“Dislocated knee cap?”
While walking I, lost balance and dislocated my knee cap. When I saw the bone out of place I plonked it right back in but it is very painful in that area and I am experiencing weakness and numbness in that area.
Male | 17 years old
4 Answers
OrthopaedicSurgeonOrthopaedicSurgeon
I would go see a doc.
I would recommend seeing an orthopedic surgeon. You should be evaluated.
Robert D. Swift, DO, FAOAO
Robert D. Swift, DO, FAOAO
You should see tour orthopedic surgeon. If this is the first time it has dislocated and you were able to reduce it by yourself, then no surgery is necessary for now. It will take a minimum of 6 weeks for the patellar ligaments to heal; a soft-hinged knee brace is sometimes used during the first 3-4 weeks following the dislocation. Lots of ice to quell the inflammation on a regular basis. Concentrate on building the quad muscle (front thigh muscle that goes through the patella and attaches to the “bony bump” in front and below the knee joint).
Since the knee cap went back easily it is unlikely you chipped any bone or cartilage off which is good. You likely have a bone bruise causing the pain and this should go away over 3-6 weeks. My concern would be a dislocation from such a simple act and your young age. The best advice would be to see an orthopedic surgeon, get an X-ray and more importantly let them evaluate your muscles, ligaments, bone alignment and see if something preventive can be done. It probably will involve some therapy and maybe a brace but no surgery. If you keep having these episodes you will eventually have permanent damage at a young age. Good luck.
