TCO NEWS
Knee Injuries Kennewick
Millions of people each year visit doctors’ offices because of common knee injuries such as dislocations, fractures, ligament tears, and sprains.
The knee is a highly complex joint with multiple components, giving it a vulnerability to a myriad of injuries. Knee injuries can be successfully treated with less complex measures, such as bracing and rehabilitation exercises. Surgery might be required to correct more severe injuries.
Fractures
The Patella or Kneecap is the most common broken bone around the knee. Where the tibia and femur meet at the knee joint is also susceptible to a fracture. Most fractures concerning the knee are generally caused by high energy trauma, such as motor vehicle collisions or falls from significant heights.
- Swelling.
- Severe pain in and around the kneecap.
- Pain when moving the knee in both directions.
- Difficulty extending the leg or doing a straight-leg raise.
- Tenderness when pressing on the kneecap.
Dislocation
A partial or complete dislocation occurs when the bones of the knee are our of place. Examples would be, the patella (kneecap) slipping out of place or the femur and tibia being forced out of place. An abnormality in the structure of a person’s knee can cause dislocation. People with normal knee structure, dislocations are most often caused by high energy trauma, such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, and sports-related impact.
- Swelling.
- Severe pain.
- Loss of a pulse below the knee.
- Loss of feeling or movement below the knee.
- An obvious deformity of the knee.
(ACL) Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Football, soccer and basketball are all physically demanding sports. Sports activities are often the cause of an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Landing from a jump incorrectly or changing direction quickly can tear the ACL. Almost half of all ACL injuries occur with damage to other structures in the knee, such as meniscus, articular cartilage, or other ligaments.
- At the moment of injury you may hear a distinct pop or popping sound.
- Sudden and severe pain.
- Severe swelling.
- Can’t straighten or bend the knee all the way and the knee feels tight.
(PCL) Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
A blow to the front of the knee while the knee is bent is often the leading cause of a posterior cruciate ligament injury. This often occurs in motor vehicle crashes and sports-related contact. Posterior cruciate ligament tears tend to be partial tears with the potential to heal on their own.
- Swelling (mild to severe).
- Knee pain.
- Wobbly sensation in the knee.
- Trouble walking or bearing weight on the knee.
(MCL) Collateral Ligament Injuries
Force that pushes the knee sideways can cause injuries to the collateral ligaments. Injuries to the MCL are usually caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee, and are often sports-related. Blows to the inside of the knee that push the knee outwards may injure the lateral collateral ligament. Lateral collateral ligament tears occur less frequently than other knee injuries.
- Swelling (mild to severe).
- Knee pain.
- Stiffness
- Knee may feel unsteady, or may lock or “catch.”
Meniscal Tears
Sudden meniscal tears often happen during sports, when twisting, cutting, pivoting, or being tackled. Meniscal tears may also occur as a result of arthritis or aging. An awkward twist when getting up from a chair may be enough to cause a tear, if the menisci are weakened with age.
Tendon Tears
More common among middle-aged people who play running or jumping sports, the quadriceps and patellar tendons can be stretched and torn. Falls, direct force to the front of the knee, and landing awkwardly from a jump are common causes of knee tendon injuries.
Knee Injuries Kennewick, Tri-City Orthopedic, Richland and Pasco Washington
