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I think I dislocated my knee cap should I go to the doctor or will it pop back?|||Need an xray to see if there is any damage there also.|||When to Call the Doctor





When you are deciding whether to call the doctor, a good rule of thumb exists for most long-term knee injuries. If your symptoms have not gone away after trying 3-7 days of PRICE therapy and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications, you should set up an appointment with your doctor or a sports medicine or orthopedic (bone and muscle) specialist to further evaluate the pain. This rule can also be applied to new knee injuries that are not disabling. Remember, however, that this rule should only serve as a guide. If you are concerned about the pain, you should call the doctor.





When to Go to the Hospital





* If you cannot walk on your knee, you should immediately go to the hospital's emergency department to be evaluated by a doctor because of the possibility of a fracture.





o Many fractures may require immobilization in a specific position or surgery.





o Putting off seeing a doctor may hinder healing.





* Other signs and symptoms that demand emergency evaluation:





o Fever (which may indicate infection)





o Unbearable pain





o Drainage





o Large wounds





o Puncture wounds





o Swelling, if you are on a blood thinner (warfarin or Coumadin) or have a bleeding disorder (such as hemophilia)