Your knees absorb quite a bit of stress, especially if you’re an athlete. Sudden stops, pivots, and twists, combined with the high forces created while running or jumping, increase your risk of a wide range of acute and repetitive strain knee injuries. At Sports Medicine Oregon in Tigard and Wilsonville, Oregon, the expert orthopedics team provides state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for knee injuries, helping you recover quickly and safely so you can return to your regular activities. Call Sports Medicine Oregon today or schedule a consultation online.
Your knees are vulnerable to a wide range of injuries, including
Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is just one of the ligaments that help hold your knee together and provide stability. ACL injuries are common among athletes after landing a jump awkwardly or suddenly changing direction. You can also injure your posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
The meniscus includes two pads of cartilage that cushion the top of your tibia and fibula and the bottom of your femur. You’re most likely to tear your meniscus when pivoting, twisting, or being tackled. Your risk of meniscus tears also increases with age.
Your quadriceps and patellar tendons are the most likely to be injured during running or jumping sports. You can also tear these tendons by falling or sustaining a direct force to the front of your knee.
Sudden twists and direct impact can also lead to dislocation, which displaces the bones of your knee. For example, your femur and tibia may be pushed out of their correct alignment.
You can fracture your patella, tibial plateau, or the bottom of your femur. Fractures are usually due to high-impact trauma, such as falls and automobile collisions.
Your knees are also vulnerable to repetitive strain injuries such as tendinitis or bursitis. These inflammatory conditions usually develop gradually, causing swelling, pain, and reduced mobility.
You should seek immediate treatment following an acute injury that causes instant swelling, bruising, and pain. Rapid diagnosis and treatment can help minimize your pain and the overall disruption to your life.
Repetitive strain injuries usually develop gradually. You can sometimes manage your symptoms at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain-relievers. If your knee pain persists for more than a few days or intensifies, make an appointment at Sports Medicine Oregon for help.
After diagnosing your knee injury and evaluating its impact on your life, your provider creates a customized treatment plan to heal your knee and relieve your pain, stiffness, and swelling. Depending on your injury, your program could include:
Call Sports Medicine Oregon or make an appointment online today if you have a knee injury limiting your mobility or quality of life.
