what is a knee contusion

A knee contusion is a bruise of the knee caused by a direct hit, fall, or sports injury that damages small blood vessels and causes pain, swelling, and skin discoloration.

Quick Scoop

It usually shows up within a day of the injury and can feel tender, stiff, or sore when you bend or press on the knee.

Common signs

• Pain at the impact site.
• Swelling or a small bump.
• Red, blue, purple, or dark skin changes.
• Stiffness or discomfort when walking, kneeling, or squatting.

Soft tissue vs. bone bruise

A soft tissue contusion affects the skin or muscle around the knee, while a bone contusion is a deeper injury inside the bone and can hurt more or take longer to settle.

Usual care

Most minor knee contusions improve on their own with rest, ice, compression, elevation, and reduced activity.

Get checked sooner if

• You cannot bear weight.
• The knee is very swollen or deformed.
• Pain is severe or worsening.
• You have trouble straightening or bending the knee.
• Symptoms do not improve over several days.

A knee contusion is basically a bruised knee, but a deeper bone bruise can be more painful and last longer.

TL;DR: A knee contusion is a bruised knee from impact, and most cases heal with simple home care, but severe pain or trouble walking should be evaluated.