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Doctor insights on:
Healing A Stress Fracture Under The Knee Cap
1
How long will it take to heal a stress fracture under the knee cap?

8+++ wks, maybe more: Stress fractures of the patella are rare and diagnosis is often delayed by months. Nonoperative treatment involves immobilization and protected weight bearing (ie stay off it). Nonop tx is often unsuccessful and then surgery is the recommended. Healing takes 2+ months, often 3-4. You need to be followed closely. See a knee specialist soon. Good luck! ...Read more
Stress (Definition)
Stress affects most people in some way. Acute (sudden, short-term) stress leads to rapid changes throughout the body. Almost all body systems (the heart and blood vessels, immune system, lungs, digestive system, sensory organs, and brain) gear up to meet perceived danger. These stress responses could prove beneficial in a critical, life-or-death situation. Over time, however, repeated stressful situations put a strain on the body that may contribute to physical and psychological problems. Chronic (long-term) stress can have real health consequences and should be addressed like any other health concern. Fortunately, research is showing that lifestyle changes and stress-reduction techniques can help people learn ...Read more
2
How long does a tibial stress fracture take to heal &without pain. I have a knee brace that I am suppose to wear full time. Hurt it ~6 weeks ago?

Varies greatly: Time for healing a tib stress fx can be as little as 1-2 months, but I have had pts that are still incompletely healed at 6 months. ...Read more
3
How long will a hairline fractured patella(knee cap) normally take to heal and what do I do to speed up the process?

6-8 weeks: A fracture usually takes 6-8 weeks to heal, but there are many factors that can slow this down. Smoking, use of certain medications and excessive motion can all slow down the process. Nothing you can eat or srink will speed the process, but quitting smoking, avoiding Ibuprofen or Naproxen and proper immobility will help maximize healing. ...Read more
4
What could cause a stress fracture on the upper tibia (right below the knee)?

Stress fracture: Stress fractures are often caused by over use or excessive weight bearing of the problem limb. Excessive jumping, running, heavy lifting and heavy work can all cause stress fractures. Excessive training in sports can be the culprit. Be sure you are living a healthy life style to prevent problems in general. ...Read more
5
Can a knee injury/weight gain lead to a metatarsal stress fracture?

Stress fracture: A knee injury or weight gain alone won't cause a metatarsal stress fracture. What they will do is put added stress on the foot/feet. Overtime, if nothing changes, stress fractures can develop. ...Read more
6
Been to doctor for what I suspect is an ankle and knee stress fracture, doctors have taken since january to make get me a xray. What can I do?

? Question: Unsure by your history what your symptoms are and where your pain is and how it started... Clarify that for me if u can and I'll try to answer as best I can... Thanks ... Do u have a tibia stress fx.? Are you a runner? What sport etc. ...Read more
7
I think I have a stress fracture in my ankle and knee. I get pain after exercise when putting repeated pressure on my leg. What can I do to help it?

U need a diagnosis: By x-ray or mri. Only then will u know how to make it better. Go c an orthopedist. ...Read more
8
How can I fix chronic foot and ankle swelling 1 year after metatarsal stress fracture? I wear a 20-30 mm hg knee sock daily and exercise 8 hrs/wk.

Swelling: The cause of the swelling needs to be determined. Stress fractures may create some residual swelling, but your local doctor should exam you. The compression rating for the stocking may be too low as well. ...Read more
9
How long will a fractured knee cap take to hear?

6-8 weeks: Generally bones heal in about 6-8 weeks. Various factors can affect the healing process, such as diabetes and smoking, both of which can increase the healing time. A fractured patella (knee cap) generally will heal in about 6-8 weeks (whether it undergoes surgery or not). ...Read more
10
How long does it take knee swelling to go when cast comes off for patella fracture?

Days to weeks: It can take days to weeks for the swelling to resolve, but as long as your x-rays show progressive healing of the fracture, then you should see progressive improvement of the swelling. Try elevating the knee when you are at rest, and you could also try an ace wrap. ...Read more
11
What will heal a fractured knee cap?
Depends: It depends on if the kneecap is a displaced vs nondisplaced fracture. A nondisplced fracture will heal on its own. A displaced fracture may require screws to approximate the kneecap and to heal properly. ...Read more
12
How can you tell if your knee cap has a hairline fracture?
Xray: An x-ray or ct would best show this. See your physician for x-ray and physical exam to be sure. Best of luck! ...Read more
13
I had a bad fall. Went to a Dr for an x-ray of my knee, he didn't see a break or fracture. One month later my knee cap is still swollen and painfull?

Go back for check up: It is possible that your knee cap has a fracture which could have been missed when checked for initially. You should go back to your doctor/s and get a recheck of your knee. You may be better off seeing an Orthopedic specialist if the initial evaluation was not done by an Orthopedist. ...Read more
14
I hit the top of my knee cap and it is swollen. It hurts when I bend or touch it. It has been aching for a day 1/2. Is it fractured or dislocated?
Xray to assess fx: Depending upon the degree of trauma and force imparted upon the patella (kneecap) determiness the risk for fracture. Bony tenderness to palpation would indicate a need for X-rays. Seek evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon for persistent symptoms. ...Read more
15
How can you tell difference between fractured knee cap and bruised bone?

