If you’re unsure about when to seek medical attention for your knee pain, read our article below. For more information, feel free to call us or schedule a telemedicine appointment. We serve patients from Coral Springs, Parkland, Tamarac, Margate, North Lauderdale, and Coconut Creek, FL.
If you’re dealing with severe bleeding or a broken bone, you’d likely call 911. But when it comes to knee pain that isn’t as extreme, how do you determine whether it’s something that requires immediate medical attention or just a minor strain that can be treated with rest and ice?
Here are five instances when it’s important to seek medical attention for your knee pain.
1. You’re Unable to Walk Normally
Is your knee pain intense? Does walking make the pain unbearable or cause you to feel faint or unsteady? If so, stop putting weight on that knee and seek medical attention right away. Such severe pain could indicate a broken bone, in which case you should head to the ER.
If your knee only hurts when you walk on it and you don’t believe it’s broken, avoid the ER to save on expenses. Instead, ask a family member or friend to help you get to urgent care.
2. The Pain Persists
Living with pain for a week while waiting for an appointment with your regular doctor isn’t ideal. That’s exactly why urgent care exists — to provide quick treatment when you need it. If your knee pain has lasted more than a couple of days, the next logical step is to visit urgent care.
3. The Pain Continues to Return
At first, you might not think your knee pain is serious enough to see a doctor. If you didn’t injure your knee and the pain fades with some ice and rest, you might assume it’s no big deal. However, if your knee pain keeps returning without any clear reason, it’s important to have a doctor evaluate it. Conditions like patellofemoral syndrome can cause recurring, unexplained knee pain.
Visiting urgent care during an episode of knee pain may be the most practical option. If you schedule an appointment with your doctor, the pain could be gone by the time you’re seen. Additionally, your doctor will likely ask you to move your leg and describe any pain, which will be more effective if you’re experiencing pain during the visit.
4. The Knee Appears Deformed, Swollen, or Warm to the Touch
A warm, swollen knee may indicate an infection or a serious injury. If the knee looks misshapen, it could suggest a dislocation or another physical injury. In these cases, home care alone won’t be sufficient for proper healing. A kneecap dislocation is also a possibility. In any of these situations, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
5. The Pain Worsens Instead of Improving
If you’ve iced your knee, elevated it, taken some ibuprofen, and the pain worsens after a few hours, it may be a sign that home treatments aren’t enough. This could indicate a more serious injury than you initially thought, requiring a professional diagnosis.
These are five situations where seeking immediate medical attention is the safest and most practical choice. Whether you opt for an emergency room visit or head to urgent care, remember to have someone else drive. Driving with undiagnosed knee pain is dangerous, especially if it’s in the leg you use to operate the vehicle.
If you’re in the Coral Springs area, Walking Urgent Clinic is here to assist you and your entire family with any urgent care needs.