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Hematoma of knee. Knee Contusion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

by alexxlab

What are the common causes of knee contusions. How can you recognize the symptoms of a knee contusion. What are the most effective treatment options for knee contusions. When should you seek medical attention for a knee contusion. How long does recovery from a knee contusion typically take.

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Understanding Knee Contusions: A Comprehensive Overview

A knee contusion, also known as a bruised knee, is a mild sports injury that occurs when the knee experiences direct impact or blunt trauma. This injury results in damage to small blood vessels, causing blood to leak under the skin and leading to characteristic swelling and bruising. While knee contusions can be uncomfortable and temporarily impair normal knee function, they typically resolve quickly with proper care and treatment.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Knee Contusions

Knee contusions primarily result from direct blows to the knee area. These injuries are particularly common in contact sports, where the risk of collision or impact is high. Some of the sports most associated with knee contusions include:

  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Basketball

In these sports, players are more likely to experience knee-to-knee contact, falls onto hard surfaces, or impacts from equipment or other objects. However, knee contusions can occur in any situation where the knee is subjected to sudden, forceful impact.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Knee Contusion

Identifying a knee contusion is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. The most common symptoms include:

  • Pain and stiffness in the knee
  • Ecchymosis (black and blue bruising) and/or redness
  • Swelling of the knee
  • Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg

Despite these symptoms, individuals with knee contusions can typically apply some pressure to the knee and maintain limited movement, albeit with discomfort. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the force of impact and the specific area of the knee affected.

Is knee pain always indicative of a contusion?

No, knee pain can be caused by various factors, including sprains, strains, or more severe injuries like ligament tears. A proper medical evaluation is necessary to differentiate between a simple contusion and other potentially more serious conditions.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Knee Contusion

While most knee contusions don’t require extensive medical intervention, certain circumstances warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. You should consult a doctor if:

  • Swelling and pain worsen over time instead of improving
  • You experience extensive bruising or swelling in your knee
  • You have significant difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
  • The pain persists or intensifies despite home treatment

During a medical evaluation, your doctor will inquire about the circumstances of your injury, assess your symptoms, and conduct a physical examination of your knee. To rule out more serious injuries, they may order diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans to get a clearer view of the knee’s bones and soft tissues.

Can a knee contusion be mistaken for a more serious injury?

Yes, the symptoms of a knee contusion can sometimes mimic those of more severe injuries, such as meniscus tears or ligament sprains. This is why professional medical evaluation is important, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

Effective Non-Operative Treatment Options for Knee Contusions

Knee contusions are typically managed through conservative, non-surgical treatments. The most effective approaches include:

  1. Elevation of the knee and ankle to reduce swelling
  2. Use of crutches or a cane to minimize weight-bearing on the affected leg
  3. Application of a simple knee bandage or neoprene sleeve for support
  4. Rest, including taking a break from sports and strenuous activities
  5. Ice therapy (applied every one to two hours for 20 minutes)
  6. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

It’s important to note that heat should be avoided during the first 24-48 hours after injury to prevent increased bleeding and swelling. For severe contusions, treatment under the guidance of a physical therapist or athletic trainer is often recommended. These professionals can provide tailored advice on safe return-to-sport protocols.

What is the RICE method, and how does it apply to knee contusions?

The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is a widely used approach for managing acute soft tissue injuries, including knee contusions. This method helps reduce pain and swelling while promoting healing in the affected area.

Therapeutic Exercises for Knee Contusion Recovery

As part of the recovery process, specific exercises can help restore strength and flexibility to the affected knee. These exercises should be initiated within a few days of the injury, under the guidance of a healthcare professional. A typical progression includes:

  1. Gentle stretching exercises to maintain flexibility
  2. Isometric exercises to begin rebuilding strength
  3. Progressive weight-bearing exercises
  4. Sport-specific drills to prepare for return to play

It’s crucial to follow a structured exercise program tailored to your specific injury and recovery stage. Attempting to progress too quickly can lead to setbacks or further injury.

How soon can you start exercising after a knee contusion?

The timing for starting exercises depends on the severity of the contusion. Generally, gentle range-of-motion exercises can begin within a few days of the injury, as long as they don’t cause significant pain. More strenuous exercises should only be introduced gradually and under professional guidance.

Recovery Timeline and Return to Sports After a Knee Contusion

The recovery period for a knee contusion can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In mild cases, individuals may be able to resume normal activities after just a few days. However, more severe contusions might require several weeks of rest and rehabilitation before full function is restored.

Return to sports or strenuous activities should only occur once you have:

  • Regained full range of motion in your knee
  • Restored strength to pre-injury levels
  • Completed a graduated return-to-play protocol
  • Received clearance from your healthcare provider or athletic trainer

It’s essential to listen to your body and not rush the recovery process, as premature return to high-impact activities can increase the risk of re-injury or development of chronic issues.

