Knee Injuries Specialists

What are common knee injuries?

Your knees are vulnerable to a wide range of injuries, including

ACL tears

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).

Meniscus tears

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.

Tendon tears

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. 

Dislocation

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. 

Fractures

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. 

Repetitive strain injuries

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. 

When should I talk to a doctor about knee pain?

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.

What are the available treatments for knee injuries?

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:

• Medication
• Joint injections
• Regenerative medicine
• Immobilization
• Integrated physical therapy
• Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery
• Total joint replacement
  
  

Call Sports Medicine Oregon or make an appointment online today if you have a knee injury limiting your mobility or quality of life.