I just twisted my knee. What should I do?

In the first minutes

Stop the activity. Playing on after a significant twist is a common way to turn one injury into two. Sit down, check whether you can straighten and bend the knee, and try taking a few steps. If you cannot take four steps, or the knee looks deformed, go to an emergency department.

The first two or three days

• Ice wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours
• A compression sleeve or bandage, not so tight that the foot tingles or changes colour
• Raise the leg above hip level when resting
• Walk as comfort allows, using crutches if limping badly
• Gently bend and straighten the knee several times a day so it does not stiffen
• Avoid twisting, running and sport until it has been assessed

Signs it may be a significant injury

• You felt or heard a pop at the moment of injury
• The knee swelled within a few hours
• It feels loose, shifts or gives way when you turn
• It locks or will not straighten fully
• Pain is localised to the joint line on the inner or outer side

These point towards an ACL tear, meniscus tear, kneecap dislocation or ligament sprain. Swelling that appears within hours usually means bleeding into the joint and deserves prompt assessment, even if you can walk.

When to see a knee specialist in Doha

If any of the signs above are present, book an assessment within a week or so. Early examination, before swelling makes the knee hard to test, helps to make an accurate diagnosis, and some injuries such as a displaced meniscus tear or a dislocated kneecap with a fragment benefit from early treatment.

At Aman Hospital in Doha, Dr. Gelber sees many sports injuries from padel, football and the gym, and can arrange an MRI promptly when it is needed.