Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Treatment
• Method 2 of 3: Knee Care
• Method 3 of 3: Lifestyle Changes
• Tips
• Warnings

A dislocated knee (or patella) is a common injury that anyone can experience, although it is more common among women. Dislocation is a consequence of the displacement of the patella. Trauma can cause discomfort and pain. To get rid of the dislocation, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible, start treatment and allow the knee to recover.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Treatment

1. 1 Assess the situation. If your knee is severely injured or in great pain, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room of the hospital. If you correctly assess the condition of the knee and start treatment on time, you can prevent the condition from worsening and reduce pain.
   • The knee may be dislocated if it looks misshapen or not as usual.
   • There are other signs: you cannot straighten the bent leg, the kneecap extends beyond the knee, your knee area hurts, your knee is swollen, you may be able to move the kneecap to the far edge of the knee.
   • You may also find it difficult to walk.
2. 2 Straighten your knee if possible. If you are not in much pain, try to straighten your leg. If your knee is not moving or it is very painful for you to move it, secure it and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
3. 3 Don't move the joint. If your knee is deformed or sore, do not move. Do not try to push the joint back into place. This can injure nearby muscles, ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels.
4. 4 Immobilize your knee. To prevent a worsening of the situation, you need to fix the knee. Place a splint above and below the knee and wait for the doctor.
   • Rolled newspapers or towels can be used. Wrap the band-aid around your leg to keep them from moving.
   • You can put something soft at first so that it does not hurt so much.
5. 5 Apply ice to your knee. After immobilizing your knee, apply ice. This will reduce pain and swelling caused by internal bleeding and fluid buildup around the injured joint.
   • To avoid frostbite on your leg, do not apply ice directly to your skin. Wrap a cloth or towel around your knee.
6. 6 See a doctor. The doctor will decide how best to treat your knee. Most likely, you will need to correct it first. If the injury was serious, you may be given a cast, splint, surgery, or rehabilitation.
   • Your doctor may ask you questions about how you dislocated your knee, how much pain it hurt, and whether you have had any dislocations in the past.
   • You may need to get a scan or an MRI of your knee. These examinations will determine the extent of the damage and select the appropriate treatment.
7. 7 Take a course of treatment. When your doctor examines you, he or she will suggest several treatment options. You may need to agree to the following procedures:
   • Reduction of the knee. If you are in great pain, the procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia.
   • Immobilization, that is, the application of a splint or plaster, which will prevent the knee from moving. How long you need to wear a splint or cast will depend on the extent of the injury.
   • Operation. It may be indicated if the doctor is unable to adjust the knee, if adjacent tissues are damaged, or if you have frequent dislocations.
   • Rehabilitation. It will allow you to regain mobility in the joint after removing the cast or splint.

Method 2 of 3: Knee Care

1. 1 Rest your leg. Make sure your leg is resting every day. The lack of movement will allow the leg to heal properly, and the pain and discomfort will ease.
   • Wiggle your toes or lower leg to prevent numbness in the rest of your joints, unless it is causing severe pain.
2. 2 Apply ice to your knee. Apply cold several times a day for the first couple of days. The cold will reduce inflammation and soreness and speed up healing.
   • Apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes at a time.
   • Cover the compress with a towel to protect your skin.
   • If the ice is too cold or the skin starts to grow numb, remove the compress.
3. 3 Apply a warm compress. After 2-3 days, start applying warmth to your knee. This will relax tight muscles and ligaments and speed up recovery.
   • Apply heat for 20 minutes at a time.
   • Remove the compress if it gets too hot or painful. Place a towel or cloth under the compress.
   • You can use a heating pad or thermal blanket.
4. 4 Treat pain with analgesics. After a dislocated knee, pain may appear. Take pain relievers to relieve discomfort and relax.
   • Take over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, paracetamol. Ibuprofen and naproxen may reduce inflammation.
   • If you are in great pain, ask your doctor for a strong pain reliever.
5. 5 Move your leg slightly. For the leg to heal faster, it needs rest, but this can cause joints to become numb and blood circulation deteriorate. To prevent this from happening, move your leg slightly.
   • Move your toes first, then swing your foot from side to side, back and forth.
   • To stretch your quads, lie on your stomach, bend your leg, and grab your ankle. Pull your sock slightly towards your buttocks. Hold this position for as long as possible. Gradually increase the exercise time.
   • Pull your hamstrings. Lie on your back with a belt or towel around your foot. Stretch your leg and gradually begin to tighten the belt to raise the leg. Keep your other foot on the floor. Raise your leg until you feel the muscles tighten. Stay as long as possible. Increase the exercise time gradually.
   • Ask your doctor if any movement or light exercise is indicated for you that could speed healing and prevent stiffness.
6. 6 Take a rehabilitation course. Your doctor may prescribe rehab or physical therapy for you when the cast or splint is removed. Attend classes until the therapist says you are well.
   • Go into rehabilitation under the supervision of a physician. Ask your PCP for advice on a good specialist.
   • The early rehabilitation program includes simple movements that improve blood circulation and keep joints from numb.
   • Physiotherapy exercises can help you strengthen your muscles and develop joint mobility and flexibility.

Method 3 of 3: Lifestyle Changes

1. 1 Return to business as usual in a few weeks. Don't do this before. You may need to get a doctor's approval first.
   • If the injury was serious, you may need to walk on crutches or move in a wheelchair. Ask your doctor if you can drive or sit for extended periods.
   • Change your eating and sleeping habits. For example, if you have to move in a wheelchair, rearrange the furniture so that it does not interfere with you. Order food home so you don't have to cook it.
2. 2 Strengthen your knee with nutrition. Foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D can help you strengthen your kneecap and bones. This will speed up healing and prevent new dislocations.
   • Calcium and Vitamin D are best for strengthening bones when taken simultaneously.
   • Milk, spinach, soy, cabbage, cheese, and yogurt are high in calcium.
   • If you are low on these foods, take calcium tablets. Try to get as much calcium as possible from fresh foods.
   • Vitamin D is found in red fish, tuna, beef liver, and egg yolks.
   • Take vitamin D capsules if you don't eat enough of these foods.
   • Eat fortified foods with calcium and vitamin D.
3. 3 Wear comfortable clothing. If you have a dislocated knee, it will be uncomfortable for you to dress, especially if you are wearing pants. Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off and are comfortable for you.
   • Wear loose pants or shorts. You can walk at home without trousers.
   • Cut open your shorts or trousers and sew Velcro into them to make them easier to take off and on.
4. 4 Get help. Some things will be difficult for you to do. Ask friends and family to help you while you recover.
   • Get someone to carry your belongings outside so you don't have to put stress on your joints. If you are not allowed to walk, ask loved ones to cook for you.
   • Strangers will be happy to help you if they see that you have had an injury. Accept other people's help when they offer to open the door for you or bring your bags.
   • Don't do anything difficult. Some things will be difficult for you to do (like driving a car). Give up these activities. Get someone to give you a ride or use public transportation.

Tips

• If possible, stay away from work or school for several days to rest.
• Do simple exercises at home if your doctor or therapist allows you to.

Warnings

• Do not overdo it - this can worsen the injury and increase the pain.