Have you suffered from a knee injury?
Knees are springy but steady components of the human body. They are easily injured when the proper force is applied to the joint. Knee injuries can range from mild to life-changing.
A sudden misstep can lead to severe trauma to the knee joint, even if you’re a casual athlete. Inside the knee are several complicated components that are susceptible to injury.
Here are the different types of knee injuries that are diagnosed today.
Meniscus Tears
Common knee injuries are diagnosed today with advanced medical technology such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans. One of the injuries diagnosed today is a meniscus tear.
The injury occurs when the cartilage cushions the knee joint between the thighbone and shinbone and is torn. Symptoms of a meniscus tear include swelling, tenderness, difficulty straightening the knee, and knee popping and pain.
Treatment plans may include visiting a San Diego orthopedic surgeon, physical therapy, and other conservative methods. Workers and sports enthusiasts, especially athletes, are at a higher risk of a knee injury.
Sprains
Knee injuries are often diagnosed as sprains, but several other types also exist. Ligament sprains occur when a ligament that connects to the knee is damaged. Ligament injuries usually happen when an individual twists their knee sideways.
Muscle strains can occur when an individual contracts their muscles too hard, causing the muscle fibers to pull away from each other. Patellar tendonitis is when the patellar tendon that connects the knee to the shin is inflamed, often caused by jumping on hard surfaces.
Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that lies over the knee joint. All these injuries can be painful. All require treatment and rehabilitation to help the individual return to their pre-injury activity level.
Knee Bursitis
Knee bursitis is a common type of knee injury that can affect individuals of any age. It is an inflammation of the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint and surrounding muscles. The bursae can become inflamed due to repeated friction, excessive strain, or trauma to the knee joint.
The diagnosis of knee bursitis is made after a physical exam and imaging such as X-rays or an MRI. Treatment often includes rest, applying ice to the area, taking medication, and physical therapy. Surgery may be recommended in severe cases to remove inflamed bursae and repair damaged joint structures.
Arthritis
Knee arthritis is one of the most common knee injuries diagnosed today. It occurs when the protective cartilage at the end of your bones wears away, causing your bones to rub against each other. This friction can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in your knee joint.
Arthritic knee pain is usually worse after sitting for an extended period. Treating knee injuries involves physical therapy and medications or injections to relieve pain and improve knee function. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tissues or replace the joint.
Preventing These Different Types of Knee Injuries
Knee injuries can have a variety of causes, diagnoses, and treatments. It is essential to consult a doctor to determine the best course of action if you experience pain or discomfort in your knee.
Physical therapy may be used to treat certain types of knee injuries. Take the initiative to promote better knee health and prevent potential injuries.
If you find this health and well-being article helpful, check out more of our blogs.
