A dislocated kneecap is a leg injury that you’d commonly get from playing sports or dancing. This happens when a sudden blow or change in direction happens when your legs are on the ground. Generally, they heal within six (6) weeks.
Usually, the kneecap would appear to be out of place once it dislocates, but there are other signs and symptoms such as:
- Pain when standing up
- Severe knee pain
- Swelling of the knee
- Inability to move the knee
Generally, a dislocated kneecap can be treated without the need for surgery but there are times when surgery is needed to fix the problem. - Inability to walk
Usually, a dislocated kneecap is not a serious injury and will generally put itself back into place, though it would be still a good idea to visit your doctor for a checkup when it heals.
Treatment for a dislocated kneecap
Generally, the treatment does not require surgery but there are times when surgery is necessary to fix the problem. Common treatments for recovering from a dislocated kneecap usually are:
- Pain medications.
- Application of the RICE protocol, which the victim is recommended to rest, apply ice to the injury, compress and elevate the kneecap.
- Immobilization to prevent the kneecap from further injury or dislocating again.
- Crutches to assist the victim in mobility and to prevent further injury on the kneecap.
Recovery
For your first few days, your knee may be painful and it is necessary to take painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain and prevent any discomfort.
You will need to keep your leg elevated to help reduce the swelling on your knee when you are resting, and also need to place an ice pack on your knee for a couple of minutes on an occasional basis.
Perform exercises at home to strengthen the muscles and stabilize your kneecap to help you recover.
If you were given splints to ease mobility and comfort, they are to be removed if you are going to do the exercises that your physiotherapist suggested.
When your injury recovers and fully heals, it occurs within 6 weeks or so. Avoid playing sports or doing any strenuous activity. It is better to seek your physician if you want to discuss when is the perfect schedule or time to return to playing sports or doing strenuous exercise.
More Information
The details posted on this page on a dislocated kneecap is for learning purposes only. To learn to recognize the indications of the injury, enroll in a first aid course with one of our training providers.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patellar_dislocation