What Should Do I Fell on Knee and Cannot Walk Due to Severe Pain?

Dear Samrin Malik Ji,

If you have fallen on your knee and are experiencing severe pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or moving the leg, you should seek immediate medical attention. Such injuries may involve a fracture (broken bone), ligament tear, meniscus injury, kneecap (patella) injury, or joint dislocation, all of which require prompt evaluation by an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Why You Should Not Ignore This Injury

A severe knee injury can worsen if left untreated. Delaying medical care lead to :

• Increased pain and swelling.

• Damage to the ligaments or cartilage.

• Improper healing of a fracture.

• Knee instability.

• Long-term difficulty in walking or performing daily activities.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help improve recovery and reduce the risk of permanent complications.

Possible Causes of Severe Knee Pain After a Fall

Based on your symptoms, the injury due to :

• Knee ligament injury (ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL tear).

• Meniscus (cartilage) tear.

• Fracture of the kneecap or surrounding bones.

• Knee joint dislocation.

• Severe muscle or tendon injury.

• Soft tissue swelling or internal bleeding around the knee.

The exact cause can only be confirmed after a medical examination and imaging tests.

What Should You Do Immediately?

Until you are evaluated by a doctor:

• Avoid putting weight on the injured leg.

• Rest the knee and avoid unnecessary movement.

• Apply an ice pack for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours during the first 24–48 hours.

• Keep the leg elevated to reduce swelling.

• Do not attempt to force the knee to bend or straighten.

• Avoid massaging the injured area or taking medicines without medical advice.

Tests That Required

The Orthopaedic Surgeon recommend :

• X-ray to detect fractures or dislocation.

• MRI scan to evaluate ligament, meniscus, cartilage, or tendon injuries.

• CT scan, if a complex fracture is suspected.

• Additional investigations, if required.

These tests help determine the severity of the injury and the most appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis and severity of the injury

• Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medicines.

• Knee brace or immobilizer.

• Crutches or walker to avoid weight-bearing.

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises.

• Aspiration of excess fluid if significant swelling is present.

• Surgery, if there is a fracture, ligament tear, meniscus injury, or joint instability requiring surgical repair.

The treatment plan will be individualized based on your condition.

When Should You Visit the Emergency Department Immediately?

Please seek emergency medical care without delay if you have :

• Inability to stand or walk.

• Severe or worsening pain.

• Significant swelling or visible deformity.

• An open wound or exposed bone.

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot.

• The knee appears out of place.

• Fever, increasing redness, or severe swelling after the injury.

How HexaHealth Can Assist You?

We help patients connect with experienced Orthopaedic Surgeons and our network of partner hospitals.

We can assist you with :

• Connecting you with experienced Orthopaedic Specialists.

• Finding a suitable partner hospital near your location.

• Arranging X-rays, MRI, and other investigations.

• Guidance regarding surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

• Assistance with health insurance or Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), wherever applicable.

• End-to-end support from diagnosis to recovery.

Kindly Share the Following Details

• Your City and State.

• Do you have health insurance or an Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) Card?

Based on these details, we will help you connect with the most suitable Orthopaedic Specialist and partner hospital for prompt treatment.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth