The knee is a complicated joint consisting of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It allows you to bend and straighten your leg, enabling you to sit, squat, run, or jump. Knee injuries are very common, especially among athletes. They can result from trauma, overuse, or medical conditions. Most knee conditions are mild and can be treated with home remedies. If your knee injury does not improve with home treatments or is severe, your specialist, Dr. Stephen Fisher Braselton, can help manage the problem. Here are common knee injuries.
1. Meniscus tear
Meniscus tear happens in your knee cartilage. It can be caused by sudden movements during sports or aging. When a meniscus tear results from aging, it is known as a degenerative meniscus tear. You may hear or feel a pop in your knee when you get a sudden meniscus tear. Pain, swelling, and tightness may increase over time after your injury. Treatments for meniscus tears include rest, ice therapy, elevation, and physical therapy. If your meniscus tear is severe or does not respond to other treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery.
2. Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your knee joints and allow tendons and ligaments to move easily over your joint. Bursitis can result from overuse and repeated pressure on your knee. Most bursitis cases are not serious and can be treated with home remedies. Severe cases may require antibiotic treatment, aspiration, or surgery. Physical therapy can help alleviate pain, improve knee flexibility, strengthen knee muscles, and minimize the risk of recurring knee bursitis episodes.
3. Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of tendons. It affects the patellar tendon in your knee, which connects your kneecap to the shin bone. Tendonitis in the knee is commonly referred to as jumper’s knee. You are most likely to get patellar tendonitis if you jump frequently. Patellar tendinitis leads to mild to moderate knee pain and stiffness. Pain may worsen with certain movements like squatting or walking downstairs. Rest, pain medications, physical therapy, and surgery are common treatments for knee tendonitis.
4. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) runs diagonally down your knee front, providing joint stability. ACL injuries can be severe and may require surgery. ACL injuries can happen if you improperly land from a jump or quickly change the direction of motion. You are more likely to get ACL injuries if you participate in contact sports like football. ACL tears can cause knee pain, tenderness, swelling, discomfort while walking, and loss of range of motion in your knee.
5. Dislocation
Knee dislocation happens when your knee bones move out of place or become misaligned. It may involve one or more bones. Knee dislocation can result from structural abnormalities or trauma such as car accidents, falls, or contact sports. Symptoms of dislocation include severe knee pain, a visible deformity at your knee joint, knee joint instability, swelling, and limited knee movement. Common knee dislocation treatments include pain medication, braces, and surgery.
Knee injuries are common problems and can affect your movement or daily duties. Common knee injuries include ACL tears, meniscus tears, bursitis, tendonitis, and dislocation. Schedule an appointment with Stephen Fisher, M.D., for knee injury treatment to relieve your pain.