Knee injuries occur daily on sports fields, at work, while walking home, or performing chores at home. The injuries are typically marked by an acute onset of pain with or without the ability to ambulate.  Common knee injuries are ACL Tears, Meniscus Tears, & Cartilage Damage. 

Symptoms: The knee typically swells leading to increased pain and dysfunction. Patients will note a decreased range of motion. Severe pain should be evaluated in an acute care setting like an ER or urgent care to ensure no fractures or dislocations have occurred if an orthopedist appointment is not available.

Diagnosis: Radiographs are used to ensure no fractures have occurred. MRI imaging is utilizing to evaluate the ligaments of the knee, the menisci, and cartilage for any damage.

Care: Initial conservative measures include rest, ice, elevation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, Tylenol, home-based stretching/exercises, physical therapy, bracing, and occasionally injections. If pain limits ambulation, ability to play sports, the knee feels unstable, or you notice locking/catching you should be evaluated. Surgery is typically arthroscopic repair with reconstruction vs. primary repair of ligaments.

If you have a knee injury or knee pain please come and see us for an initial evaluation or seek the help of a medical professional for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Knee injuries can differ from Knee Arthritis.  Learn more about other tears here as well.