsequently, I had a metal rod and screws surgically implanted in my femur and knee. Since the accident, I have experienced persistent pain in my knee, along with a crackling sound in the area where the screws are located. The swelling has been significant, approximately three times larger than it should be. Despite numerous visits to the doctor where I was prescribed co-codamol for pain relief and naproxen for inflammation, neither has proven effective in alleviating my symptoms. I have undergone several X-rays and MRI scans to assess whether there are issues with the metal implants, but the results have been inconclusive. After a recent MRI, the medical team suggested it could possibly be a hematoma. However, since my accident occurred in 2023, they believe it may be bursitis instead. From my research, I’ve learned that bursitis typically doesn’t cause crackling in the joints, a symptom I never had prior to my injury, leading me to question the accuracy of this diagnosis. The medical professionals, including the surgeon who performed the operation, seem somewhat reluctant to provide more assistance. Given the timeframe, is it plausible for bursitis to occur without the characteristic crackling? Additionally, I’m curious about potential treatments if the anti-inflammatory medications fail to provide relief. I’m apprehensive about undergoing further surgery, so I’m hoping for a solution like aspiration, although I’ve heard that such issues can recur.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 7:20:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're managing a challenging situation with your knee pain following your moped accident, and it's understandable to feel concerned about the persistent symptoms you are experiencing. Let's focus on what you're hoping to achieve: relief from pain and a clearer understanding of your condition.
Overview
Knee pain following an injury, especially where surgery and metal implants are involved, can be complex. Bursitis can indeed develop post-injury and may not always cause crackling. However, the persistent symptoms you're describing, including swelling and ineffective pain relief from medications, warrant attention.
Explanation
- Possible Conditions: Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa (small sacs of fluid that cushion joints) and may not always exhibit classic symptoms. Your knee’s crackling could indicate other issues such as a loosened implant, scar tissue, or cartilage problems.
- Imaging: While X-rays and MRIs provide valuable insights, they won't always capture soft tissue problems. Your doctors' suggestion of a hematoma indicates they are aware of potential complications; however, it may be worth exploring further options or seeking additional opinions.
- Pain Management: With anti-inflammatory medications not providing sufficient relief, exploring alternative methods becomes necessary.
Next Steps
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Self-Care:
- Rest and Elevate: Reduce activity involving the knee, and elevate it as much as possible to lessen swelling.
- Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the knee for 15-20 minutes every few hours to help with swelling and pain.
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Physical Therapy: Consider starting a program with a physical therapist who specializes in post-operative rehabilitation. They can provide exercises to strengthen the knee and improve its functioning without putting too much strain on it.
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Consultation:
- Second Opinion: If your current medical team is reluctant to provide more assistance, seeking a second opinion from a knee specialist or an orthopedic surgeon who has experience with post-surgical complications is advisable.
- Pain Management Specialist: You may also want to consult a pain management specialist to explore new strategies or treatments (such as injections) that might provide relief.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary, noting patterns in your pain, swelling, and any other changes. This documentation can help healthcare providers understand your experience better.
While the situation can feel overwhelming at times, focusing on these next steps can help provide clarity and hopefully lead to improvement in your symptoms. Please know that you're not alone in seeking answers, and persistent issues like these can often require a multifaceted approach to find relief. Let me know if you need more detailed information on any particular step!
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