When You Have Side Knee Pain
Knees are delicate. They support the weight of your body, but one wrong move can cause torn ligament and tendons, significant pain, and mobility issues. When you twist your knee or something hits your knee from the side, you may develop side knee pain.
The pain may be felt on the inner or outer side of the knee. There may also be knee instability and a reduced range of motion. It can be hard to determine the cause of the pain, as the knee is made up of many parts, including bones, ligaments, and tissues.
However, you may know why you have pain. While arthritis can be a cause, an injury is a common cause. Did you slip and fall? Were you in a car accident? Did you suffer a sports injury?
In these situations, you may have a legal case, especially if someone else’s negligence led to your injury. But still, you’ll need to know how to proceed.
In many cases, side knee pain is caused by a torn meniscus. This can be caused by sports, exercise, and wear and tear. Symptoms include:
- Locking of the knee
- Swelling
- Knee stiffness
- Inability to fully straighten or bend the knee
- Instability in the knees
A medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury is another possibility. This ligament provides stability and prevents the knee from buckling inward. However, the MCL can be overstretched, leading to a sprain or tear. Tears can be caused by sports or a direct blow to the outside of the knee joint.
Symptoms of an MCL sprain or tear include:
- Pain and tenderness
- Sudden swelling
- Knee stiffness
- Bruising
- Popping sensations on the outside of the knee joint
- Overall feeling of instability
Diagnosis and Treatment
In many cases, you may be able to make a diagnosis based on what happened and what symptoms you are experiencing. In some cases, though, you may need help with the diagnosis through X-rays, ultrasounds, a CT scan, or an MRI.
In many cases, you can manage the symptoms at home with ice and rest. Ibuprofen and prescription drugs can help with the pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, physical therapy or surgery may be needed to fix the issue and promote mobility. Injections of cortisone or hyaluronic acid can ease inflammation and pain.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
We rely on our knees to get around. Knees are complex parts of the body. Even a seemingly minor injury to the knee can cause a lifetime of pain.
If your knee injury was caused by a car accident, slip and fall accident, or other incident caused by someone else’s negligence. Seek legal help from the team at Moore Law. Our Tampa knee injury attorney can help you get the medical attention you need. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 813-510-5400 or filling out the online form.
Source:
verywellhealth.com/knee-pain-side-of-knee-5105270
