Knee injuries can happen to anyone. However, knee injuries are fairly common sports injuries involving too much or forceful running, jumping, kicking or pivoting of the knees. Some people may not know that the largest joint—the connection between two or more bones—in their body is their knee. The knee joint is one of the most common joint injured.
The Knee Joint
Your knee joint is composed of three major bones. They are your thigh bone (femur), shin bone (lower leg bone/tibia), and your kneecap (patella). The surfaces of these bones in your knee joint are covered by a layer of cartilage called the articular cartilage. Your articular cartilage makes sure that your joint bones glide smoothly during movement.
Your knee is strengthened by ligaments, cartilages and supporting muscles. Any damage to the knee structures and other supporting structures leads to a knee injury resulting in symptoms.
- Learn more about the Anatomy of the Knee Joint
Causes of Knee Injuries
Knee injuries can be caused by a direct blow to the knee, overstretching or stress of knee structures, or overuse of the knee. Knee injuries can be experienced by athletes who participate in forceful kicking, jumping, running and pivoting, such as that occurs in football, soccer, basketball, rugby and certain martial arts sports. In some cases, the condition may occur in automobile accidents or from a fall from a significant height.
In some cases, a knee injury may be caused by everyday wear and tear or by another health problem.
Two major types of knee injury
Knee injuries can be either an acute or chronic injury. Acute means immediate and chronic knee injury means long-term, either from an injury that has worsened because of not getting any professional help following their injury or because of wear and tear of the joint.
Specific Types of Knee Injuries/Conditions
Any structure of your knee can be injured or damaged as a result of direct trauma, wear and tear (degeneration), or a disease. Knee injuries or conditions may include
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Sprain
- Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome Knee Bursitis
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Sprain
- MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) Sprain
- Meniscus Tear
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Treatments
Most minor cases of knee injuries can be initially managed with RICE therapy. Stretching and strengthening exercises can be done after symptoms of pain and swelling have subsided. Ask your physical therapist about what appropriate exercises you can perform for your specific knee injury.
Your doctor may recommend surgery to repair torn or broken knee structure.
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Conditions / Injuries | Physical Therapy | Health and Wellness
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