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The Knee Injury Guide
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Getting to Know the Common Knee Injuries
The knee is being used almost with everything that people do. You use your knee when you stand up, sit, walk, run, jump, climb and etc. No wonder it is the most easily injured part of the human body. The knee is very vulnerable to injury since it is a weight-bearing joint that twists, rotates, straightens and bends. The muscles, ligaments and tendons hold the knee together and at the same time, these give stability to the knee.
Here are the common knee injuries:
1. Sprains. This is cause by sudden twist or a great force on the knee joint. The ligaments usually hold the joint tightly. These ligaments are strong enough but are not flexible. With twisting and wrenching, these ligaments are being torn which can cause pain and swelling. Symptoms include swelling, pain, bruising and you will not be able to move the joint.
2. Tendon Tears. Tendons usually anchor the muscles to the joint. Overstretching the tendons will cause tear. Good thing about tendon tears is that they heal easily even without surgery. Symptoms include tenderness, pain and decreased strength on the knee.
3. Cartilage Tears. Since the knee is a weight-bearing joint, a sudden twist or move will cause tear in those cartilage. This is quite common to elder people due to wear and tear. Damaged cartilage can be removed through surgery. Symptoms include pain, unable to straighten the leg and joint may lock when the knee carries weight.
4. Overuse Injuries. These include runner’s knee, tendonitis and iliotibial band syndrome
Runner’s knee- this happens when the kneecap rubs against the femur, which is the thighbone. Initial treatment is to allowing the knee to rest and applying ice to the area. Symptoms include swelling and popping sound in the knee joint.
Tendonitis- is the inflammation of the tendons. This is common to old people since the tendons are becoming less elastic as people aged. Symptoms may include strain in the knee when you move.
Iliotibial band syndrome-this can be caused by repetitive motion such as running. When this happen, the tendon are being rubbed against the bone area of the knee. It is better to see the physical therapist to ease the pain.
So that you can reduce the risk of a knee injury, you may want to try these very simple steps:
1. Try warm up exercises such as walking or stretching before and after a strenuous exercise.
2. For a stable knee, strengthen the muscles of your lower and upper leg.
3. As much as possible, exercise on soft and comfortable surfaces.
4. Choose comfortable footwear.
5. Buildup your workloads little by little as you exercise.
6. If you will do cycling, adjust the height of the seat to the manner that it matches the length of your legs.
It is always best to let the knee rest since it is involved with the activities that you have throughout the day. Once you felt any of the symptoms for the common knee injuries, remember that prompt medical attention will help increase the chances for better recovery.
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