knee pain months after trauma

[Hwin]

About 2 months ago I fell down concrete stairs and landed directly on my knees (kneecaps).  I landed on one knee harder than the other and that’s the one I’m referring to.  It hurt pretty badly for a couple days, but I kept ice on it and rested it over the weekend and it improved dramatically.  Now, it doesn’t hurt when I walk, but it hurts when I lean forward and put weight on it while it is bent.  Like going down stairs or running.  

It also popped in ways it never did before.  When I put it out in front of me and lock it, the kneecap seems to pop.  It doesn’t pop when I am bearing weight on it and lock it. When I have it resting in front of me and I press on the kneecap, it seems to “rock” back and forth, while popping.  The other knee does not pop and seems much more secure.  The pops don’t really hurt, but it is uncomfortable.

I know I have been favoring it more since it has been injured, so could that be the cause of some of the pops and pain?  Will it make a difference if I see a doctor now or later, at this point?  Thanks in advance.

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
    Thanks for writing in. Bursitis of knee usually presents only with pain. Some amount of swelling and redness can also be present, but that is not the differentiating symptom. It is usually associated with significant pain when kneeling and can cause stiffness and pain with walking. Also, in contrast to problems within the knee joint, the range of motion of the knee is frequently preserved.
Consult a orthopedician for further assistance.
Best.

[Hwin]

Thanks Dr Veena,

There may have been some swelling and warmth right after the injury, but it was minimal.  There is and was no redness. There is no swelling now and no visible difference in the two knees.  

-Robin

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
     Thanks for writing in. Knee pain after injury could be due to many reasons like, fractures, ligament rupture or infections like bursitis, arthritis and due to accumulation of blood. Is there any swelling or redness or warmth?
It could most likely be bursitis as pain is not severe and is experienced only on putting weight on it or bending it. It would always be better to get an x-ray done and visit a orthopedician for further advise on your condition.
Best.