It's important to understand that a broken knee (fractured patella or other knee fractures) requires immediate medical attention. Home treatment is primarily for symptom management while awaiting professional care and after medical advice has been given. Here's what you can do at home to help manage a broken knee, after you have seen a doctor:
While you cannot fix a broken knee at home, you can alleviate some of the discomfort by implementing the following:
RICE Method (after doctor consultation)
It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of a knee fracture. Once you have medical advice, you may use the RICE method for comfort. The following steps help manage symptoms, after medical intervention:
- Rest: Avoid putting weight on your injured leg.
- Use crutches or a walker if prescribed by your doctor.
- Ice: Apply ice to the injured knee area as directed by your doctor.
- Apply ice or a cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
- Repeat this every 1 to 2 hours, when awake, for the next 3 days (or until swelling subsides).
- Always put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin to prevent frostbite.
- Be careful to keep casts or immobilizers dry.
- Compression: Use a compression bandage as directed by your doctor.
- This helps to reduce swelling, but avoid making it too tight.
- Elevation: Keep your injured leg elevated to further reduce swelling.
- Use pillows to prop your leg above your heart level.
Pain Management
- Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication. Never use non-prescribed medication without approval from a medical provider.
- Do not exceed recommended dosage of pain medications.
Precautions
- Be very careful with mobility; avoid putting any pressure on the knee until advised by your doctor.
- Do not try to remove any splints, casts, or immobilizers yourself; only remove these as advised and instructed by your doctor.
- Monitor for any worsening symptoms and contact your doctor if anything changes or gets worse.
Summary of Home Treatment (after medical consultation)
| Treatment | Description | Frequency and Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Rest | Avoid putting weight on the injured leg | As much as possible until advised by doctor |
| Ice | Apply ice packs (protected by a thin cloth) | 10-20 minutes every 1-2 hours for 3 days or until swelling is reduced |
| Compression | Use a compression bandage | As directed by your doctor |
| Elevation | Keep the leg raised above your heart level | Regularly while resting |
| Pain Relief | Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medication | As prescribed |
Important Note: Home care is supportive after a medical diagnosis and treatment plan. Never rely solely on home treatments for a broken bone; consult a doctor right away if you believe you have a fracture. If your knee is very painful, deformed, or you cannot move it, seek immediate medical care.
