Types of Knee Injuries
Your knee is probably the most significant joint in your body. It is therefore not surprising that it is also the most injured joint. Unfortunately, the knee is vulnerable to injuries and normal wear due to its critical role. If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in your knees, the chances are that you might be suffering from one type of knee injury.
Continue reading to discover more about various types of Knee injuries.
Knee Anatomy
Your knee consists of three bones: the femur, tibia, and kneecap. The femur is the thighbone, while the tibia is the shinbone. The knee also has articular cartilage, the end of the tibia, and femur. The articular cartilage covers the back of your kneecap.
The knee has a meniscus that absorbs shock between your tibia and femur. This rubbery and tough substance also stabilizes the joint.
Ligaments in your knee help connect the bones and stabilize your knee. Collateral ligaments control sideways motion and caution your knee from injuries. On the contrary, cruciate ligaments control your knees’ back and forth movement. Muscles in your knees are connected to the bones by tendons.
Types of Knee Injuries:
All the structures in your knee are susceptible to injuries, including fractures, sprains, dislocations, and tears.
Knee Fracture
Your kneecap or patella plays a vital role in protecting your knee joint from injuries due to a fall or collision. Because it takes the first hit, the kneecap is vulnerable to fractures. Knee fractures can impede movement and require immediate care.
Knee Ligament Injury
Knee ligament injuries are common in contact spots. This type of knee injury occurs when your knee moves abnormally or is overextended. The most common knee ligament injuries include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and medial collateral ligament (MCL).
Knee ligament injuries vary from one patient to another. Grade 1 ligament injuries occur when muscle fibers are overstretched, causing a sprain. The MCL sprain is a common type of Grade 1 ligament injury. On the other hand, Grade2 ligament injuries occur when ligament fibers in the knee are partially torn. This ligament injury is more painful than Grade 1 ligament injuries.
Grade 3 ligament injury occurs when the entire ligament is torn. It causes severe pain, swelling, and bruising. An LCL tear is the most common Grade 3 ligament injury type.
Knee Dislocation
A knee dislocation occurs when your knee bones move out of place during a fall, an auto accident, or a collision. Most times, knee dislocations can resolve themselves after some days. If this does not happen, it is best to visit a premier injury care center for specialized treatment.
Meniscus Tear
Meniscus tears are common in volleyball, soccer, and football due to twisting and jumping. These injuries also occur due to normal wear.
Knee Tendon Tear
Knee tendon tears are prevalent in middle-aged individuals who run or participate in contact and jumping sports.
Quality Knee Injury Treatment
If you are experiencing severe pain, bruising, instability, and swelling, it’s best to visit a premier injury care clinic near you. Our multidisciplinary team at La Clínica is eager to help you recover from your work-related knee injury and return to your everyday lifestyle. You can count on our certified surgeons, therapists, and doctor’s for all your knee injury care needs.