A knee dislocation isn’t a common injury, but it is a serious one. If a knee dislocation does happen to you, it’s essential that you know how to quickly treat your injury and take the best steps to recovery.
What Is a Knee Dislocation?
Most knee dislocations occur as a result of major traumatic events like falls, car crashes, and other high-speed accidents. Athletes like soccer and football players are especially vulnerable to knee dislocation.
The knee dislocates when the bones are knocked out of place. Since the bones of the knee are held together by ligaments, a knee dislocation automatically causes a ligament tear as well.
Symptoms of a Dislocated Knee
The pain caused by knee dislocation makes the injury fairly obvious, but these following symptoms also confirm the injury:
- Severe swelling around the knee
- The leg will not straighten
- Kneecap is loose and can be moved and shifted easily
- Horizontal dislocation of the kneecap
- Numbness or no pulses in the foot
How to Recover From Your Dislocated Knee
It is very important to seek treatment for your knee dislocation immediately due to the widespread damage caused by this injury.
Your orthopedic doctor will evaluate your knee damage and determine how to best treat it. If the damage isn’t too severe, your doctor will pop your bone back into place. You will need to wear a splint for a few weeks to ensure your knee can heal without moving or bearing weight. You’ll use crutches or a wheelchair to get around.
It’s also possible that your doctor will recommend surgery to correct your dislocation and remediate other issue such as torn ligaments, nerve damage, and blood vessel damage. For best results, your knee dislocation treatment should include physical therapy and rehabilitation for a year.
Be sure to see a qualified orthopedic surgeon and knee expert for your knee dislocation treatment. As soon as your injury occurs, call (941) 485-1505 to schedule an appointment at Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine in Venice, Florida.