In a 65-year-old patient with knee and upper tibial pain following a fall, a fracture around the proximal tibia, tibial plateau, patella, or distal femur must be ruled out before assuming it is just a soft-tissue injury. While ibuprofen may provide temporary pain relief, it does not treat the underlying cause and should not delay evaluation.
Next Steps
* Avoid full weight-bearing on the affected limb until a fracture has been excluded.
* Get X-rays of the knee (AP & lateral) and tibia including the knee joint as soon as possible. If X-rays are normal but pain, swelling, or inability to bear weight persists, a CT scan or MRI may be required to detect an occult fracture or ligament/meniscal injury.
* Until evaluated, follow the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and continue pain medication only as advised by your doctor.
Health Tips
Seek immediate orthopaedic evaluation if you are unable to bear weight, have significant swelling, deformity, knee instability, numbness of the foot, or worsening pain. Early diagnosis is particularly important at your age to avoid complications and ensure appropriate treatment.