Knee pain after an accident can sometimes be delayed because the pain may not immediately develop or may not be immediately noticeable due to the presence of other injuries or the release of adrenaline. In some cases, the knee pain may not develop until the adrenaline wears off and the individual can fully assess their injuries.
Knees are vulnerable to injury in car accidents, especially in high-impact collisions, because they are not well-protected by muscles or other tissues. When the legs are subjected to sudden, forceful impact, the knees can be strained, bruised, or broken. The severity of knee injuries can range from mild, with little or no pain, to severe, with significant pain.
If you have experienced knee pain after a car accident, it's important to have the injury evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to diagnose the cause of the knee pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. Treatment may include rest, pain medication, and other measures to alleviate the pain and allow the knees to heal. In some cases, more severe knee injuries may require surgery to repair the damage.