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Suggest Remedy For Knee Joint And Patella Effusion Post An Injury

Posted on Mon, 28 Dec 2015

Question: Hi,

I was travelling in XXXXXXX this year and fell and hurt my knee. I have a BMI of around 33 and recently have been trying to exercise ( to loose weight) but since my fall my knee hasn't felt. A recent MRI has shown that i have a small knee joint effusion & Patella without maltracking? and Perfemoral fat pad impingement?
What does this really mean? and how can I treat it? Does it take long to heal?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Suggests mild inflamation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The knee joint effusion is suggestive of an inflammation in the area. Since all the ligaments and menisci are intact and there is no tear there is no need to worry. These are all minor inflammatory changes. These will heal with rest, hot compress and some anti inflammatory pain killers.
Taking joint lubricant supplements like Glucosamine will also help. It is best to use an elastic bandage around the knee for good support.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (14 minutes later)

Dear Dr,

Thank you for your prompt reply, with regards to my exercise goals, should I be avoiding activity? Or doing more of another activity?

How long does this inflammation usually take to heal? As I said it occurred in XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid strenuous knee activity.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
It is better to restrict the strenuous knee activity like cycling and squatting.
The rest depends on the level of pain and effusion. If the effusion is a large one then aspiration and local steroid injection will help. Usually a rest of 4-6 weeks is sufficient to cause healing.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (22 minutes later)

I have rested it for quite a while now, more then 5-6 weeks. Recently with increased activity has the pain has returned again.
My left knee is 2cm larger then my right, so it is a small effusion.
I guess my question is, what is the length of time till my knee is normal again.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No fixed time frame.

Detailed Answer:
Since it is a chronic inflammation there is no specific time frame for your knee to become normal. The inflammation may flare up after it has improved once. Usually after an acute episode it subsides in 4-6 weeks. Then with recurrent wear and tear and activity the inflammation can happen again.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (16 minutes later)

Chronic suggests it is long term, how can I tell if this is chronic or acute?

Will I every be in a position to be able to jog comfortably without flair ups?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Persisting for more than 8 weeks means chronic.

Detailed Answer:
If the pain persists for more than 8 weeks then it is chronic in nature. You will be able to jog without flare ups if you take adequate care and rest this time till the inflammation subsides. Local steroid injections will also help.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar