Bruised Knee (Patellar Contusion)

What is a bruised knee (patellar contusion)?

A patellar contusion is a bruise on your kneecap.

How does it occur?

A bruised kneecap occurs from a direct injury to your kneecap. This usually happens from falling onto your knee or by being hit by an object.

What are the symptoms?

You will have pain directly over your kneecap. You may also have pain underneath your kneecap. You may have swelling in your knee. You may have pain walking or running. The outside of your knee may become swollen if the bursa is bruised. The bursa is a fluid filled sac just in front of the patella.

How is it diagnosed?

Your provider will ask you about your symptoms and examine your knee. He or she may order an X-ray.

How is it treated?

Treatment may include:

• Putting ice packs on your knee for 20-30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first 2 to 3 days or until the pain and swelling goes away.
• Elevating your knee to help any swelling go away.
• Taking a medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Using crutches if needed.

You will be given rehabilitation exercises to help you return to your sport or activity. While you are recovering from your injury, you may need to change your sport or activity to one that does not make your condition worse. For example, you may need to swim or bicycle instead of run.

How long will the effects last?

The effects of a bruised kneecap may last several days to weeks or longer. It may take longer if the back of the kneecap is injured.

When can I return to my normal activities?

Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate. Return to your activities will be determined by how soon your knee recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury has occurred. In general, the longer you have symptoms before you start treatment, the longer it will take to get better. The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your normal activities as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury.

You may safely return to your normal activities when, starting from the top of the list and progressing to the end, each of the following is true:

• Your injured knee can be fully straightened and bent without pain.
• Your knee and leg have regained normal strength compared to the uninjured knee and leg.
• You are able to walk, bend, and squat without pain.

What can I do to prevent a bruised kneecap?

Most bruised kneecaps are caused by accidents that cannot be prevented. If you are in a sport that has knee protection, be sure that your equipment fits properly.

Written by Pierre Rouzier, MD.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.