How to Heal from a Knee Dislocation

Medically reviewed by Jonas DeMuro, MD

Last Updated: July 8, 2022 References Approved

Kneecap dislocation, or patellar dislocation, occurs when the kneecap slides out of place, generally towards the outside of the leg, causing it to swell. Kneecap dislocations usually occur as a result of twisting or wrenching the knee with a planted foot during dancing or gymnastics. Most kneecap dislocations are not due to direct trauma to the knee.^{[1]
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Research source
Patellofemoral instability and malalignment. In: Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, 2nd, Green WB. (Ed), American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Rosemont 2001. p.387.} Knee dislocation results in pain and swelling of the area, and may cause the individual knee to feel unstable. Often with a kneecap dislocation, your knee will be partially bent and you will be unable to fully extend it.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} There are a number of things to consider when healing after a knee dislocation to ensure that the area heals correctly and that another dislocation will be avoided in the future.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Diagnosing a Kneecap Injury

1
Go to the emergency room or an urgent care facility if you suspect you have dislocated your kneecap. It is important that your injury be assessed by a physician before it worsens. Injuries that are caught and treated early are likely to heal faster and may need fewer medical interventions.
2
Do not try to bring a dislocated knee or kneecap back to the original position. You should never try to “pop” you knee back into place or otherwise adjust it on your own. Only a qualified healthcare professional should do that, and it should only be done in the event of an actual dislocation; you likely do not know for sure whether the injury is, in fact, a dislocation.

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3
Have your knee evaluated for other injuries. The knee is the joint most prone to injuries in the entire human body. It contains numerous connective tissues and bones that must work in synchrony to function correctly.^{[3]
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- The doctor’s exam will consist of a visual inspection of the knee, palpation and manipulation, looking for swelling and incorrect positioning or movement of the joint.^{[4]
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  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- The doctor will likely obtain an x-ray before you leave to make sure you have not broken or fractured anything. Approximately 10% of kneecap dislocations are associated with a kneecap fracture.^{[5]
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  Research source
  Bachman D, Santora S. Orthopedic trauma. In: Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, 3rd, Fleisher GR, Ludwig S, Henretig FM. (Eds), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia 2006. p.1525}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Treating a Dislocated Kneecap

1
Prepare yourself for a reduction. If your doctor agrees that you have a kneecap dislocation, he/she will likely perform a procedure called a “reduction,” which will slide your kneecap back into place.^{[6]
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- The doctor will likely give you pain medication before manipulating your knee to minimize the discomfort. Generally he/she will follow this procedure with an x-ray to make sure everything is in the correct place.
- Again, it’s important to not try this at home as it is difficult to figure out which injuries need surgery or specialized treatments, and further damage can occur if this is not done correctly.
2
Be aware that some dislocations may require surgery. If you have a rare type of dislocation or additional injuries, your doctor may need to consult an orthopedic surgeon (a specialist surgeon who treats bony injuries) to determine whether surgical intervention is necessary.^{[7]
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Research source
Young GM. Reduction of common joint dislocations and subluxations. In: Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Procedures, Henretig RM, King C. (Eds), Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore 1997. p.1088.}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Allowing for Proper Healing

1
Rest your leg as directed. You should always follow your doctor’s instructions, but some general guidelines for resting your knee and reducing swelling follow:^{[8]
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- Elevate your knee
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 10 – 15 minutes
- Repeat four times per day for a few days after the injury
2
Take over-the-counter pain relievers. If your doctor says it is okay, take Motrin (ibuprofen) to reduce your pain and swelling.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Follow the dosing prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- You can also take Tylenol (acetaminophen), but this will only treat the pain and not address swelling.
- Talk to your doctor if you feel that you need to continue using these medications for longer than a week.
3
Wear your knee brace. After your kneecap is back in place you will likely be placed in a knee brace to prevent the kneecap from becoming dislocated again.^{[10]
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Research source} The connective tissues in your knee may take weeks to heal enough to provide stability to your kneecap.
- In the meantime, it is important that you wear the brace as it will provide stability to the joint.
4
Make follow-up appointments a priority.^{[11]
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Research source} It can be easy to skip or reschedule follow-up appointments with your doctor once you are no longer in pain. However, these appointments are necessary so that your doctor can ensure that the knee is healing properly and that there are no secondary injuries that were missed at your original appointment.
- Expect your first follow-up appointment to be just a few days after the initial injury.
5
Use caution for several weeks after the injury. You should try to avoid putting too much stress or pressure on your knee for a few weeks after the injury. You should allow the joint to be mobile while still giving it time to heal. Discuss with your doctor when to resume work and other activities.
6
Attend physical therapy if necessary.^{[12]
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Research source} If your doctor refers you to a physical therapist once your knee has started to heal, be sure that you go to your therapy appointments and do any at-home exercises that the physical therapist gives you.
- Even when your knee starts to feel better, you have to strengthen it the proper way to avoid re-injury and ensure a full range of motion. This can also help you avoid complications down the road.
7
Consult a sports medicine physician if you are an athlete. ^{[13]
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Research source
Kibler WB. The knee. In: American College of Sports Medicine's Handbook for the Team Physician, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore 1996. p.324.} Athletes who have suffered from a kneecap injury should consult a qualified board-certified sports medicine physician to get specific recommendations about returning to training.
- Most of the time, a kneecap injury will require four to six weeks of healing before you can return to playing.^{[14]
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  Research source
  Kibler WB. The knee. In: American College of Sports Medicine's Handbook for the Team Physician, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore 1996. p.324.}
8
Take a Glucosamine supplement. Studies are somewhat inconclusive about this supplement, but there is some evidence that it can help improve knee movement after an injury.^{[15]
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9
Wear supportive shoes. While you are healing and possibly in the weeks after you have been cleared for normal activity, you should wear good quality shoes. ^{[16]
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Research source} This can help you have a regular gait while walking or running and avoid putting too much pressure on your knees.

Expert Q&A

Question

What is the thing to do first if I dislocated my kneecap 24 hours ago?

Daniel Wozniczka, MD, MPH
Internal Medicine Physician
Dr. Wozniczka is an Internal Medicine Physician, who is focused on the intersection of medicine, economics, and policy. He has global healthcare experience in Sub Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. He serves currently as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service and a Medical Officer for the Epidemic Intelligence Service in the CDC. He completed his MD at Jagiellonian University in 2014, and also holds an MBA and Masters in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Daniel Wozniczka, MD, MPH

Internal Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

If you dislocated your kneecap, I strongly recommend that you seek medical attention quickly. Talk with your primary care doctor.