You may not realize just how much you rely on your knees until you suffer a knee injury. While we tend to associate our knees and legs with getting us from point A to point B, knees play a huge role in your daily routines. From getting up out of bed first thing in the morning to helping you easily walk up and down stairs, you rely on your knees throughout much of your day. If you suffer a knee injury, then you want to find the best orthopedic doctors near you to help. Millions of knee injuries occur every year, and knee pain is one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor each year. Here are 10 examples of common knee problems and the best types of treatment options available. These are the most common knee injuries and their symptoms.
Tendonitis
When swelling and inflammation occur in the knee, it can lead to tendonitis. If the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone becomes inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort with every movement. Tendonitis in the knee is also known as patellar tendinitis or jumper’s knee. Repetitive movements and high stress on the knee joint can lead to tendonitis. People who participate in sports that require frequent jumping or squatting can develop tendonitis in the knee.
Bursitis
Fluid-filled sacs known as bursa help cushion the knee joint and support the easy gliding motion of your knee. Bursa can become aggravated with overuse or repeated pressure, which can lead to swelling and inflammation, known as bursitis. This can lead to pain in your knee and make it more difficult to extend or bend your knee.
ACL Injuries
ACL injuries are commonly associated with athletes, especially those who participate in high-impact sports like football and soccer. However, an ACL injury can happen to anyone. The ACL refers to the anterior cruciate ligament, which runs diagonally across the front of your knee. Your knee depends on the ACL for stability, and an ACL injury can range from a mild sprain to a complete tear.
PCL Injuries
PCL injuries occur when the posterior cruciate ligament is sprained or torn. This ligament runs along the back of the knee and helps connect the thighbone and shinbone. A sudden accident like a fall or a car accident can lead to a PCL injury.
Ligament Injuries
Other ligament injuries can include the collateral ligaments that connect the thighbone and shinbone. These injuries tend to occur more with athletes, especially those who participate in contact sports. A sudden blow to the knee, like a direct impact or collision with an object or person, can lead to a sprained or torn ligament.
Meniscal Tear
The knee has two rubbery pieces of cartilage that sit in between the thighbone and shinbone, known as menisci. These menisci can slowly wear down with age, or they can become torn suddenly during a sports activity or auto accident. You may hear or feel a pop in the knee before experiencing pain, swelling, and tightness.
Tendon Tear
The knee is made up of many soft tissues, including tendons like the patellar. The patellar and other tendons help connect the muscles to nearby bones in your knee joint. A common knee injury is when you overstretch the tendon that supports your knee. A sudden fall or blow to the knee can also result in a tendon tear.
IT Band Syndrome
IT band syndrome refers to a condition that affects the iliotibial band. When this piece of soft tissue rubs against the outside of the knee joint, it can cause pain and inflammation. IT band syndrome typically affects runners and may require rest from the activity until the IT band heals.
Dislocation
A dislocation of the knee joint refers to when one or more bones slip out of place. When the knee joint is out of its proper alignment, it can cause severe pain and make walking or other knee movements impossible. A dislocation of the knee can occur due to a sudden fall, car accident injury, or while playing a high-impact sport.
Fractures
A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. The most common broken bone associated with the knee joint is the patella, also known as the kneecap. A patella fracture may occur due to a sudden blow to the knee, like while playing a high-impact sport or from a car accident.
Options for Knee Injury Treatment
Talk to your orthopedic doctor about the best knee injury treatment for you. Depending on the types of knee pain you experience, your doctor will determine whether you can start with a non-surgical approach to treatment before considering surgery. Here are examples of knee injury treatments depending on your specific diagnosis.
At-Home Remedies
Remedies to try at home that can help relieve knee pain include rest, medication, and applying ice and heat. Resting your knee is key to helping the area begin to heal and allow swelling to go down. Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter medications to help reduce pain and inflammation. Applying a cold compress can also help reduce inflammation and swelling, while a warm compress or heating pad can help soothe stiff, sore muscles.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers an all-natural treatment option for knee injuries. A chiropractor will develop an individualized plan to address your knee pain and restore healthy functioning to the area. Chiropractors use hands-on approaches that do not require medication and offer lasting pain relief.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can also help you recover from a knee injury. If a knee injury temporarily limits your mobility, then a physical therapist can help you regain your strength and range of motion. Physical therapists provide a wide range of therapeutic services to help you rehabilitate and recover from a wide range of knee injuries.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed to help address a severe knee injury. Orthopedic surgeons perform these procedures to help with severe injuries, including ACL tears and fractures.
Don’t let a knee injury keep you from living your best life! Visit AICA Orthopedics and get started on comprehensive knee injury treatment from the best orthopedic doctors in Atlanta!