Knee injuries - Patient Education Portal

It is very common to hear a cracking noise when standing up, or experience pain in the knees after a long walk. Our knees are the joints that allow us to move and walk, and they are not immune to injuries. Sometimes, they can get hurt, impacting our daily lives. There are many knee injuries types and even more recovery tips.

Common Causes of Knee Injuries

A knee joint is composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. It is a balancing act that lets you move smoothly while handling a fair amount of pressure. Knowing this setup is key to understanding how knee joints function and what can cause problems. Knee injuries can happen for various reasons. Sometimes, it's a sudden fall or a bit of roughhousing. Other times, it's the wear and tear from doing the same moves over and over. Figuring out what led to the injury helps a lot when it comes to fixing it.

Types of Knee Injuries

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears: It happens when your knee twists too much, which is often seen in sports that involve sudden stops and turns.

Meniscus Tears: Menisci are little shock absorbers in knee joints. When twisted the wrong way, they might tear, causing pain and flexibility issues.

Patellar Tendonitis: Excess stress on the patellar tendon is characteristic for many sports that involve a lot of jumping and running. Continuous workload can lead to the inflammation of the patellar tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone.

Knee Bursitis: Sometimes, the sacs filled with fluid around the knee get inflamed, usually from doing the same moves too often.

Prevention Strategies

Some general tips can help improve your knee health and overall well-being. Never skip a proper warm-up and stretching, it is like giving your muscles a heads-up that they are going to be used for some work. Strength training can keep the muscles around the knee in shape, reducing the risk of injuries. Another important aspect is biomechanical assessment. It’s quite surprising how many people have bad movement patterns, which lead to excess pressure on the knees. Fixing any wonky mechanics can prevent long-term issues.

Treatment Approaches

It is always good to remember the R.I.C.E protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. You can use this protocol whenever you feel a slight pain in the knees. In more serious cases, healthcare specialists typically offer physical therapy. It allows a more personalized approach to treating the knees and helps regain strength and flexibility. Sometimes, there is a need for a surgical intervention. Thankfully, modern medicine offers different types of surgeries. Treatment and rehabilitation can be hard, it is a journey back to full strength. It is a process, but patience pays off.

Knees can be tricky, but understanding how they work and what to do when they act up can make a world of difference.