Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
As the largest and most complex joint in the human body, your knees are more prone to injury, regardless of whether you are an athlete or not. Some of the most common knee injuries include sprains, ligament tears, fractures and dislocations. Fortunately, thanks to physical therapy, you can promote healing and regain normal movement in your knee if you have recently experienced an injury.
MCL Injuries
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a ligament in your knee that runs along the inner part and connects the thighbone to your lower leg. The MCL plays an important role in helping to keep your knee in place. If you sprain or tear your MCL, your knee will no longer be supported in the way it needs to be, in order to function properly.
Causes and Risk Factors:
- Contact sports
- Contracting muscles while running or turning
Symptoms:
- A popping sound at the time of injury
- Pain inside the knee
- Swelling of the knee
- Feeling stiff or difficulty bending or straightening the knee
Treatment:
- Ice the area to reduce swelling
- Wear a knee brace or use crutches to support the knee during healing
- Rest the knee to prevent further damage
- In severe cases, surgery may be recommended
- Physical therapy and gentle exercises
Meniscus Injuries
A meniscus tear is one of the most commonly occurring cartilage injuries of the knee. The articular cartilage cushions and stabilizes the knee joint while protecting the bones from daily wear and tear. A meniscus injury can be the result of direct contact or a twisting of the knee.
Causes and Risk Factors:
- Contact sports and even non-contact sports that require jumping and cutting
- Degeneration in older athletes
Symptoms:
- A popping sound at the time of injury
- Pain inside the knee
- Swelling of the knee
- Feeling stiff or difficulty bending or straightening the knee
Treatment:
- Ice the area or compress the knee to reduce swelling
- Rest and elevate your knee
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Gentle exercises to stretch and strengthen the knee as recommended by your physical therapist
Have you recently experienced a knee injury? The physical therapists at Medical Rehabilitation Centers of Pennsylvania can help you recover from your injuries no matter how minor or severe they may be. We are here to provide you with complete diagnostics and pain management services that are specifically tailored to each of our patients so you receive the best care possible.
For comprehensive diagnostics and tailor-made physical therapy treatments in and around Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Area, contact MRCP. Visit us at one of our convenient locations or contact us online.