First aid and emergency management of a knee injury:

Rest
Use crutches, splinting, slings etc.
Prevents further damage
Reduces blood flow and oxygen demand which promotes clotting
Reduces pain, allows healing
Ice
Decreases bleeding, swelling and pain
Rules:
o Never apply directly to skin
o Leave on for no longer than 20 mins, then 20 mins off, 20 mins on etc.
o Check skin colour and distal pulses
o Apply as often as possible for 2-3 days
Compression
Reduces swelling and healing time
Use compression bandage
o Monitor circulation
Elevation
Above the level of the heart
Reduces bleeding and swelling

AVOID:
Heat
I.e. hot baths, heat packs, showers, saunas
Alcohol
Increases bleeding, swelling and delays healing
Running
Exercise will cause further damage
Massage
Increases bleeding and swelling

Medication:
NSAIDs are recommended for controlling the inflammatory response to speed the recovery process - either topical or oral
Paracetamol

Hemarthrosis:
· Aspiration (withdrawal of fluid) as necessary