Swollen Knee in an Auto Accident
One of the most common injuries that people might suffer in a car accident is a swollen knee. A swollen knee can be a sign of any number of different injuries because injury sites swell as part of the healing process. If someone has suffered a swollen knee, it is essential to think about the possible injuries that this could signify. Some of these might even require surgery.
Possible Causes of a Swollen Knee
A swollen knee can be a terrifying injury. People might not know exactly what is wrong with their leg. Some of the possible injuries that physicians might consider include:
- A knee contusion
- A dislocated knee
- Torn ligaments such as the ACL, MCL, PCL, or LCL
- A knee sprain
- Fracture of the patella
- A tear of the meniscus
While some of these injuries are relatively minor, others are significant injuries that could require surgical repair. These could also lead to long-term mobility issues that can impair someone’s quality of life.
Treatment Options Following a Serious Knee Injury
The treatment options for a swollen knee are going to vary depending on the diagnosis. In some cases, imaging might not be required. This might be true if a thorough physical exam reveals a normal range of motion with adequate strength and mobility. In other cases, imaging might be needed. X-rays are typically first to identify possible joint effusions and bone fractures. After this, if significant joint laxity is present or if the mechanism is consistent with a torn ligament, an MRI might be needed. This can help identify torn ligaments, soft tissue damage, and even blood vessel problems. Some of the possible treatment options include:
Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Tylenol and Motrin play a crucial role in the treatment of a swollen knee. They can help reduce pain but also reduce swelling. If the swelling goes down, it is easier for the doctor to identify possible signs of an injury.
Pain Medications: If Tylenol and Motrin do not completely remove the pain, stronger medicines could be needed. These could include Morphine, Lortab, and Percocet. Importantly, these medications can have serious side effects and can also be addictive. They should be used with caution.
Surgery: If a torn ligament is identified, if blood vessels are ruptured, or if a knee dislocation cannot be reduced, surgery is needed. For those who have a torn ligament, a small sliver of the hamstring is often used to fashion a new ligament.
Watch YouTube Video: Chiropractic Treatments: How to Treat Swollen Joints. In this video, Dr. Hans Delfo demonstrates how to treat swollen joints by applying the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Contacting an Injury Attorney
Knee injuries have the potential to be serious and some of them could require surgery. If a loved one needs knee surgery following a serious auto accident, this can be a stressful time. Families might have trouble figuring out what they should do next. A good first step is speaking with an experienced Sacramento personal injury attorney. Some of the ways that a compassionate lawyer can help include:
- Taking a look through the records of the accident to make sure that none of the important details have been overlooked.
- Working with professionals who can reconstruct the accident, making sure that the mechanism is correct.
- Assisting families in seeking damages related to their injuries, any complications, and even emotional distress.
- Shifting a case to the courtroom when required.
Those in need of assistance should reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento today. You and your family members may be deserving of a significant financial award.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. A swollen knee can be a challenging injury to assess because while some cases might be minor, others might involve torn ligaments that require surgery. Anyone who has suffered a knee injury in a motor vehicle collision, should reach out to my office today at (800) 404-5400 or toll-free using (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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