Knees are prone to injuries because they support our weight and work hard when we’re engaging in just about any activity like running, walking, swimming etc. A knee injury can be debilitatingly painful, many having ended seasons for some athletes. There are a few common knee injuries that don’t only affect sports stars or crossfitters; every person may be susceptible to certain common knee injuries. Luckily, there are treatments for some of these.
Some knee injuries can be treated at home with basic knee braces and certain pain relief creams and gels, but if the injury is severe enough and the pain doesn’t let up, you may need to go see a doctor and get professional orthotics.
2 Common Knee Injuries
The knee is complex, with different components: bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscle.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
Measured in grades from 1 – 3, ACL injuries are ligament related, and can range from mild to requiring surgery. Usually this type of injury involves either a sprain or a tear to the ACL. Should the injury be mild, you’ll need to put an icepack on the knee and keep it up, resting it for a few days (as little movement as possible). If the injury persists and the pain doesn’t subside after 3-4 days, you may need to consider seeing a doctor.
Dislocation
Dislocation can happen if you step wrong or twist your knee in a way it’s not meant to go. The bones either fully dislocate (meaning that they need to put back into place) or they can partially dislocate (so they slip out and back in). The injury causes inflammation in the knee, and, depending on pain levels and severity, can usually be treated at home with an icepack and rest. Sometimes a dislocation may cause the knee to weaken and be more prone to injuries going forward. To avoid this, a knee brace is recommended.
Keeping the muscles around your knees strong will assist with preventing injuries. Using knee braces supplied by a medical practice will also provide solid support. Contact us for more information.