Knee Injuries

What are knee injuries, and how are they treated?

The knee is a complex joint within the body. It is the largest joint space in the body that is vital for movement and can often be vulnerable to various injuries.

If you are experiencing pain in your knee that interferes with mobility, schedule a consultation with the team at OrthoNeuro.

Our orthopedic surgeons provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and personalized treatment. Call or book an appointment now.

Anatomy of the Knee

The different parts that make up the knee joint are:

Bones: The knee is made of bones such as the tibia (shin bone), femur (thigh bone), and the patella (knee cap). The knee joint keeps all of these bones in place.

Cartilage: The knee also contains two types of cartilage called the meniscus and articular cartilage. These types of cartilage act as shock absorbers or cushions for bones and help them interact smoothly with one another.

Tendons: Knee tendons connect bone to muscle and stabilize the knee joint. The largest tendon in the knee is the patellar tendon which is attached to the quadriceps tendon.

Joint capsule: This membrane sac is filled with liquid (synovial fluid), nourishing and lubricating the knee joint.

Bursa: Small fluid sacs in the knee joint that reduce friction between the knee tissues.

Muscles: The hamstring and quadriceps muscles help to strengthen and flex the leg and knee.

Ligaments: The knee contains ligaments which are tough and fibrous tissues that stabilize and connect bones to each other.

The ligaments found in the knee are:

  •  ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)
  •  PCL (posterior cruciate ligament)
  •  LCL (lateral collateral ligament)
  •  MCL (medial collateral ligament)

What Are Some Common Causes of Knee Pain?

There are many different causes of knee pain. However, in most cases, knee pain comes from over-exertion of the ligaments and tendons in the knee and will subside within a few days. 

Knee pain can also occur due to the overstretching of the muscles and tendons to the point where they become strained or torn.

What Are the Symptoms of Injury in the Knee?

Some symptoms of injury in the knee are:

  • pain worsens during movement (bending or stretching the knee joint)
  • bruising near the knee
  • swelling of the knee joint
  • numbness or tingling at the knee joint
  • a visible deformity such as an indentation on the knee
  • cramping of the muscles surrounding the knee
  • a popping noise heard at the time of injury

When knee pain persists for more than a few days or is difficult to move or swollen, it is important to consult one of the board-certified orthopedic knee specialists at OrthoNeuro in Columbus, Ohio.

They offer exams and diagnostic testing to find the underlying cause of your knee pain.

How Are Knee Injuries Diagnosed?

A doctor will diagnose knee muscle or knee tendon injuries by conducting a physical exam and asking you about the incident that caused the pain in your knee.

Your healthcare professional may also take imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds to get a better view of the damage caused to the knee bones, knee tendons, or surrounding tissues.

How Is a Knee Injury Treated?

Many knee injuries can be treated simply with methods such as the following:

  • Resting – Avoid putting weight on the injured knee.
  • Elevating the knee to reduce swelling.
  • Compressing the knee by wrapping the knee in a bandage.
  • Icing the knee throughout the day for 20 minutes at a time.
  • Taking anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce pain and swelling
  • Physical therapy to restore movement in the leg muscles

Conclusion

If you have pain in one or both of your knees, schedule a consultation online today at OrthoNeuro. Our orthopedic surgeons provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and personalized treatment.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Knee Specialist Today!

If you have been suffering from a knee injury, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus. 

We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of treatment is best for you.

Knee Specialists

IF YOU HAVE A SEVERE KNEE INJURY OR CHRONIC KNEE PAIN THAT REDUCES YOUR MOBILITY OR QUALITY OF LIFE, CONTACT ORTHONEURO TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION. OUR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS ARE ON HAND TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT YOUR KNEE PROBLEM.

“Meniscus repair six months ago. Surgery went smoothly. Dr. set realistic expectations that have been met.
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Patient