What factors can influence the recovery time from a knee contusion?

Several factors can affect recovery time, including the severity of the initial injury, adherence to treatment protocols, overall health and fitness level, age, and any pre-existing knee conditions. Proper rest, following prescribed treatments, and gradually increasing activity levels under professional guidance can help optimize recovery time.

Preventing Knee Contusions in Sports and Daily Activities

While it’s not always possible to prevent knee contusions, especially in high-contact sports, certain measures can help reduce the risk:

  • Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as knee pads, during sports activities
  • Improving overall leg strength and flexibility through regular exercise
  • Practicing proper technique and form in sports and physical activities
  • Being aware of your surroundings to avoid collisions or falls
  • Gradually increasing the intensity of physical activities to allow your body to adapt

For athletes, participating in sport-specific conditioning programs can help prepare the body for the physical demands of their chosen activity, potentially reducing the risk of injuries like knee contusions.

Are some individuals more prone to knee contusions than others?

While anyone can experience a knee contusion, certain factors may increase susceptibility. These include participation in high-contact sports, having a previous history of knee injuries, or anatomical factors that affect knee alignment. However, with proper precautions and conditioning, the risk can be minimized for most individuals.

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Complications of Knee Contusions

In most cases, knee contusions heal completely without long-term consequences. However, in rare instances, complications can arise, such as:

  • Myositis ossificans: A condition where bone tissue forms within the muscle after a severe contusion
  • Chronic pain or stiffness if the injury is not properly managed
  • Increased susceptibility to future knee injuries

To minimize the risk of these complications, it’s crucial to follow proper treatment protocols and allow adequate time for healing before returning to full activity. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers can help monitor recovery and address any potential issues early on.

Can repeated knee contusions lead to long-term knee problems?

While isolated knee contusions typically heal without lasting effects, repeated injuries to the same area over time could potentially lead to chronic issues such as persistent pain, reduced range of motion, or increased vulnerability to further injuries. This underscores the importance of proper protection, treatment, and recovery after each injury.

Understanding knee contusions, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for anyone involved in sports or physical activities. By recognizing the signs early, seeking appropriate medical care when necessary, and following a structured recovery plan, individuals can effectively manage knee contusions and minimize their impact on daily life and athletic performance. Remember, while knee contusions are generally minor injuries, proper care and attention during recovery can help ensure optimal healing and prevent potential long-term complications.

Knee Contusion – Upswing Health

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Knee Contusion

A knee contusion, or bruising of the knee, is a mild sports injury that can occur as a result of a direct impact to the knee.

When a bruise or contusion occurs, the small blood vessels get damaged and blood leaks out under the skin causing the typical swelling and bruising seen in these injuries.

While a knee contusion is uncomfortable and may temporarily make it difficult to walk or use your knee normally, it’s an injury that typically resolves quickly.

Overview

A knee  contusion, or bruising of the knee, is a mild sports injury that can occur as a result of a direct impact to the knee. When a bruise or contusion occurs, the small blood vessels get damaged and blood leaks out under the skin causing the typical swelling and bruising seen in these injuries.

While a knee contusion is uncomfortable and may temporarily make it difficult to walk or use your knee normally, it’s an injury that typically resolves quickly.

What causes Knee Contusion?

A knee contusion usually results from a direct blow to the knee from an object or another person. Any blunt trauma with sufficient force to propel its energy into the muscle can cause a contusion. Contusions are often the result of sports-related injuries. Knee  contusions are common in contact sports especially the following;

 

  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Basketball

Symptoms

If you have a knee Contusion, you may have these symptoms:

  • Pain and/or stiffness in the knee
  • Ecchymoses, or ‘black and blue’ bruising and/or redness.
  • Swelling of the knee
  • Difficulty weight bearing

 

If you have a knee contusion you are usually able to put some pressure on your knee and move the knee but with some discomfort.

When to see a doctor

Although a knee contusion doesn’t usually require medical treatment, you may need to see your doctor to make sure that you don’t have a more serious injury. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you injure your knee and have swelling/pain that gets worse instead of better, have a lot of bruising or swelling in your knee,  or have trouble weight bearing. Your doctor will ask you about your injury and your symptoms and examine your knee. In order to rule out another injury, your doctor may order an  x-ray or MRI to get a better look at the bones and soft tissues of your knee.

