What are Some Common Causes of Knee Injuries?
During sports or other activities, the injury can occur by:
- Twisting the knee
- Hyper extending the knee
- Flexing the knee too far
- Falling down
- By a direct blow to the knee
- Sometimes, just due to repetitive stress over time
What are Some Common Symptoms of Knee Injuries?
Symptoms of a knee injury vary greatly from person-to-person, but common ones include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Stiffness
- Snapping or clicking
- Instability of the knee joint
- Instability of the patella
- Decreased function, including a limp
How are Knee Injuries Diagnosed?
The physician at MidJersey Orthopaedics will perform the following to make a diagnosis:
- A detailed history
- A comprehensive physical examination
- Usually x-rays will be performed in the office
- Frequently, an MRI will be ordered. This can be done in our office, but might require a separate visit due to insurance pre-certification
What Types of Injuries Can Occur?
Some of the structures that can become injured in the knee include:
- Cartilage -
- Meniscus cartilage
- Articular (joint) cartilage
- Ligaments -
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
- Patella (kneecap) instability (subluxation or dislocation)
- Muscle/tendon strain or tear -
- Quadriceps tendon
- Patella tendon
- Bone injury
- Stress response or stress fracture
- Traumatic fracture
- Nerve injury, most commonly the peroneal nerve
How are Knee Injuries Treated?
Based on the diagnosis, a comprehensive treatment plan will be formulated for your knee injury. This may include:
- Activity modification – reducing the frequency, duration, or intensity of participation
- Exercise programs
- Physical Therapy
- Braces
- Ice or heat treatments
- Low-level laser treatments (LLLT)
- Medications
- Injections
- Steroid
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Surgery
- Minimally invasive including arthroscopic; this includes state-of-the-art procedures such as:
- ACL reconstruction
- PCL reconstruction
- Meniscus repair
- Articular cartilage repair including OATS® and MACI® procedures
- Patella ligament reconstruction
- Traditional open
If a knee injury is affecting your quality of life, make an appointment at MidJersey Orthopaedics today by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool. Allow us to help you Live Life Better.
