Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Knee Injury Treatment
Call 911 if:
The knee or leg bones look deformed.
The person can't bear weight on the leg.
The pain is extreme.
There is immediate swelling, tingling, or numbness below the knee.
1. Control Swelling
Use the RICE method:
Rest the knee.
Ice the area.
Compress with a wrap or elastic sleeve.
Elevate the knee as much as possible.
2. Treat Symptoms
For pain, give over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
3. When to Call a Doctor
Make an appointment with a doctor if you still have pain after two weeks of home treatment, if the knee becomes warm, or if you have fever along with a painful, swollen knee.
4. Follow Up
If you seek medical help, the doctor will examine the knee and may do X-rays or other methods of imaging. Medical treatments may include anti-inflammatory drugs, draining fluid, physical therapy, crutches or braces, or surgery.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCES:
Merck Manual: "Knee Injuries."
McKinley Health Center, University of Illinois: "Overuse Knee Injuries."