Image study: The fracture, or contusion of patela, or even a sprain strain of knee joinit can have similar pain and confused symptoms. An X-ray will rule out boney problem for most part. ...Read more
16
I began running when I felt a pain under my knee cap. Been resting 6 weeks due to back fracture. What is it?

Weak quadreceps: When you were not running the quadreceps muscle got weaker and is now pulling the patella (knee cap) towards the outside of the patelar grove, a dent in the fefur that the patela moves in. To strengthen the quads use moderate weight and a short no more than 20 degree range of motion, lift the knee, tighten and hold then relax and repeat, this will help get back quad alighnment. ...Read more
17
I began running after having rested for 6 weeks because of a back fracture. I felt a pain under my knee cap. What could it be?

CLASSIC PAIN:
Location for joggers knee. You are likely compensating on your footing for your back issues.
I suggest you back off, start with walking, running for 1 minute, walking for 2 minutes but please stretch well and maybe re-evaluate your shoes...
...Read more
18
Painful stinging symptoms of the knee cap after a fall suggestive bursitis. Question: how do you determine a fracture exist when no X-ray available?

No good way: Fractures generally are accompanied with swelling, bruising, and pain, and sometimes by loss of range of motion or function. X-rays demonstrate this very well. Ultrasound may show a fracture but it would need to be a very large one. A fracture that pierces the skin is obvious, but some cracks in the bone will not even be seen by X-ray initially and rely on 2nd X-ray a week later. ...Read more
19
Tractor went over knees & feet, both meniscus torn, possibly acl's, knee caps fractured. Nothing done surgically yet stating too much arthritis, ideas?

Knee trouble: This should be a question for your orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. Heis the individual who can schedule you appointments to minimize your post-operative healing and minimize post-operative complications. Call today or tomorrow. ...Read more
20
What are the biggest causes of fracture of knee cap?

Direct trauma...: Direct trauma, either from a fall or a car accident are the most common causes of a patella (knee-cap) fracture. ...Read more
21
What can happen years after fracture to the knee cap?
A recent study shows: If the fracture was operated on: up tp 50% will need hardware removal, 40% will have knee pain, %40 will have restricted range of motion, 20% will not have full extension of their leg and %30 will have some weakness in their knee extension ...Read more
22
What are some symptoms of fracture of knee cap?
Pain and deformity: Fractures of the kneecap are uncommon as it takes quite a bit of force to break the kneecap — if you do break it then you will have severe pain, swelling, tenderness and feeling of crepitus (like rice krispies under the skin). ...Read more
23
I've had a fractured knee cap for over a year. My doctor doesn't know what to do. I'm in excruciating pain! Help?
Act immediatley: Find a good orthopaedic surgeon soon.
Get a more detailed answer ›
24
I have a fracture in my knee cap and I've gone threw therapy for 6 weeks with no improvement and I don't know what to do?
See your doc again: While it is not uncommon to continue to have pain 6 weeks after a fracture, it is important to follow-up with your physician and discuss why you are still hurting. It may be due to typical post-injury tendonitis/weakness/muscle spasm or there could be delayed or incorrect healing. A repeat xray and examination is recommended. ...Read more
25
How would you know if a knee cap was fractured?

Patellar fracturw: The kneecap can crack just slightly, or can be broken into many pieces. A direct fracture occurs due to a fall or direct blow. An indirect fracture occurs when the thigh muscle contract so strongly that the patella breaks. If you have a patellar fracture you may have bruising swelling, inability to straighten the knee and inability to walk, After examination, an X-ray can be ordered. ...Read more
26
How would you know when you have fractured your knee cap?
Xray: No way to tell for sure it's fractured without a xray. See a doctor. ...Read more
27
How do I tell if i hairline fractured my knee cap?
Xray: An x-ray or ct would best show this. See your physician for x-ray and physical exam to be sure. Best of luck! ...Read more
28
Could I walk on a fractured knee cap?
It depends. : On the fracture pattern and method of fixation. Many orthopedic surgeons will allow people to weight bear as tolerated with the knee in full extension while in a brace for many fracture patterns whether treated operatively or non operatively. Consult your orthopedic surgeon for their recommendation. ...Read more
29
What is the difference between a bruised knee cap and fractured one?
Knee cap: A bruised kneecap is generally less damaged than one that is fractured. Remember, there is a continuum of energy that can go across the patella, from small to large, thus the spectrum of possible injury. ...Read more
30
What is treatment for a contusion hair line fracture in your knee cap?
Depends on direction: This depends on the direction of fracture. If the fracture is horizontal, the knee has to be immobilized to prevent possible displacement of the fracture and disruption of the knee extensor mechanism. If the fracture is vertical, you don't have to do much. Just don't do anything that causes pain in the knee and try to prevent any further trauma for about 2-3 months. ...Read more
Fracture (Definition)
A fracture is a broken bone. As there is cartilage at the end of many bones at the joint, a fracture may also include a break in the cartilage. Fractures and broken bones are the same thing. It seems that many believe that a "fracture" is a lesser injury or an incomplete break in the bone, but this is not correct. Fractures may be displaced or ...Read more
Broken Bone (Definition)
Is it broken or fractured is a question I am often asked. The answer is basically that a broken or fractured bone is the same thing. A fracture means a break in the cortex or the strong layer of outer bone cells. In an adult the average time for that to heal varies greatly but is often considered to ...Read more
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