Non-operative treatment

Knee contusions are always treated nonoperatively. Conservative treatments include:

  • Elevating the knee and ankle
  • Crutches or a cane
  • Using a simple knee bandage or neoprene sleeve
  • Rest, including taking a break from play
  • Icing your knee (every one to two hours for 20 minutes) – The general recommendation is to avoid heat during the first 24-48 hours to avoid increasing the extent of bleeding and swelling.
  • Over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if needed
  • Severe contusions are often treated by a Physical Therapist or an Athletic Trainer. They are often the best people to advise you on when it is safe to return to your sport.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

Knee Contusion

Recovery

After a knee  contusion, you may be able to restart normal activities after just a few days, though more severe contusions may require several weeks of resting your knee. You should start stretching exercises within a few days of your injury and progress to strengthening and weight-bearing  exercises, under the guidance of your doctor or physical therapist. You can return to play once you’ve regained your full range of motion and strength of your ankle and knee.

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[Acute knee hematoma–therapeutic management] – PubMed

. 2002;67(6):599-603.

[Article in

Polish]

Maciej Kentel 
1
, Wojciech Wodzisławski, Leszek Lewczyk, Krzysztof Tokarczuk

Affiliations

Affiliation

  • 1 Klinika Chirurgii Urazowej i Ortopedii, IV Wojskowy Szpital Kliniczny z Poliklinika we Wrocławiu.

  • PMID:

    12703189

[Article in

Polish]

Maciej Kentel et al.

Chir Narzadow Ruchu Ortop Pol.

2002.

. 2002;67(6):599-603.

Authors

Maciej Kentel 
1
, Wojciech Wodzisławski, Leszek Lewczyk, Krzysztof Tokarczuk

Affiliation

  • 1 Klinika Chirurgii Urazowej i Ortopedii, IV Wojskowy Szpital Kliniczny z Poliklinika we Wrocławiu.

  • PMID:

    12703189

Abstract

Authors, on the base of own material, analyse a pathogenesis of the knee haematoma and ways and possibilities of the treatment in these cases. From 1991 to 2001 we performed 2950 knee arthroscopies. Knee haematoma was the main indication to perform arthroscopy in 382 patients. Reasons of knee haematoma were: ACL isolated injury in 154 patients, ACL injury connected with MM injury and/or chondral surface rupture in 88 patients, only chondral surface rupture in 52 patients, meniscus injury in 42 patients, osteochondrosis dissecans in 24 patients, synovial fold disruption in 11 patients, patellar lateral retinaculum disruption in 11 patients. The mean age of the patients was 23.5 years (range from 15 to 47 years). We performed: meniscus suturing in 21 cases, arthroscopic meniscectomy in 31 cases, suturing of injured ACL attachment in 65 cases, resection of injured ACL in 80 cases, stabilization of separating osteochondrous part by thin wire in 24 cases, suturing of the injured lateral retinaculum in 8 cases.

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Publication types

MeSH terms

Hematoma of the knee – causes, symptoms, who treats

Hematoma of the knee – causes, symptoms, who treats

What is a knee hematoma in simple words

A knee hematoma is an accumulation of blood in the tissues around the knee joint, often as a result of a bruise or other injury. Blood leaking from damaged vessels forms a clot that causes swelling, pain, and bruising.

What should be done to diagnose and treat knee hematoma ? To solve this problem, the first step for the patient is to make an appointment with an orthopedist. After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe additional tests:

  • MRI of the knee joint
  • Arthroscopy.

Degree of hematoma of the knee joint

Degrees of severity of hematoma of the knee joint:

  • Hematoma of the knee joint I degree of severity: a slight accumulation of blood. There may be some swelling and moderate pain. The bruise may be small or absent;
  • Grade II hematoma of the knee joint: a significant amount of blood accumulates, causing more intense swelling and pain. The patient may experience limited mobility in the knee;
  • Grade III knee hematoma: Massive accumulation of blood results in significant swelling, severe pain, visible bruising, and severe limitation of mobility. The patient may need medical intervention to remove the accumulated blood.

Causes and risk factors for hematoma of the knee

Main causes and risk factors for hematoma of the knee:

  • trauma such as blows, falls or sports injuries that can damage the vessels around the knee joint;
  • knee surgery may lead to hematoma formation as a result of vascular injury;
  • a bleeding disorder caused by certain diseases or drugs may increase the risk of hematoma formation;
  • Age and general health may play a role, as older people and patients with chronic medical conditions may be at higher risk of developing hematomas.

Symptoms of knee hematoma

Main symptoms of knee hematoma:

  • Knee edema is associated with accumulation of blood in the tissues around the knee joint;
  • knee pain caused by edema pressure on surrounding tissues and nerves;
  • bruising or redness of the skin associated with the release of blood from the vessels into the tissues;
  • limited mobility of the knee joint associated with swelling and pain;
  • increased temperature of the skin around the knee associated with the inflammatory process.

