About your visit
We have examined you and we have ascertained that you have twisted your knee. We have wrapped your knee in an elastic bandage. Walk on the leg as much as you can.
If you need crutches, we have lent you a pair to take home with you.
When you get home
Contact your general practitioner if the pain does not subside or if it increases
Call your general practitioner if the pain continues or the knee is still swollen after one week.
Take pain-relieving medicine if you are in pain
You should take pain-relieving medicine if you are in pain. Pain-relieving medicine can be bought over the counter. Take only the amount of pain reliever recommended on the package. Contact your general practitioner if you need help managing the pain.
Treat the injury using POLICE
Use the POLICE principle to ease and limit the extent of the injury. Continue the POLICE principle until the swelling has disappeared and for at least two days.
- P = Protection: Protect the injured area. You may need to use an elastic bandage or athletic tape for a period of time.
- OL = Optimal Loading: Loading the damaged tissue promotes healing. You may therefore put weight on your leg and move your knee if doing so does not worsen your pain.
- I = Ice: Apply ice to the knee three to five times a day for 20-30 minutes. Wrap a bag of ice in a tea towel, for example, to avoid direct contact with your skin.
- C = Compression: Use an elastic bandage except when sleeping.
- E = Elevation: Elevate your leg when seated or lying down.
The elastic bandage must not be too tight
If your lower leg feels numb, take off the elastic bandage.
Your knee may be sore and swollen for a long time
A twisted knee will often be swollen and sore for several months
Exercises
It is important to exercise your knee
Once your knee is no longer swollen, it is time to start doing exercises. The exercises will help you regain strength and mobility in your knee.
Do the exercises three to five times a day. It is okay if the exercises cause a bit of pain, but your knee should not swell.
Exercise 1
Sit on the floor with your legs stretched in front of you.
- Grab the hollow of your knee on the injured leg with both hands.
- Let your foot slide along the floor while pulling the knee against you.
- Stretch out your knee again. Support the knee while stretching your leg, if necessary.
Exercise 2
Stand in front of a step or a low stool. Place the foot of your injured leg on the step or stool, so you bend your knee. Keep the other leg stretched.
- Bend as much you as can by leaning your upper body forwards until you feel a stretch in your knee or you cannot bend your knee any more.
- Lean backwards and forwards for a couple of minutes.
Worth knowing
Check your medical journal and test results
You can check your medical journal, health data and any test results at www.minsundhedsplatform.dk and www.sundhed.dk. They are both available as apps: MinSP and MinSundhed. Log on to the apps with your MitID.
We will notify your doctor
We will send information about your visit to the hospital to your general practitioner. Let us know if you do not want your general practitioner to receive information from the hospital.
Tell us about your experience
We would very much like to receive your feedback. If you are considering lodging a complaint, please contact the hospital’s impartial patient advisors. Read more here: www.regionh.dk/patientrettigheder (in Danish only).
Your personal data
The Capital Region of Denmark uses the personal data you share with us when you make an enquiry. You can read more about how we use your data and your rights on our website: www.regionh.dk/persondatapolitik (in Danish only).