Knee Injuries and Common problems
Knee injuries are particularly common among athletes. In 2010, more than 10 million people visited a doctor because of pain or a knee injury. In fact, from 2005 to 2015, the rate of ACL injuries in children and adolescents increased by almost 148 percent. So, what is the reason for these increasing numbers and why is this damage becoming more and more?
Anatomy
The knee is the biggest joint within the body, and one of the foremost effortlessly harmed. it’s made of four fundamental structures: bones, cartilage, tendons, and tendons.
Bones. Two bones meet to make your knee joint: the thighbone (femur) and therefore the shinbone (tibia). The kneecap (patella) sits before the joint to supply a few protections.
Bones. Two bones meet to make your knee joint: the thighbone (femur) and therefore the shinbone (tibia). The kneecap (patella) sits before the joint to supply a few protections.
Ligaments. Bones are associated to other bones by tendons. The four fundamental Ligaments in your knee act like solid ropes to carry the bones together and keep your knee stable.
Collateral tendons. These are found on the perimeters of your knee. The average collateral tendon is on the interior of your knee, and the sidelong collateral tendon is on the exterior. They control the side-to-side movement of your knee.
Cruciate tendons. These are found interior your articulatio genus. They cross each other to make an X with the front cruciate tendon in front and the back cruciate tendon in back. The cruciate tendons control the front and back movement of your knee.
Tendons. Muscles are associated to bones by ligaments. The quadriceps tendon interfaces the muscles within the front of the thigh to the patella. The patellar ligament, on the opposite hand, runs from the patella to the tibia.
Common Knee Injuries
Fracture
Fractures can occur in any of the bones around the knee. The most common is the patella (knee bowl), although the ends of the shin bone (shin bone) and femur (femur) may also develop fractures. Knee fractures are often caused by energetic trauma such as a car accident, bad fall, sports injuries, or any other sharp blow to the knee.
Dislocations
Dislocations occur when the bones around the knee get partially or completely shifted out of place. If the femur and tibia are pushed out of alignment, it can cause the patella to also slide out of position. Although most dislocations are caused by accidents or other traumatic injuries, some people are simply born with abnormal knee structures.
Cruciate ligament injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important structure in the knee that passes through the front of the patella. Provides joint stability and is usually a quite serious injury when torn. Usually, it gets hurt or torn during sporting events, and athletes who participate in football, basketball, football, and athletics are at greater risk of injury. Damage to the ACL can occur when jumping incorrectly, when changing direction quickly or when another part of the knee is damaged. Half of the ACL injuries occur along with damage to another part of the knee, including articular cartilage or meniscus. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is located on the back side of the knee and connects the femur to the tibia. This damage is often caused by a direct impact to the front of the knee while bending and usually heals spontaneously.
Meniscal Tears
Meniscal tears are another common sports injury. The meniscus acts as a cushion between the femur and tibia, similar to the articular cartilage. A tear in the meniscus can be caused by twisting, pivoting, cutting, or being tackled on the field. This type of injury can also occur due to arthritis or aging. Simply twisting or getting out of bed in the morning could cause a tear if the meniscus has been weakened over time.
Tendon Tears
Tendon rupture occurs when quadriceps tendons or patella are torn or stretched. The quadriculate tendon connects the thigh muscle to the patella and patella tendons to the tibia. These injuries can happen to anyone, however, middle-aged people are more likely to be seen in sports that involve jumping or running. Falling or landing caused by a jump can lead to a rupture of the tendon.
Bursitis
In order for the knee joint to slide easily, small fluid-filled sacs called bursae are needed. But these sacs can become swollen or inflamed due to the repeated pressure of kneeling. Most cases are resolved with self-care.
Collateral Ligament Injuries
The ligaments that connect the thigh bone to the shinbone often cause a problem for athletes as they are commonly injured in contact sports. This type of tear typically results from a direct impact or collision.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
When the iliotibial band rubs against the outside of the knee joint, it results in a minor irritation that can result in an athlete having to stop for a period to let the joint rest. This is common among long-distance runners.
Tendonitis
Inflammation of the knee is an injury that can result in the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. This is often a result of the jumping motion or similar physical activities can be at risk for developing this inflammation.
How to Treat a Knee Injury
When a knee injury occurs, it is best to immediately start the RICE method, which consists of rest, ice, gentle compression, and elevation. Some knee injuries can heal at home with proper care, or with the help of a physical therapist. Depending on the severity of the injury, particularly if a fracture or ACL tear is involved, you may require an orthopedic surgeon if you experience any of the following: Severe pain
Limping
A popping noise
Instability
Swelling
Immobilization. Your specialist may suggest a brace to avoid your knee from moving. In case you have got broken a bone, a cast or brace may hold the bones in put whereas they heal. To encourage ensure your knee, you will be given bolsters to keep you from putting weight on your leg.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen could help to reduce pain and inflammation temporary.
Surgical Treatment
Many fractures and injuries round the knee require surgery to totally restore function to your leg.
In some cases — like for several ACL tears — surgery is done arthroscopically using miniature instruments and little incisions.
How We Can Help
We are here to help you if you are facing with any above mentioned symptoms.
To book an appointment for Osteopathy, Physiotherapy or Chiropractic in Richmond Hill, contact our professional team at York Rehab Clinic today at (416) 350-1940.