After an Accident ยท California

Shoulder, Knee & Joint Pain After an Accident

Shoulder and knee pain after an accident often comes from a sprain, a torn ligament or tendon (like an ACL or rotator cuff), or, in harder impacts, a fracture, and the pain level alone doesn't always tell you which one it is.

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We are not a law firm or a medical provider. We connect you with doctors who treat these injuries.

Why this happens

Joints absorb a lot of force in falls and collisions, bracing for impact with an outstretched hand or arm commonly strains the shoulder, while a twisted or braced knee during a fall or crash is a common way to tear a ligament. Swelling, a feeling of instability, or a popping sound at the time of injury are all worth mentioning to a doctor, since they help point toward the right diagnosis.

When this is a medical emergency

Seek urgent care right away for joint pain that comes with:

  • Visible deformity, or the joint looks out of place
  • Inability to bear any weight on the leg or use the arm at all
  • Rapid, significant swelling right after the injury
  • The skin over the joint turns pale, cold, or numb

Commonly linked to these accident types

This symptom shows up often after these kinds of accidents. Find help specific to your situation.

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Care options for this symptom

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Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my shoulder or knee pain is a sprain or something more serious like a tear?

Sprains typically improve somewhat with rest over the first few days. A ligament or tendon tear more often comes with a feeling of instability, giving way, or an inability to fully use the joint, and usually needs imaging to confirm. Either way, a doctor's exam is the fastest way to know.

Can I still walk on a sprained or injured knee?

Sometimes, but being able to walk doesn't rule out a significant injury like a ligament tear. If there's swelling, instability, or pain with weight-bearing, it's worth getting evaluated rather than pushing through it.

Is physical therapy usually enough, or do joint injuries need surgery?

Many sprains and even some ligament injuries heal well with physical therapy alone. More significant tears or fractures sometimes require surgery. A doctor will guide the right treatment path based on imaging and your specific injury.

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