Knee Injuries
Common injuries to the Knee
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) or Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tear
- Medial meniscus or lateral meniscus tear
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Osgood-Schlatter’s disease
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Dislocation
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
Patients recovering from injuries need to implement a Physical Therapy regime followed by a home work out regiment for a successful recovery. Without that structured Physical Therapy and ongoing home exercise regiment, a patient can experience ongoing problems with an injury. Physical Therapists at JET Physical Therapy will diagnose and treat your underlying condition to get you on your road to recovery.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
All knee injuries should be evaluated by a physical therapist as soon as possible. Most basic treatments for common knee injuries includes rest, ice, elevation, and an over-the-counter pain reliever.
It is also important to begin strengthening and stretching exercises 24-48 hours after minor injuries, or as advised by your physical therapist. There should be a gradual return to normal activities. In some cases, such as an ACL tear, arthroscopic surgery is necessary to repair the damage.
Additionally, short-term rest and avoiding putting weight on the leg may be necessary for proper healing. Crutches might be recommended for a limited time to prevent additional injury.
Injury prevention
The following tips may help prevent common knee injuries:
- Warm up by walking and stretching gently before and after playing sports.
- Keep the leg muscles strong by using stairs, riding a stationary bicycle, or working out with weights.
- Avoid sudden changes in the intensity of exercise.
- Replace worn out shoes. Choose ones that fit properly and provide good traction.
- Maintain a healthy weight to avoid added pressure on the knees.
- Use knee guards in sports where knees could get injured.
Maintaining strong, flexible leg muscles and seeking prompt medical attention for all knee injuries is essential to assure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the injury. Additionally, keeping the supporting leg muscles strong and practicing injury prevention will help keep the knee healthy across the lifespan.
