How do I treat a swollen knee?!
Question: My brother hurt his knee yesterday, and it has been swollen for about 24 hours now. He has put some ice on it, but it doesn't seem to help, he is limping and I don't think it is broken... Any advice would be greatly appreciated :)
Answers: My brother hurt his knee yesterday, and it has been swollen for about 24 hours now. He has put some ice on it, but it doesn't seem to help, he is limping and I don't think it is broken... Any advice would be greatly appreciated :)
R.I.C.E
Rest - rest it, keep it from getting worse. don't let him do any walking if you can, and if he must walk, get some help in form of crutches of some sort if it hurts to straighten it.
Ice - ice it for 20-30 minutes on and 20-30 minutes off. that's to keep the swelling down and to ease a bit of the pain. after 36 hours or so, apply moist heat. take a damp rag/towel, toss it in the microwave for about 10 seconds or so. if it's too hot, put it in the freezer for a minute or so.
Compression - wrap it in an ace bandage or get a knee brace for him. for an ace bandage, google the proper way to wrap it.
Elevation - keep it elevated above his heart. easiest way to do it is by lying on a couch and having the injured knee propped up on pillows on the arm of the couch. Can also lie on a bed and use a kitchen chair tipped over with pillows for comfort.
If there is major swelling, severe pain, or anything that might signal a more serious injury, book an appt. to the doctor asap.
good luck~
ligaments may be damaged he needs to go see a doctor to ensure that its not serious. especially if ice is not helping.