Knee injuries and its treatments

The knee is the largest joint in the body and gets injured easily. It is made up of the lower end of the thighbone which rotates on the upper end of the shinbone and the knee cap which slides in a groove on the end of the femur. The knee also consists of large ligaments, which help in controlling the motion by connecting bones and by bracing the joint against abnormal types of motion.

Common knee injuries:
Many athletes suffer from injuries to their knee ligaments.
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL):
Changing direction rapidly, landing from a jump, and slowing down when running cause tears in the ACL. Athletes who participate in basketball and skiing, athletes who wear cleats such as football players are responsive for ACL injuries.
• Medial Collateral ligament (MCL):
Injuries in this case are generally induced by a direct blow to the outside of the knee. These types of injuries frequently occur in contact sports such as football or soccer.
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL):
It is frequently injured when an athlete receives a blow to the front of the knee.
• Torn cartilage:
Torn cartilage often refers to a torn meniscus. The meniscus can tear off when you experience twisting, pivoting, cutting, causing to move slowly, or being tackled.
• Overuse injuries:
They occur with repetitive activities or repeated or prolonged pressure on the knee. Activities like bicycle riding, stair climbing, jogging or jumping stress joints and other tissues can lead to irritation and inflammation. These injuries embrace:
1. Inflammation of the small sacs
2. Inflammation of the tendons
3. Folding or thickening of the knee ligaments
4. Pain in the knee
5. Irritation or inflammation of the band of fibrous tissue

Prevention tips for knee injuries

You can help out to prevent injuries if you:
• Warm up joints and muscles by lightly going through the motions of your sport or activity and stretching muscles.
• Wear suitable footwear.
• Avoid sudden jarring motions.
• Try to spin on the balls of your feet when you’re changing path, rather than twisting throughout your knees.
• Cool down after exercise by performing light, easy and persistent stretches
• Build up an exercise program gradually over moment in time.

Symptoms:
• Knee pain
• Tenderness
• Numbness or tingling in your knee, foot or lower leg
• Swelling of your knee
• Hear a snap, pop or grinding in your knee
• Weakness, stiffness, decreased movement or locking
• Knee looks bruised after an injury
• Swelling or infection in your knee

Treatment:
Orthopaedic surgeons use a variety of methods to treat knee injuries in athletes. A common method used to treat knee injuries is R.I.C.E, which indicates rest, ice, compression and elevation. Treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of the injury as well as the age of the person. It also depends on the health conditions and various activity levels.