Important Announcements

Campus Construction Update

The Menino building lobby entrance is currently closed. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

Nondiscrimination Policy Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To read our full Nondiscrimination Statement, click here.
 

 

When you are first injured, the RICE method -- rest, ice, gentle compression and elevation - can help. Be sure to seek treatment as soon as possible, especially if you:

  • Hear a popping noise and feel your knee give out at the time of injury 
  • Have severe pain
  • Cannot move the knee 
  • Begin limping
  • Have swelling at the injury site

The type of treatment your doctor recommends will depend on several factors, such as the severity of your injury, your age, general health, and activity level.

How is a knee injury treated without surgery?

Many knee injuries can be treated with simple measures, such as:

  • Immobilization. Your doctor may recommend a brace to prevent your knee from moving. If you have fractured a bone, a cast or brace may hold the bones in place while they heal. To further protect your knee, you may be given crutches to keep you from putting weight on your leg.
  • Physical therapy. Specific exercises will restore function to your knee and strengthen the leg muscles that support it.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling.

How is a knee injury treated with surgery?

Many fractures and injuries around the knee require surgery to fully restore function to your leg. In some cases - such as many ACL tears — surgery can be done arthroscopically using miniature instruments and small incisions. Many injuries require open surgery with a larger incision that provides your surgeon with a more direct view and easier access to the injured structures