Discuss the possible presenting symptoms after a hard knock on the leg in the area behind the knee
Possible presenting symptoms that could result from a hard knock on the leg in the area behind the knee are swelling due to the “escape of blood from damaged blood vessels adjacent to the area of the injury, rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, damage to the synovial membranes, torn menisci, fractures or collateral ligament sprains” (McAlindon et al, 2000).
Stiell et al (1996) have discussed it is likely that the patient will be experiencing acute pain but this could be eased by rest but will resurface once activity is resumed. The patient will describe a feeling of “weakness, aching or stiffness, which at times may be sharp and quite severe. When the case history is taken, the patient will remember a particular episode that contributed to the injury” (Smith and Green, 1995).
Injury resulting from a hard knock on the leg in the area behind the knee could occur in sports such as football and rugby and as well as the possible damage to the areas mentioned in first paragraph, bruising and damage to the gastronomies and soleus muscles may also occur.
Depending on the severity of the hit and the period in which a hard knock took place, a hard knock to the posterior of the knee could cause many symptoms ( Norman, Cacciotti, Sivilitto 1996). There could be bruised or swollen knee. There may be less range of motion or even if it is there it may be very painful. The person may limp or be unable to bear weight. Tendon or the sheath around a tendon becomes inflamed and the sufferer gets an intolerable pain. There is accumulation of excessive fluid in the synovium (membrane in the knee capsule). This may also indicate towards an underlying condition. Such fluid buildup can be blood or increased secretion form the symposium as a reaction to some type of inflammation or overuse.
To conclude, there are number of symptoms in case of hard knock in the leg but some of them are very common. The first and the foremost symptom in case of hard knock on the leg in the area behind the knee is swelling of the knee and the area around it ( Puet and Griffin 1994). There may be a gradual development in this swelling over hours to days after an injury. Another common symptom is limitation in the mobility of the knee. Generally swelling limits the motion. The ligament, which connect the shin bone to the thigh bone provides stability to the knee. In case there is some stretch in the ligament, , the knee may feel as though it is giving way beneath the patient.
The other possible symptoms which are associated with hard knock on the leg in the area behind the knee are effusion which is caused due to intense inflammatory processes occurring within the joint spaces. Rheumatoid arthritis, gout and infection are some of the conditions which can lead to effusion or inflammatory arthritis. The knee might appear swollen because of accumulation of liquids as it happens in the case of effusion which might also include, warmth, redness and pain while making any movement ( Thompson 2009).
Is this the question you were looking for? If so, place your order here to get started!
