Acute knee pain treatment by India's top orthopedic surgeon

Overview

Acute knee pain—pain that comes on suddenly due to an injury or a flare-up—requires immediate attention to prevent further damage. If you are experiencing sudden pain, here is a guide on how to manage it, when to see a specialist like Dr. Rajeev Verma, and the medical treatments available.

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Immediate First Aid: The RICE Method

For the first 48 to 72 hours after an injury or sudden onset of pain, doctors recommend the RICE protocol to control swelling and protect the joint:

• Rest: Stop any activity that causes pain. Avoid putting weight on the knee; use a cane or crutch if necessary.
• Ice: Apply a cold pack (wrapped in a thin towel) for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours. This constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling and numbs the pain.
• Compression: Use an elastic bandage or a knee sleeve. It should be snug but not so tight that it causes numbness or tingling in your foot.
• Elevation: Keep your knee propped up on pillows so it is above the level of your heart whenever you are sitting or lying down.

When is Acute Knee Pain an Emergency?

While many minor strains heal with rest, you should seek urgent medical care at Manipal Hospital if you experience:

• A "popping" sound at the moment of injury.
• The knee "locking" or being unable to fully straighten/bend.
• Inability to bear any weight on the leg.
• Obvious deformity or a kneecap that looks out of place.
• Sudden, severe swelling (within the first hour of injury).
• Fever along with a red, hot, and swollen knee (sign of infection).

Advanced Medical Treatments

If the pain doesn't subside with home care, Dr. Rajeev Verma may recommend specialized interventions:

1. Diagnostic Imaging

• To see exactly what’s happening inside, tools like Digital X-rays (to check for fractures) or MRI scans (to check for ligament/meniscus tears) are used.

2. Aspiration (Fluid Removal)

• If the knee is "grossly swollen," a doctor may use a fine needle to drain excess fluid. This immediately reduces pressure and pain.

3. Regenerative Injections

• Corticosteroids: To rapidly reduce severe inflammation.
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Using your own blood's healing factors to repair minor tears in ligaments or tendons.

4. Minimally Invasive Arthroscopy

• If there is a significant tear (like an ACL or Meniscus tear), Dr. Verma specializes in keyhole surgery. This uses tiny incisions and a camera to repair the damage, leading to a much faster recovery than traditional surgery.

Helpful Tips for Recovery

• Avoid Heat Initially: Do not use heating pads or hot baths for the first 48 hours, as heat can increase swelling.
• Over-the-Counter Relief: Topical gels (like Diclofenac) or oral medications (like Ibuprofen) can help, but consult a doctor if you have heart or kidney concerns.
• Gentle Movement: Once the sharp pain fades, gentle "quad sets" (tightening the thigh muscle) can help maintain strength without straining the joint.