Torn MCL

[erijon]

I took a fall in some ice this week and hurt my left knee. I'm a 49 year old male and already have moderate to severe OA in both knees and a previous MCL and medial meniscus tear in my right knee. It did not get any better after a day so I went to see my family doctor as my Orthopedic is out of the office for 2 weeks. He said there is a considerable fluid build up in the injured left knee and suspects at the least an MCL tear (it does feel exactly like my right knee when I tore that MCL). I'll be getting an MRI next week to confirm and he has me on Hydrocodone 10/500 for the pain. When I tore my right MCL, I never got fluid in the knee and the level of pain is getting considerably worse on the new injury from my experience with the previous injury on my right knee. Would it help to have the fluid drained from my left knee to releive the pain? Also, what else could I have damaged that would be causing fluid on the knee? Any suggestions on how to function in the mean time would also be greatly appreciated, the pain is getting unbearable.

Any input would be greatly appreciated,

Jon

[JainMD]

Hi,
I would like to mention and add that hearing of distinct pop while fall suggests that the injury could be due to ligament tear. I think once you have done with imaging study then you would probably come closer to diagnosis.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

[erijon]

Actually, there was a very distinct "pop" when I fell along with a sensation like someone had snapped a rubberband in the inside portion of my knee. Thanks for the advice on RICE, it has helped. Between that and the pain killers he prescribed I should get through next week.

Again, thanks for your help on this forum, it is greatly appreciated.

Jon

[JainMD]

Hi Jon,
I think you need to get your imaging studies done as soon as possible as the mode of intervention is dependant on it.
Your symptoms of sudden fall and swelling without any popping noise suggests that there is indeed a meniscus tear.
I think you should be following RICE protocol and try to get imaging study as early as possible.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

[erijon]

Thanks for the input, I'm still feeling considerable pain. Unfortunately I can't have the MRI until I get back from a business trip next Friday, it's going to be a long week in Nashville! My doctor did take xrays to rule out a break, I did not expect there to be any as it was not a fall in the context that my knee impacted the ground. I just did  the splits and my left leg got hyperextended to the side and my knee bent inward with my full weight on it. I'm concerned about next week, I can't take the painkillers when I'm trying to work and walking is extremely painful, I can't really find a position that does not hurt. I did ask my doctor today about draining the fluid, but he said it's better to wait until they see what's damaged first. I don't understand that thinking but he's the doctor.

Thanks again.

Jon

[JainMD]

Hi,
How are you feeling?
Yes, it would help to relieve pain by draining fluid from knee. Fluid in the knee is due to injury and inflammatory response in knee.
I think you can start RICE protocol.
Rest: no weight-bearing activities for the first 24 hours after the injury.
Ice: apply ice packs to the area that is painful or the focal point of the injury. Apply ice intermittently for the first 24 hours, utilizing a pattern of 20 minutes of ice followed by 60 minutes without ice.
Mild Compression could be tried.  
Elevation: elevate the leg to reduce swelling.
Hope this helps.
An imaging study is needed to rule out any fracture which is highly unlikely.
Keep me informed.
Bye.