Treating Badly Bruised Knee

[taichiperson]

As above, am already on medication following a small heart attack - anti platelets, aspirin, calcium channel blockers etc. Should I treat with ice pack? Would anti inflammatories be a bad idea?

[Mamyalynne]

I'd definitely try an ice pack.


I'll set someone qualified comment re medication or give local pharmacist a call.

[woofgang]

ice and elevation would be sensible.

[Mamyalynne]

^I'll let someone...

[dannyk13]

In the past I have used Arnica for bruising,gave some relief.
https://www.avogel.co.uk/herbal-remedies/arnica-gel-atrogel/

[Sqad]

I cannot improve on your suggestions. Rest, Ice pack and anti-inflammatories.
It will swell, be stiff, look black and take at least 10 days to settle, as the aspirin will slow down the clotting mechanism and you will bleed more than the normal person.

[dannyk13]

There you go,advice from the expert.

[taichiperson]

Thanks Mamya. Danny, I'm hesitant on using arnica, as I used it six months or so after a bad fall (lower back and elbow bruised, a bit shaken) as I had a bit of a funny turn the day after, maybe a precursor of the heart attack though the doctor and cardiologist seemed to dismiss it.

[dannyk13]

I would go with sqad's advice.

[taichiperson]

Thanks Squad, you must have answered as I was typing my previous post. I was really annoyed at tripping over, expected it to be much worse but as it was over a wide area (knee and side of lower leg) it was spread out. However, bruising has only shown just on and under the knee. Will possibly contact doc/pharmacist over what type of anti inflammatories.

[Sqad]

Ibuprofen 400mgs 6hourly for the pain if necessary......

[taichiperson]

PS rest is a difficult one, as I'm trying to keep my activity levels up under guidelines to keep my heart healthy! Effectively it's walking a couple of miles most days, or half an hour or so on an exercise bike wit h a day or tow 'resting'. I know that's not a high level of activity, but I do practice/teach Tai Chi also which does help.

[Sqad]

LOL.....sorry but you will have to put your cardio-activity on hold until that knee settles.

[taichiperson]

Can't say I'm sorry, I do love to sit quietly and surf/read/ watch TV ;) I'm sure gentle walking is ok to keep the knee mobile.

[Sqad]

;-)....gently for the next week and then slowly increase, although it may well be stiff.

[woofgang]

taichiperson, you can move it while you rest it. movement while non weightbearing will help to limit stiffness and disperse any fluid....just go easy, small range of motion and not many reps at first, building up as you heal. The exercise should be no more than uncomfortable if that