What is the most common knee injury?
Because of the stress our knees undergo from everyday activity, it’s no surprise that injuries to our knees are some of the most common that Orthopedists see each day. The bones, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments that make up the knee must deal with sitting, standing, walking, jumping, and whatever else we put them through. If you’ve recently been injured or suffer from knee pain daily and looking for a knee doctor on Long Island, the Orthopedists at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation can help.
Common Knee Injuries:
When trying to decipher which knee injury is the most common, it’s important to first have an understanding of knee injuries themselves, and how they are caused and treated.
- Dislocation – When the joint is completely disrupted, jarring the tibia and femur out of place. Dislocation is extremely painful and usually occurs following a hit or blow to the knee area. In some instances the knee corrects itself, if not a doctor must correct the bones manually.
- Ligament Damage – Most commonly associated with sports, ligament damage occurs when the knee is moved in a way it’s not meant to. This inhibits the tendons from supporting the movement and puts them at risk of tearing or stretching. The four ligaments in the knee are abbreviated to PCL, MCL, ACL, and LCL and injuries to this area range from Grade I to Grade III. Lower-grade injuries include stretching and straining and don’t usually require surgery. Higher grades need surgery if the patient wishes to return to normal mobility without pain.
- Meniscus Tear – This occurs when the knee is moved quickly due to a sudden change in direction while running, or because of jumping and twisting motions. These causes are why meniscus tears often are a result of sports, but it can tear due to wearing out over time. Treatment involves resting your knee and leg, elevating to reduce swelling, compression, and ice. If swelling continues or pain doesn’t diminish, surgery is recommended.
- Fracture – Your knee cap, also known as the patella, can be seriously damaged after a fall or direct blow to the knee. The patella acts as a shield to protect the delicate parts that make up the joint, leaving it exposed to external damage. Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery may not be required, demanding 6-8 weeks of no applied pressure. If the bones are out of place, surgery is needed to fix the knee cap.
Given the complexity and grading scale of ligament related injuries, these are seen as the most common. Ligament sprains and stretches are painful but can go away without strenuous treatment such as surgery and physical therapy. While these are just some of the most common injuries Orthopedists see when dealing with knees, many other ailments are just as serious and painful. For many knee-related injuries surgery is not needed to properly heal, don’t hesitate to reach out to a knee doctor on Long Island at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation.
Local Knee Doctor on Long Island
If after speaking with your doctor you’ve decided your knee injury doesn’t require surgery, the RICE method will probably be recommended. If knee surgery is needed to heal your injury, you might gain from the minimally invasive knee surgery offered by the Orthopedists at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Prevention. The procedure uses a small incision and is designed to get you back to doing what you love. If you believe you may benefit from a knee doctor on Long Island, book an appointment with Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Reservation today!
Telephone No.(516) 887-5500