The knees are one of the most important and largest joints in our body. They help connect our thighbone with the shinbone and assist us in supporting body weight, bending, and moving.
The knee joint is prone to numerous injuries because of its complexity. Tears in the cartilage, tendons, and ligaments of the knee joint are a few of the most common injuries.
Understanding the details of knee injuries, symptoms, and treatment is not important because it may completely affect your lifestyle, whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone with an active lifestyle.
Neglecting a minor pain today might plant the seeds of big trouble tomorrow if not taken care of proactively.
In this blog post, we will explore the ten most common knee injuries and their symptoms.
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Patellar Fracture:
In the front of the knee (kneecap), the patella connects the thigh bone with the shin bone. A patella can break if it is overused or if it is hit suddenly and forcefully. There are several signs to identify this injury, including sharp, intense pain, swelling, instability of the knee, and potential deformity.
Diagnosis is a blend of physical examination and radiological findings, leading to treatments ranging from re-alignment to surgical intervention.
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Knee Dislocation:
Sometimes, knees can get dislocated, which means they pop out of place. This can happen during fast or slow accidents, especially in sports where athletes need to move quickly. It is most common in jumping, cycling, football, and some other sports.
Athletes might feel a lot of pain, and swelling, and their kneecap might be out of its normal position. The diagnostic journey includes checking distal pulses and performing imaging tests. Treatments can range from putting the knee back in place with or without surgery.
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Knee Bursitis:
Bursae are tiny sacs filled with fluid that help reduce friction between the moving parts in our body’s joints. Knee bursitis happens when the bursae near the knee joint get irritated. It causes sharp pain at first, along with swelling and discomfort when you move your knee.
Distinguishing it from other knee problems is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. The treatment can vary, from making lifestyle changes to getting anti-inflammatory injections, depending on how severe it is.
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Patellar Tendonitis:
Lots of athletes who jump a lot get patellar tendonitis, also called “jumper’s knee.” It happens when your kneecap starts hurting slowly. Diagnosis includes physical examination and imaging tests, with treatments spanning from physiotherapy to rehabilitation.
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Knee Ligament Injury:
Ligament injuries, commonly referred to as knee sprains, have the potential to destabilize the knee joint. There are four main ligaments in your knee – ACL, PCL, LCL, and MCL – and they help keep your knee steady.
Diagnosis involves a range of physical examinations and stress tests. To recover, you might need to rest, do physical therapy, or, in serious cases, have surgery.
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Iliotibial Band Syndrome:
Iliotibial Band Syndrome is when your outer thigh hurts because of doing the same knee movements over and over. Long-distance runners, bikers, skiers, and players of basketball and hockey are the most likely to experience it.
Symptoms include tenderness, clicking sensations, and warmth. Diagnosis involves a detailed health history, physical examinations, and imaging tests, while treatments range from rest to surgical intervention.
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Meniscal Injury:
Meniscal tears, often a consequence of sudden twists or trauma, are prevalent knee injuries. Symptoms include localized pain and clicking sensations. Diagnosis incorporates history, physical exams, and imaging tests. Treatment may include RICE therapy, physiotherapy, medications, and surgery in severe cases.
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Osgood-Schlatter Disease:
Osgood-Schlatter Disease is when the part of your knee that’s still growing gets inflamed and hurts, usually in your teenage years. Treatment involves RICE therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles.
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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome:
It is damage to your knee cartilage under your knee cap due to an injury that causes anterior knee pain. This is most common in jumping and pivoting sports like Basketball. Doing physical therapy and using special shoe inserts can help fix the problem and reduce stress on your knee.
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Quadriceps & Hamstring Strains:
If you’re into sports that involve running or jumping, you might get strains in your quadriceps or hamstrings. The classic approach to curing this is RICE therapy and keeping it elevated. Doing physical therapy is important to get your strength and flexibility back.
Conclusion:
I hope you have now understood how important it is to quickly recognize and treat knee injuries for a fast and full recovery. It’s important to talk to an orthopedic doctor to get the right diagnosis and plan.
This helps keep you moving well and maintain your overall health. If you are not satisfied with the treatment you are already receiving and have tried all conservative options, you might need knee replacement surgery.
If you don’t have good options for a knee specialist in your city, you can come to Delhi for the proper diagnosis and treatment. The best thing about the capital of India is the cost and success of surgery. Knee replacement surgery in Delhi is affordable, and most of the experienced doctors are easily available here.
I was also avoiding my knee pain for a very long time, and my joint pain became very severe. I consulted with an orthopedic doctor in south Delhi. After my diagnosis, I was recommended for knee surgery. Since I live in South Delhi, I could easily find a knee replacement hospital in South Delhi.
I had lost my mobility, but today I am living a normal, pain-free life. I would only tell you that your knees are like the unsung heroes of your body, and taking care of them is your responsibility.