Knee Injury Treatment

In this article

• Call 911 if:
• 1. Control Swelling
• 2. Treat Symptoms
• 3. When to Call a Doctor
• 4. Follow Up

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.

• 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

• 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.