What does popping sensation while bending knee after a fall indicate?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am an 18-year-old male. I was playing football on Monday and my left foot slipped, naturally I tried to stop myself from falling but my weight went down on my left knee and it bent backward. I did not fall on the ground, I was still standing but it was sore for a few minutes then it went, but when I tried to bend my knee backward, now it feels like something is about to pop. Any advice?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As you mentioned the nature of the injury and now the knee bending is difficult and painful, the first thing you did good was to stabilize the injured knee in the bandage. Now immobilizing the injured part is of utmost importance to avoid further damage to the joint and it is internal structures. Since this has happened in past as well where you were not seriously noticing to seek medical help, over a period of time ligament injury might have developed. There might be ACL injury which is common in football players and needs to be conscious about it as the game is full of fun and enjoyment.

I advise you to seek an orthopedic, for getting your knee assessed as it might be of importance. He might do a checkup on a clinical basis of your knee and if needed an MRI which is of utmost importance to check the extent of the injury to the tissues within the knee joint. Please do not ignore such injuries as you can be a better player in every game you take upon.

Now, there are types of ligament injuries. Some are a sprain, a partial tear or complete tear. Based on what type of injury it is we have to take up the call for the treatment plan. But be assured that all the treatment are designed to get you back in the game and live action. Post analyzing the proper injury a good exercise regimen can help you a lot more than just leaving it unattended. I hope you understand that the knee is one of the major joints for weight bearing and should not be ignored.