hi, I am 80 years old, have been in good health, low blood pressure. my left knee started swelling 3 days ago, bright red blotchy and hot to the touch. the next day there were bruises near it. I had been working at a habitat store, restore and on my feet on cement for about 3 hr. I walk often, do machines and have had no problems. however, in 1974, I fell hard on the cement and had a swollen knee called a football knee and had to elevate and it was a bruised ligament. could I have injured that same spot. thanks in advance. loris degroff, e mail: LorisD@webtv. net. Oh yes, I weigh 140 lb. and am 5 ft. 6in.
Hi, thank you for providing the brief history of you. As you had a history of past fall, and ligament injury, this could be the same as per my understanding. Having a thorough clinical musculoskeletal examination followed by an MRI of the knee will help understand the soft tissues better. Also, your age is 80, so some degenerative changes in the joint can be expected on general physiology. Having a physical therapy for a few sessions should help reduce the pain and improve the mobility as well. With therapeutic ultrasound therapy and TENS therapy the pain will be reduced and inflammation as well. Performing some simple knee strengthening exercises will help stabilize the joint and safeguard it from future injuries. In my clinical practice most geriatric cases respond well to physical therapy. RegardsJay In Chat Doctor. 