Why your knee hurts after a crash
Knee injuries are common in collisions β especially "dashboard knee," where the knee strikes the dash on impact, and twisting injuries from your foot being planted on the brake or floor. That force can strain or sprain the ligaments, bruise the kneecap, irritate the cartilage, or set off swelling and stiffness that builds over the next day or two.
Symptoms we check for
General education β not a diagnosis. We evaluate first.
- Pain, swelling, or stiffness in the knee
- Pain going up or down stairs, or when bending
- A feeling of the knee "giving way" or being unstable
- Clicking, catching, or locking with movement
- Bruising over the kneecap or shin
- Pain that worsened a day or two after the crash
If your knee won't bear weight, locks up, or is badly swollen, that needs prompt evaluation β we'll get you imaging if it's warranted.
Why a same-week exam matters
Insurers and attorneys look at the gap between your crash and your first visit. A prompt exam documents the injury β what hurts and when it started β in plain language, while it's clearly connected to the accident.
We don't promise outcomes. We tell you what we see, in writing.
How we help with knee injuries
Every plan starts with an exam. For the soft-tissue and joint side of a knee injury, we use:
- Soft-tissue therapy and therapeutic stretching for the muscles around the knee
- Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and moist heat to ease pain and swelling
- Rehab exercises to rebuild strength and stability
- Guidance on movement and activity while it heals
We also know our limits. If the exam suggests a torn ligament, meniscus, or fracture that needs imaging or an orthopedic surgeon, we tell you and refer you out β and we still document it for your claim.
What this costs you
Most patients pay $0 at the visit. With active Minnesota no-fault (PIP), we verify benefits and bill your auto insurer directly. Working with an attorney? We bill on lien when appropriate. No coverage? We tell you a transparent number before you book.
Schedule your free consultation
Leave your name and number and we'll call to lock in your free consultation during business hours (MonβFri 9aβ12p & 2β6p). After hours, we follow up the next morning. Your information stays with the clinic.
β± Typical response time during business hours: 1β2 hours. In a hurry? Call (651) 202-3178 directly.