If you recently dislocated your kneecap, you should see a kneecap dislocation doctor New Jersey residents trust. It’s a serious and painful condition that needs to be addressed immediately. A doctor can assess your knee and recommend the appropriate treatment.
What Is Kneecap Dislocation?
Kneecap dislocation occurs when the patella bone comes out of position. If you suffer a dislocation, you may experience:
- Pain in your knee
- Swelling
- Inability to walk or stand
- Locking sensation in the knee
- Popping sounds in the knee
What Causes Kneecap Dislocation?
Kneecap dislocation can affect anyone, but it’s more common among athletes. Here are some common causes of knee dislocation:
- Direct trauma: If your knee runs into another person or object with a lot of force, it can result in dislocation.
- Weak leg muscles: If you don’t have very strong leg muscles, you could put unnecessary pressure on your knee joints, increasing the risk of dislocation.
- Quickly Changing Directions: If you’re running at a high speed in one direction and have to change direction in an instant, you risk dislocating your kneecap.
- Previous Injury: If you have suffered a knee injury in the past, you have a higher chance of suffering a kneecap dislocation.
- Excess Weight: If you’re currently overweight, you have a higher chance of suffering a kneecap dislocation. The extra weight can put too much strain on your knee, resulting in a dislocation.
How Do You Treat Kneecap Dislocation?
If you’ve suffered a kneecap dislocation, you should see a kneecap dislocation doctor in New Jersey promptly. He or she may perform a physical exam and X-rays to confirm your injury. Then, your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment. Here are the most common ways to treat the condition:
- Rest: If you dislocated your kneecap, your knee pain doctor in New Jersey may suggest minimizing your activities and resting. When you lie down, elevate your knee to prevent swelling.
- Ice: Applying ice to your knee several times a day can reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can show you how to perform several exercises to strengthen your kneecap, ultimately decreasing your pain.
- Crutches: As you recover from your kneecap dislocation, you may want to use crutches to take weight off your knee.
- Pain Medication: Your doctor may also suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.
Schedule an appointment with a kneecap dislocation doctor in New Jersey today.