Which doctor treats hematomas of the knee

The following specialists are involved in the treatment of hematomas of the knee:

  • a traumatologist specializes in the treatment of injuries, including hematomas;
  • surgeon, if the hematoma is large enough or does not decrease over time, surgery may be required to remove the accumulation of blood;
  • The therapist can observe the patient throughout the recovery process and coordinate the treatment.

How a doctor identifies the cause of a hematoma in the knee

The following diagnostic tests are ordered for the patient:

  • orthopedic examination to detect swelling, pain, bruising and limited movement in the knee;
  • Ultrasound of the knee joint reveals the accumulation of blood in the tissues around the knee joint;
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) of the knee may be helpful for examining tissues around the knee in more detail if the diagnosis is unclear or if preparation for surgery is needed.

How a doctor treats hematoma of the knee

Main methods of treatment of hematoma of the knee:

  • rest, leg elevation and ice application may help reduce swelling and pain;
  • use of compression bandages or elastic bandages to reduce swelling;
  • taking analgesics to reduce pain;
  • physiotherapy to restore function of the knee after the disappearance of the hematoma;

in some cases, if the hematoma is large or not decreasing, surgical aspiration of the hematoma may be required to remove the accumulated blood using a cannula.

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Scientific sources:

  1. Babich B.K. Traumatic dislocations and fractures / B.K. Babich. Kyiv; Zdorov’ya, 1968, – 458 e.
  2. Stamatin S.I., Manya F.L., Marin I.M. and other Intra-articular injuries of the knee joint. //Actual issues of clinical and theoretical medicine. Kishinev. -1991.- S. 114-116.
  3. Gaivoronsky I.V. Fundamentals of X-ray anatomy, computed tomography, echolocation and magnetic resonance imaging: a manual on normal anatomy and radiology / I.V. Gaivoronsky V.M. Cheremisin. – St. Petersburg: BMA, 1993. 177 p.
  4. Irismetov M.E., Kholikov A.M., Rasulov M.N. Arthroscopic diagnosis and surgery for sports trauma. // Proceedings of the 7th Congress of the Russian Arthroscopic Society M-2007. S.-5.
  5. Trachuk A.P., Shapovalov V.M., Tikhilov R.M. Fundamentals of diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee joint // St. Petersburg. -2000. 85 p.

Useful information

Baker’s cysts

What should be done to diagnose and treat a Baker’s cyst? To solve this problem, the first step for the patient is to make an appointment with an orthopedist. After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe additional studies:

Consultation with a surgeon
MRI of the knee.

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Knee injury

What should be done to diagnose and treat a bruised knee? To solve this problem, the first step for the patient is to make an appointment with an orthopedist. After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe additional studies:

MRI of the knee
CT scan of the knee
Ultrasound of soft tissues.

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Knee joint injuries

What should be done to diagnose and treat knee injuries? To solve this problem, the first step for the patient is to make an appointment with an orthopedist. After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe additional studies:

MRI of the knee
CT scan of the knee

read more +

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Minor injuries often occur in everyday life (sprains, bruises, soft tissue hematomas). They cause inconvenience with pain syndrome, swelling of tissues. It is necessary to limit the range of movements, daily labor activity.

Sometimes the problem occurs in a more serious form. There are fractures, torn ligaments. In addition to pain and tissue edema, there is a need for rigid fixation (gypsum, orthosis).

The period of unpleasant consequences of injury during sprain, tissue bruising, hematoma can be reduced if such physiotherapeutic factors are used as:

  • Magnetotherapy

  • Laser therapy

  • UHF therapy

These are factors that quickly relieve tissue swelling, reduce pain.

Magnetotherapy

This treatment reduces the time it takes for hematomas (bruises) to disappear. Sometimes hematomas occur in prominent places, for example, on the face. Their faster disappearance improves the quality of life.

The first day after sprain, rupture of ligaments, bruises and bruises, standard physiotherapy is not done. Only cryotherapy (cold) is used. But on the second day, physiotherapy is mandatory. This also applies to fractures.

The opinion is erroneous that once a plaster or bandage has been applied, no physiotherapy for a fracture is possible. Factors such as magnetotherapy, UHF – therapy belong to the group of factors based on fields. There are no barriers for the fields. They are made through plaster, clothes, bandages.

UHF therapy

Treatment with magnetotherapy provides an influx of calcium to the fracture site, thereby reducing the time spent in the cast. This also applies to UHF-therapy. This factor stimulates reparation and regeneration of bone tissue, which leads to a reduction in the patient’s immobility.

Other types of physiotherapy

When the plaster is removed, another problem arises. From prolonged immobility, the muscles wean themselves from carrying their usual load. At the site of a fracture, ligament rupture, connective tissue appears, which interferes with the full range of motion in the joint.

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