I fell and Hit my knee and now I feel sharp pain and tingling what could this be.

I have had problems with my knees for years and I have never been to see anyone about it. I experience grinding, locking and popping. Just recently I slipped and fell and landed on my left knee, since I did this I have had a severe shooting pain in my knee if I try to kneel on it or put pressure on it. If I touch it I get a zinging numbness all over my knee. Almost like when you hit your funny bone. What could be going on?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Locked knee can be caused by mechanical obstruction to joint movement like meniscal tears, fractured fragments, loose bodies, patellar displacement, muscular issues etc. or as a reaction to pain which can again have a number of secondary causes. While a grinding sensation commonly associated with arthritis or cartilage defects, popping could occur due to dislocations, joint laxity or secondary to causes associated with locked knee. Without an evaluation and probably a few tests it would be difficult to point out a single cause. Pain post an injury could be indicative of fractures, ligamental/ meniscal/ tendon tears etc. It would be best to get this evaluated by an orthopedician. After a cause is diagnosed, it can be managed accordingly. Meanwhile you may try some ice-packs and OTC NSAIDS for pain relief.
Hope this helps.

Take care!