A knee injury may be obtained from a ruptured or torn ligament, tendon, or cartilage. Sudden blows to the knee, a fall, or an accident may also cause knee damage. Overuse and repeated stress can lead to a knee injury if repetitive activities are constantly performed. Additionally, knee problems may result from sudden turns, pivots, and degeneration from age. There are different types of knee injury treatment options, including physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery, and knee replacement surgery.
Knee pain is the one of the most prominent symptoms of a knee injury. Pain sustained from a minor injury to the knee may be relieved by resting the knee, applying ice to the site of pain, or with elevation. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be used to treat pain for minor knee problems. More severe pain resulting from serious knee injuries may need more advanced treatment.
Physical therapy is one of the different types of knee injury treatment. This type of treatment uses varying techniques to regain mobility, increase strength, and assist injured patients in returning to normal levels of activity. Knee physical therapy may be used to regain the stability of the knee by strengthening the muscles around it. Therapy may include retraining hamstrings, which are the muscles in the back of the leg, and the quadriceps, which are located in the front part of the thigh. Treadmills, exercise bikes, and weight machines may also be used as part of the strengthening process.
Arthroscopic surgery may be used to treat injuries of the knee as well. This knee surgery is performed with a thin flexible scope that is placed into the joint through a small incision. Through the incision, repairs such as ligament reconstructions, removing torn bits of cartilage, and removing the lining of the joint may be performed. This is not considered an invasive procedure and may be done on an outpatient basis.
A procedure known as a knee replacement surgery is another knee injury treatment available in more serious cases. Knee replacement surgery may include a partial or total replacement of the joint. A partial replacement includes the replacement of only the damaged portions of the knee with prostheses or artificial joints made of plastic and metal. This typically entails a short hospital stay.
Total knee replacement is more advanced and may require a longer hospital stay. All damaged parts of the knee may be replaced with prostheses. Knee problems may improve significantly from this surgery, especially in older patients. Individuals enduring knee problems from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis may benefit greatly from this knee surgery.
In addition to the anti-inflammatory medications that may be used to treat the knee pain caused by minor injuries, there are additional different types of treatment for knee injury pain. Some of these options include topical pain medications such as creams, gels, and ointments, as well as, injections of corticosteroid. Corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation to relieve pain.
Different knee injury treatment options should be discussed with a physician. Varying injuries may warrant different methods of treatment. Injuries requiring medical attention should be addressed promptly, as delay may result in additional problems later on. Knee pain that remains persistent or severe after any type of injury should be evaluated by a doctor.