Understanding Knee Injuries

Knee injuries can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. They often result from sports activities, accidents, or degenerative conditions, affecting the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons in the knee joint.

Ligament Injuries: Damage to the knee ligaments, such as the ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL, often results from sports or high-impact activities. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.

Meniscus Tear: Occurs from twisting or turning quickly with the foot planted while the knee is bent. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty extending the knee fully.

Patellar Tendinitis: Known as "jumper’s knee," this injury results from repetitive jumping or running. Symptoms include pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon, just below the kneecap.

Knee Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint) caused by repetitive kneeling or a direct blow. Symptoms include swelling, warmth, and pain at the site of the bursa.

Knee Fracture: Often results from high-impact trauma, such as a fall or car accident. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the knee.

Knee Dislocation: Occurs when the bones of the knee are forced out of alignment, usually from a high-impact injury. Symptoms include visible deformity, intense pain, and swelling.

 

Treatment Options

  • POLICE Method: Protect, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to manage acute injuries and reduce swelling.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercise programmes designed to restore strength, flexibility, and function.
  • Bracing: Knee braces or supports to stabilize the knee during recovery.
  • Medication: NSAIDs and pain relievers to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections for pain relief and to improve joint function.
  • Surgery: May be required for severe injuries like certain ACL tears, meniscus tears, or fractures. Some ACL tears can be managed conservatively without surgery. Surgical options include arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, or knee replacement.

Understanding the different types of knee injuries and their treatments can help in managing symptoms and promoting recovery. Always consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.