Common symptoms of knee injury include pain, swelling and stiffness.
Some Common causes of knee injury are:
- Fracture of femur (thigh bone), tibia and fibula (leg bones)
- Rupture of blood vessels following a trauma that leads to accumulation of extra fluid or blood in the joint
- Dislocation of knee cap
- Torn quadriceps or hamstring muscles
- Patellar tendon tear
- Meniscus tear
- Torn ligament (either anterior or posterior cruciate ligament)
Diagnosis
Following knee injury immediate diagnosis and medical treatment is advised. Initial physical and joint examination including an X-ray are used to diagnose the knee injury.
Treatment
Immediate treatment following knee injury is recommended so that further damage does not occur.
Immediately following a knee injury, you should initiate the R.I.C.E. method of treatment until you can be seen by a doctor.:
- Rest: Rest the knee, as more damage could result from putting pressure on the injury.
- Ice: apply ice packs to the injury to help diminish swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel to the affected area for 15-20 minutes four times a day for several days. Never place ice directly over the skin.
- Compression: Wrap the knee with an elastic bandage or compression stocking to minimize the swelling and support your knee.
- Elevation: Elevate the knee above heart level to help reduce swelling and pain
Acute or mild knee injury can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen it may be necessary to drain out accumulated extra joint fluid with the use of a syringe or needle. If pain persists for a long time or appears at night or while at rest, it is important to visit a doctor again to seek advice.
Conservative treatment may be recommended that includes taping, massage, mobilization techniques and stretching and strengthening exercises as well as exercises to improve your balance and agility.
In some cases, doctors may recommend cortisone injection. More severe cases are treated by surgery followed by a period of rehabilitation to strengthen the knee.