Minor injuries on the outside of the knee can be washed with clean water, but soft tissue injuries require the RICE method.
Injuries are unavoidable in daily life, especially in the knee area. Minor knee injuries can heal on their own. However, improper first aid can worsen the injury. Below are basic first aid methods for knee injuries.
External Injuries
Knee abrasions are the most common injuries encountered in daily activities. These external injuries can be managed at home. For abrasions, wash with clean water and apply antiseptic.
For wounds that are bleeding heavily, apply sterile gauze to keep the area moist and prevent bacterial infection. Change the gauze 1-2 times a day. If the wound is dirty or shows signs of redness and inflammation, seek medical attention for evaluation, and appropriate antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
Knowing how to perform first aid for injuries will help prevent unnecessary risks. (Image: Freepik)
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries occur due to excessive activity affecting muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Most soft tissue injuries result from sudden or uncontrolled movements. Common soft tissue injuries include sprains, ligament damage, and muscle strains.
When an acute injury occurs, first aid using the RICE method is often very effective. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This method should be implemented immediately after the injury and continued for the next 24-48 hours.
- Rest: The injured person should limit movement for the first two days to allow the injury to heal.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack or gel pack for 15-20 minutes during the first 24-48 hours after the injury. Wrap the ice in a cloth or thin fabric to prevent ice burns.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage to wrap the injury lightly. Avoid wrapping too tightly, as this can restrict blood flow and cause swelling.
- Elevation: For injuries on the leg, the injured person should elevate their leg on a pillow about 10-15 cm high. This helps blood flow back to the heart more easily.
If the injury remains swollen with persistent pain after 48 hours, the injured person should go to the hospital for examination, as this may indicate a chronic injury such as a torn ligament or knee bursitis.
Important Notes for First Aid
First aid is crucial and helps limit the extent of injuries. However, improper first aid can pose greater health risks to the injured person. Below are common first aid mistakes to avoid:
- Heat application: Applying heat to the injured area can increase bleeding and accelerate bodily reactions, leading to more swelling and discomfort.
- Alcohol rubs: Applying medicinal alcohol to the wound also generates heat. While it may provide a temporary pain relief sensation, it actually increases swelling and poses a risk of infection.
- Massage: Massaging the injured area is not a solution for injuries, as it can directly impact the wound, worsening pain and increasing swelling.
- Basic first aid skills everyone should know
- How to provide emergency first aid for acid burns
- First aid for electric shock
