Suggest remedy for swelling in leg after an injury
Patient: 4 days ago i injured my knee, had something fall against the left side of my left leg while i had my full weight on the leg. It swelled up and became impossible to walk within an hr so have been using RICE ever since in combination with light massage on the knee area and staying off the leg. There was a great deal of pain the first 2 days and i did not take anything for pain because i m allergic to anti-inflammatory s and do not like taking tylenol because it wouldn t help the main problem. Most of the swelling has gone down and i m able to move about easier but am still not applying any weight to leg. How long should i keep this up before seeking a drs care? Doctor: Hi,if your pain and swelling has come down. Then try to focus on doing some exercises for the knee like static quadriceps , static hamstring, ankle toe movements and straight leg raise. Post that try doing slow weight bearing exercises while taking full support of your hand and stand on one leg. Once you get strength in your leg you will get ease of the symptoms and your muscles will be stronger. If later on doing all these you still fill a little discomfort is there, you can meet up a physical therapist who will help you regain the strength and confidence. I wish you have a speedy recovery.