Knee Contusion Solution Details
 Knee Contusion
A knee contusion is bruising
of the knee that occurs when direct impact to the knee causes bruising
of the soft tissues or the bones. This can result from a fall, car
accident, or contact injury during sports. Bone bruising can occur as a
result of a direct blow to the bone, compression of bones against each
other (as might occur when a joint dislocates), or extreme traction on joint surfaces (as when part
of the bone fractures off).
Contusions are caused by broken blood vessels under the skin or in the
bone marrow. The escaping blood collects in the area of the injury and
may become sore as the tissues are saturated with the escaped blood.
Soft tissue contusions are
generally nothing more than a nuisance. They can dissipate in one to
several weeks, depending on the size of the injury. Bone contusions may
take longer to heal and may coincide with damage to ligaments,
cartilage, and tendons.
A mild knee contusion that
doesn't cause significant pain or interfere with function may not need
medical evaluation.
If pain and swelling persist for a week or are significant, see a
primary care physician. Your
doctor will look for characteristic swelling, feel for warmth, and test
your motion and strength. She or he may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for further
evaluation, or recommend physical therapy if a severe soft tissue or bone contusion is suspected.
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