You may have a dislocated knee if your knee appears deformed or different than it normally does. [3] X Research source Other signs your knee may be dislocated are: you cannot straighten out a bent knee, your kneecap dislocates to the outside of your knee, you have pain and tenderness in the area, there is swelling around your knee, you can move your kneecap far to each side of your knee. [4] X Research source You may also have trouble walking. [5] X Research source
Make a splint using a variety of items including rolled up newspaper or towels. Apply surgical tape around your leg to keep the splints in place. Having padding on your splint may minimize pain.
Avoid applying the ice directly to the joint to prevent frostbite. Wrap your knee or the joint in some kind of cloth or towel to reduce your risk of frostbite.
Your doctor may ask questions about how the dislocation happened, how painful the injury is, and if you’ve had a dislocated knee in the past. You may need an x-ray or MRI to help determine the severity of your dislocation and the best course of treatment. [10] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Reduction, which requires that your doctor gently maneuver your knee back into place. If you are in a lot of pain, she may give you a local or general anesthetic. Immobilization, which requires a splint or sling to keep your knee from moving around too much. How long you wear the splint depends on how much damage the dislocation caused. Surgery, which may be necessary if your doctor can’t realign your knee, the surrounding tissue is damaged, or you have frequent dislocations. Rehabilitation, which can help you regain motor strength after your splint is removed. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Wiggle your toes and lower leg if it doesn’t cause too much pain to prevent stiff joints.
Use ice as often as necessary for 15–20 minutes at a time. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect your skin from the cold. If the ice is too cold or your skin numbs, take it off.
Apply heat for 20 minutes at a time. Remove heat if it gets too hot or hurts. You should have a towel or cloth as a barrier between your skin and the heat source. Use heating blankets or patches to heat your knee.
Take over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen. Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can reduce inflammation. If you are in a lot of pain, ask your doctor to prescribe a pain reliever with a narcotic.
Start by wiggling your toes and moving your leg gently back and forth and then side to side. Stretch your quads by lying on your stomach and bending your leg back to grasp your ankle. Gently pull your heel toward your butt. Hold this position as long as you can and gradually increase your time. Stretch your hamstrings by lying on your back with a belt or towel looped over the ball of your foot. Straighten your leg and slowly pull the belt to raise your leg while keeping the opposite leg on the floor. Keep raising your leg until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold it for as long as you can and gradually increase your time. Ask your doctor if there are any movements or light exercises you can do to promote healing and avoid stiffness.
Attend rehabilitation under the direction of your doctor or another medical professional. Ask your doctor to suggest a physical therapist. Early rehabilitation could include simple movements that help promote blood flow and prevent stiffness in your knee. Physical therapy may help you regain muscle strength, joint motion, and flexibility. [18] X Research source
Depending on the severity of your dislocation and the treatment, you may be on crutches or in a wheelchair. Ask your doctor if you are able to drive or even sit for prolonged periods. Modify your eating and sleeping patterns to accommodate your treatment. For example, if you’re in a wheelchair, it may be easier for you to rearrange the lower floor of your home so that you don’t have to climb up your stairs. You may also want to order take-out so that you don’t have to stand and prepare foods.
Calcium and Vitamin D often work together to strengthen bones. Good sources of calcium include milk, spinach, soybeans, kale, cheese, and yogurt. Try taking calcium supplements if don’t get enough calcium in your diet. Aim to get as much calcium as you can from whole foods. Good sources of vitamin D are salmon, tuna, beef liver, and egg yolks. [21] X Research source Take Vitamin D supplements if you can’t get all of your Vitamin D through food. Consider eating foods fortified with calcium or Vitamin D. [22] X Research source
Wear loose pants or shorts. You can also opt to not wear pants around the house. Split pants or shorts down the seam and sew in Velcro to make them easier to take on and off.
Ask someone to carry your things when you’re going places so that you don’t put too much weight on your joint. If you need to be off your feet, see if someone would be willing to help prepare your meals. Strangers are often more likely to help you while you’re injured. From helping you with groceries to holding doors open, take the chance to rest in these cases. Avoid any challenging activities. Certain activities, such as driving, may present more of a challenge with a dislocated knee. In these cases, look for alternatives such as asking your friends or family members to give you a ride, or you could take public transportation.
