Dislocation of the patella is a fairly common trauma that anyone can suffer, although it is more frequent in women, and involves the release of the patella from its seat with consequent discomfort and pain. To be able to handle the situation properly, go to the emergency room as soon as possible and give your leg all the time and treatment it needs to heal.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Undergo Treatment
Step 1. Assess the situation
Depending on the severity of the trauma or pain, you may need to call an ambulance or go to the emergency room. Considering the condition of the knee before deciding on the appropriate treatments can avoid worsening and minimize discomfort.
- If the joint is deformed or different than usual, it may be dislocated.
- Other signs of such trauma are the inability to straighten the knee, the patella sticking out of the joint, the area is painful to touch, in pain, swollen, and you cannot move the kneecap throughout its range of motion.
- You may also have difficulty walking.
Step 2. Straighten the joint if possible
If the condition of the knee and the pain allow it, try to do it; if your knee is blocked or you feel too much pain, stabilize your leg and go to the hospital as soon as possible.
Step 3. Avoid moving your knee
If it is deformed or hurts, do not strain it and do not even try to reposition the patella; these attempts can damage the surrounding muscles, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels.
Step 4. Apply a splint
It is essential to stabilize the joint to avoid further damage. Put a brace behind and around the knee until you can get medical attention.
- Make the splint using various items, including rolled-up newspapers or towels, and secure it around the leg with surgical tape.
- By inserting a pad you can limit the pain.
Step 5. Apply ice
Place a cold pack on the area after stabilizing it to reduce pain and swelling by controlling internal bleeding and fluid build-up around the joint.
Be careful not to put the ice in direct contact with the skin to avoid chilblains; to reduce this risk, wrap your knee in a cloth or towel
Step 6. Go to the doctor
The family doctor or the doctor at the local hospital can decide on the best treatment for the knee, which will probably involve reducing the dislocation. Depending on the severity of the situation, a splint, cast, surgery, or physical therapy may be required.
- The doctor may ask questions about the dynamics of the accident, the level of pain, and whether you have experienced this trauma in the past.
- It is likely that you will have x-rays or an MRI scan to determine the seriousness of the dislocation and the most appropriate treatments.
Step 7. Get treatment
Once the examination has been performed, your doctor can suggest various therapeutic solutions, including:
- Reduction: The doctor gently manipulates the knee to bring the patella back into place. If you are in a lot of pain, he may give you local or general anesthesia.
- Immobilization: In this case, apply a splint or bandage to prevent the joint from moving excessively. The duration of this treatment depends on the severity of the damage caused by the dislocation.
- Surgery: This may be necessary if the orthopedist fails to reduce the dislocation, the surrounding tissues are damaged, or you have suffered several injuries like this.
- Physiotherapy: allows you to recover your motor strength after removing the splint.
Part 2 of 3: Taking Care of the Knee
Step 1. Rest the limb
Give him some time each day to recover; immobility promotes proper healing, minimizes discomfort and pain.
If you're not in too much pain, move your toes and lower leg to avoid joint stiffness
Step 2. Apply ice
Use it on several occasions during the first 2-3 days after the injury; cold reduces inflammation, pain and facilitates healing.
- Place it on your knee as often as you feel necessary in 15-20 minute sessions.
- Wrap the compress in a towel to protect your skin from the cold.
- If the ice pack is too cold or numbs the skin, move it away.
Step 3. Harness the heat
After 2-3 days, use a warm compress to relax tight muscles, tight ligaments and aid in recovery.
- Set the heat source down for 20 minutes at a time.
- Remove the hot compress if you feel burning or pain you should interpose a towel or cloth as a barrier between the skin and the warmer.
- You can use a warming blanket or patch.
Step 4. Manage pain with medication
It is completely normal for you to complain of pain and discomfort from the trauma; then take an analgesic to control the situation and relax.
- You can take over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium; the last two also act against inflammation.
- If you are in a lot of pain, ask your doctor to prescribe a pain reliever that contains a narcotic.
Step 5. Move the limb gently
Allow the leg and knee to rest to aid in the healing process; avoid excessive activity, prefer delicate gestures that allow blood to circulate and prevent joint stiffness.
- Start by swinging your toes and moving your leg carefully back and forth. then move on to lateral movements.
- Stretch your hamstrings by lying prone. Bend the leg back and grab the ankle by gently pulling the heel towards the buttocks. Hold the position for as long as you can and gradually increase the duration of the exercise.
- Stretch your hamstring muscles. Lie on your back and wrap a belt or towel under your forefoot. Straighten the limb and gently pull the belt to lift the leg, while keeping the opposite one resting on the floor; continue the movement until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold the position for as long as you can and try to gradually increase the duration.
- Ask your doctor if there are any light movements or exercises you can do to aid in recovery and avoid stiffness.
Step 6. Undergo rehabilitation
Your orthopedist may suggest rehabilitation or physical therapy after the bandage or splint has been removed. Attend all sessions until the therapist assures you that you are healed.
- Perform the exercises under the direct supervision of your doctor or another health professional; ask him to point you to a good physiotherapist.
- Early rehabilitation involves a few simple movements that promote blood circulation and prevent the knee from stiffening.
- Through physiotherapy you can recover muscle strength, mobility and joint flexibility.
Part 3 of 3: Adjusting the Lifestyle
Step 1. Return to normal activities after a few weeks
Wait some time after the injury before resuming everyday life; theoretically, you should get your doctor's approval before returning to your usual routine.
- Depending on the severity of the dislocation and the care received, it may be necessary to use crutches or a wheelchair; ask the orthopedist if you can drive or even sit for long periods.
- Change your eating and sleeping habits to focus on care. For example, if you have to use a wheelchair it is perhaps better to arrange the ground floor of the house, so that you do not have to access the first floor and take the stairs; you may also need to order some takeaway to avoid standing and cooking.
Step 2. Strengthen your knee with diet
Consuming foods rich in calcium and vitamin D helps make the kneecap and other bones stronger; by doing so, you recover from the injury and may avoid future dislocations.
- Calcium and vitamin D often work together to strengthen the skeleton.
- Milk, spinach, soy beans, cheese, yogurt, and kale are all excellent sources of calcium.
- Take supplements of this mineral if you are unable to get enough from your diet; however, make whole foods your main source of calcium.
- Vitamin D is present in salmon, tuna, beef liver and egg yolks.
- Again, rely on supplements if you can't secure the vitamin with food.
- Consider eating foods fortified with calcium or vitamin D.
Step 3. Wear comfortable clothes
Getting dressed, especially putting on pants, with a dislocated kneecap is rather difficult and uncomfortable; choose items that are easy to put on and take off that won't make you feel uncomfortable.
- Opt for loose pants and shorts, even consider running out of these when you're at home.
- Open the pants or shorts along the seam and add Velcro for easier operation.
Step 4. Get help
Some activities may be difficult, so ask friends and family to help out while you are recovering to simplify daily tasks and make you feel more comfortable.
- Ask someone to carry your personal items on your way to a place so you don't have to put too much weight on the joint; if you cannot support the limb, find out if there is someone available to prepare your meals.
- Strangers are often more likely to help someone who is injured; they could support you while you shop, keep the door open, take advantage of all these opportunities to keep your leg at rest.
- Avoid any strenuous activity. Some tasks, such as driving, may be more difficult with a dislocated knee; in this case, opt for alternative solutions, for example ask a friend or family member to take you to the place where you need to go or rely on public transport.
Advice
- If possible, do not go to school or work for a couple of days to rest.
- If your doctor or physical therapist allows you, do some simple exercises at home.
