If you got out of bed this morning, sat down to tie your shoes, or walked outside to get the mail — or walked anywhere, for that matter — say thank you to your knees. As the largest and most complex joint in the human body, the knee is crucial to our stability and mobility.
The knee joint connects the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia) and the kneecap (patella). It also contains an intricate web of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerves, and is even surrounded by fluid for lubrication. Strong, healthy knees help support the weight of our body and allow us to walk, run, swim, jump and perform most of the movements of daily life.
Sophisticated as the knee joint is, it is also one of the most stress- and injury-prone joints in the body. The amount of force placed on our knees can be many times our body weight, especially when we engage in physical activities like running and jumping. It’s for this reason that most knee injuries occur in adolescent and young adult athletes — roughly 2.5 million sports-related knee injuries occur every year in the U.S.
Let’s discuss some of the common knee injuries in athletes, how to prevent them, and what to expect for treatment and recovery.
Common Knee Injuries in Athletes
Knee injuries are very common among young athletes, accounting for nearly half of all sports-related injuries. Frequent injuries include ligament tears, fractures and dislocation.
Ligament Tears
Ligament tears can occur when the knee undergoes sudden twisting, pivoting or direct impact. The knee joint contains four ligaments that stabilize and support its range of motion: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The most commonly injured ligament is the ACL, which joins the thigh and shin bones together. Ligament tears are usually accompanied by a loud popping sound or sensation, followed by pain, swelling and unsteadiness or a loss of range of motion. Though not a ligament, the meniscus — a pad of cartilage in the knee — can also be torn and is a common sports injury.
Knee Fractures
Knee fractures involve a crack or break to any of the bones in the knee joint. Fractures usually happen on the kneecap, but can also occur on the ends of the thigh or shin bones. Falling directly on a knee, or having a knee struck by a ball, bat or another person, are common causes of fractures during sporting events. Knee fractures have many of the same signs as ligament tears, but may also cause inability to stand or bear weight.
Dislocation
Knee dislocation is a severe injury that occurs when the bones of the knee joint are forced out of their normal alignment. High-impact falls, tackles and collisions can cause knee dislocation in athletes. Since it has the potential to damage blood vessels, nerves, and surrounding soft tissues, a knee dislocation is considered an orthopedic emergency.
Preventive Measures for Athletes
No athlete wants to see his or her future in sports sidelined by injury, which is why taking preventive measures is so important to protect one’s knees during physical activity. The Cleveland Clinic recommends the following actions to reduce the risk of sports injury in children and teens:
- Stretch before and after every workout. Warm up before and cool down afterward.
- Wear proper shoes and safety equipment, and make sure they’re in good condition.
- Don’t play the same sport or do the same activity year-round. This is especially important for children. Your body needs a combination of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after any exercise.
- Learn proper technique and use it all the time.
- Listen to your body and don’t push too far.
“As a general rule of thumb, it’s advisable to avoid knee extension exercises involving ankle weights due to their potential to damage the cartilage beneath the kneecap,” says D. Peter Van Eenenaam, MD, orthopedic surgeon with the North Country Orthopaedic Group. “ “Instead, consider safer alternatives such as 1/3 knee dips and seated leg presses. Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles is vital for overall knee health, as they serve as our body’s natural shock absorbers.”
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment and recovery for a knee injury will vary, depending on the type and severity of the injury. Minor sprains and strains usually do not require treatment and can heal within a few days if athletes use the RICE method:
- Rest the injured knee/leg for a few days.
- Ice the injured knee for 15-20 minutes every four hours to reduce pain and swelling.
- Compression: wear a knee brace or wrap the injured knee with elastic bandage to provide support and reduce swelling. Compression should be snug, but not so tight that it hurts or cuts off blood circulation.
- Elevate the injured leg (above the level of your heart, if possible) to rest it and reduce swelling.
Some small ligament tears may heal on their own, but it is best to consult with an orthopedic specialist to see if medication, physical therapy, or other measures are needed.
More serious tears, fractures or dislocations should always be treated by a medical professional, since all three injuries may call for surgery. Fractures and dislocations often require the affected bone to be immobilized with a brace or cast. In some cases, pins, screws or plates may also be used to realign and stabilize the joint. With these types of knee injuries, follow-up care and physical therapy are essential to ensure the joint heals properly and strength is regained.
Trust the Sports Medicine Specialists at NCOG
Even when precautions are taken, accidents and injuries happen in sports. If you experience a sports-related injury and are looking for a way forward, the North Country Orthopaedic Group (NCOG) is here to help with a dedicated Sports Medicine Center in Watertown, NY.
Specializing in the treatment of soft tissue injuries – affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage – our services include cutting-edge physical medicine, rehabilitation and therapy interventions tailored to your specific needs. For injuries that are more complex, our sports medicine doctors are skilled in recommending and performing arthroscopy surgery. Our goal is to help you recover quickly and effectively, so you can return to your sport stronger than before.
Don’t let injuries set you back – reach out to us at (315) 782-1650 to schedule your visit, or use our online appointment request form for expedited service.
