The knee is an area that is prone to injury because it is a prominent part of the body. Injuries to the knee can occur due to falling or hitting something. Treatment of wounds on the knee needs to be done properly so as not to become infected and leave scars.
The skin is the outermost and widest organ of the body that is susceptible to being scratched and injured, especially in areas of prominence, such as the elbows and knees.
Injuries to the knee can limit leg movement and are sometimes accompanied by swelling. This depends on the type and severity of the wound. The most common injuries to the knee are abrasions or lacerations, but sometimes they can also be stab wounds.
Severe knee injuries, where there is heavy bleeding or damage to the knee joint, require treatment in a hospital or clinic, while minor knee injuries can be treated at home.
How to Care Knee Wound
The following are steps for treating knee injuries that can be done at home:
Clean the wound
Before cleaning the wound, don't forget to wash your hands first. After that, clean the wound with clean water and a mild soap to remove dirt, such as dirt, dust, or sand.
You don't need to use wound cleaning solutions or antiseptics, such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can irritate and make the wound more painful.
Stop bleeding
If the knee wound is bleeding, use a bandage, clean cloth, or sterile gauze to apply pressure to the wound for 10-15 minutes to stop the bleeding.
If the bleeding in the wound is difficult to stop, immediately go to the doctor or the nearest hospital. Bleeding that is difficult to stop can be caused by a blood clotting disorder or a side effect of blood-thinning medications, and this needs to be treated by a doctor immediately.
Close the wound
After the wound is cleaned and the bleeding has stopped, cover the knee wound with a sterile bandage or gauze to prevent the risk of dangerous bacterial infection and speed up the healing process. Change the bandage 1-2 times a day or when the bandage is wet and dirty.
To help the wound healing process and prevent infection, you can also use antibiotic creams or ointments, such as bacitracin, gentamicin, and ikamicetin, as prescribed by your doctor.
However, if a rash appears, the wound looks swollen, or feels very itchy after applying an antibiotic cream or ointment, stop using the drug immediately and consult a doctor.
To reduce pain from wounds, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol.
Things to Pay Attention to During the Wound Healing Process
Wounds on the knee that begin to heal are usually marked by the formation of scabs. Scabs help protect the wound from dirt and germs as new skin tissue grows underneath.
Sores in the knee that have formed scabs will sometimes feel itchy. However, try not to scratch or peel off the scab as this can cause infection in the wound and hinder wound healing.
In people who have diseases such as diabetes or malnutrition, the wound healing process in the knee may take longer and the wound is more susceptible to infection. Therefore, if you suffer from this disease and experience injuries to your knees or other areas of the body, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
When Should Knee Sores Need to be Treated in a Hospital?
Open wounds to the knee that are wide, deep, or cause damage to the fat or muscle tissue in the knee require hospitalization. One of the actions the doctor may take is stitching the wound.
You are also advised to go to the hospital immediately if the bleeding in the wound in the knee does not stop even though it has been closed and pressed for more than 15 minutes.
Likewise, if there are pieces of sharp objects, such as glass or nails, in the wound on the knee. At the hospital, the doctor can clean and treat the wound and give a tetanus shot if needed.
If you have treated the wound at home but the wound on the knee does not heal or it appears pus-filled, is getting worse, or is accompanied by a fever, consult a doctor immediately.