The Human knee is a complex joint that has plenty of components and is sensitive to injury. Most of those injuries can be successfully treated with rehabilitation exercises and bracing. However, most doesn’t mean all. If you have a severely torn meniscus, then that is an injury that will probably require surgery to correct. Here we will explain the common knee injuries and how to deal with them.

Common knee injuries

 

  • Dislocation

 

A dislocation happens when some or all of the bones in the knee are dislocated or out of place. For instance, the patella can swing from its position, or the tibia and the femur can be forcefully moved out of alignment. Dislocation is caused by a strong impact such as sports-related contact, motor crash, big fall, etc. In other cases, it can be because of the abnormal structure of a person’s knee.

 

 

 

This is a typical sports injury that occurs when pivoting, cutting, twisting or being tackled. Aging is another risk factor to meniscal tears. Sometimes a simple twist when getting up from bed or a chair can cause a tear.

 

 

  • PLC Injuries

 

Often, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is caused by a direct blow on the front part of the knee. In most cases, it happens during playing sports or in motor crashes. PLC injuries are typically partial tears that tend to heal on their own.

 

 

  • ACL Injuries

 

The anterior cruciate ligament is injured as a result of a rapid change of direction or when landing from a jump. Most ACL injuries happen to athletes that participate in highly demanding sports such as basketball, football. Almost half of all anterior cruciate ligament injuries are followed by damage to some other part of the knee like the other ligaments or the meniscus.

 

 

  • Fractures

 

Most fractures are caused by high-intensity trauma such as a fall from a motorbike or from a significant height. The patella is a very common bone that is usually fractured. Other than the patella, the ends of the tibia and the femur where they meet are also prone to fractures.

Knee Injuries Treatment

In case of a lighter injury apply the (rest, ice, gentle compression, elevation) RICE method. It is a proven method that can speed up the recovery time. However, in some cases, it’s best to seek the help of a physician before you do anything on your own. For example:

  • Feel severe pain coming from the knee
  • Hear a cracking noise from the knee
  • You feel the knee give out
  • Can’t move it
  • You start limping
  • There is a massive swelling in the injured spot

After a physician examines the injury, you will be given a therapy that will be based on factors such as your general health, the severity of the injury, your activity level and your age. The therapy may include immobilization, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medicines, or even surgery if it is a severe injury.