Question
I recently injured my left leg( think it was a tendon problem ) which had a lot of pain for 5-6 weeks and some knee and ankle pain ( probably from walking differently because of original injury). That has all gotten better now, but recently my right knee is clicking out of place with the lower leg about 10 degrees to the left of being straight and clicks back into place when I lift my leg and extend it to straighten it out. There is nowhere near as much pain as the left leg injury. I am 63 years old and do heavy work. My question is if this is something that needs immediate attention to prevent further deterioration or is it something that will get better by itself if I try not to aggravate it

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Podiatrist says.......

Dear Norval,

The fact that one leg appears to have a different angle than the other will produce effects on the body to try to balance itself by changing the position of the feet, knees, hips, spine and your arms and head. These changes may be subtle and studies indicate that the average person can adjust themselves for up to one inch difference in the length of the legs
PRICE
Protect-Wrap the knee and get off your feet-or walk in a way that it doesn't hurt
Rest-Walk less and get off your feet. You may need to take up to 1-2 weeks off if it continues to hurt.
Ice-On and of for 3-5 days. Mild heat is OK for stiffness-but not pain-especially in a fresh injury-wait 3 days for heat.
Compress-Mild ace wrap the area-which will also protect
Elevate-if it throbs.
It's normal for any strain of the foot, ankle or knee in a such described injury  to be in pain for up to 6-8 weeks-especially when we walk.
Please use common sense-If it continues to hurt-go see your orthopedist. If he says it's a limb length problem and does not offer an orthotic or lift-then go see a Board Certified Podiatrist in Orthopedics.

Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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