Knee Injury Treatment for Athletes

Author: Igor Stiler

Knee injuries are common in high demand sports such as football, skiing, baseball, basketball, rugby and wrestling. There are different types of knee injuries. Fortunately, effective non-surgical knee injury treatment is available for the condition in professional rehabilitation centers in New York.

In addition to knee pain and swelling, injury to the knee can cause instability and become debilitating if not treated quickly. Knee injuries are amongst the most costly sports injuries. Take the case of baseball slugger Kyle Schwarber who suffered serious ligament injuries in his left knee in a recent game. This has displaced him for the rest of the 2016 season.

Sports Injuries that Cause Knee Pain

The knee has a complex structure and is one of the most stressed joints in the body. While it is vital for movement, it is extremely vulnerable to injury, especially among players. The following are the common knee injuries in sports:

  • Sprains and strains: A sprain is a ligament injury and a strain refers to injury to a tendon or muscle. Ligament tears include injuries to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). ACL injuries occur as a result of a twisting or pivoting movement. PCL injuries are the result of a powerful force such as a football player falling on a knee that is bent. The LCL runs along the outside of the knee joint and injuries could include straining, spraining, and partial or complete tears of any part of the ligament.

Athletes tend to sprain the medial collateral ligament which is located on the inner side of the knee joint. An MCL sprain occurs due to a blow on the outside of the knee, which forces the knee inward. This injury is common in football, soccer, and skiing, and in activities with jumping, lots of stop-and-go movements, or weaving. Most MCL sprains can be treated without surgery.

  • Meniscal tear - Each knee has two rubbery, C-shaped discs called menisci that cushion the knee. A meniscal tear generally occurs when the knee twists or pivots. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, locking, and decreased range of motion.
  • Fractures: Knee fractures are usually the result of trauma such as falling directly on the knee. The condition often needs surgery.
  • Overuse (runner’s knee): Patellofemoral pain syndrome or runner’s knee is one of the most common causes of knee pain in young athletes. It is caused by overuse of the patellofemoral joint -- the joint between the kneecap (patella) and thighbone -- involves pain in the front of the knee.

Knee Pain Treatment and Rehabilitation

In most cases, knee conditions that are not too severe can be treated without surgery. The first course of action is rest, application of ice packs and a compressive bandage. It is not advisable to go back to the sport with a painful knee as this could aggravate the injury. Most minor injuries improve with rest after two to three weeks. However, if the pain persists beyond three weeks despite these measures, it is necessary to seek medical help.

In a professional rehabilitation center, the physician will first conduct a thorough examination which may include imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. This will help establish the diagnosis, based on which a proper treatment plan will be developed. Techniques used in knee injury treatment will include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Injections for pain management
  • Ultrasound guided joint injections
  • Anti-inflammation medication
  • TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
  • Cold therapy compression to manage pain, swelling and accelerate the healing process

Exercises to Strengthen the Knee

Physical therapy for knee pain will include exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility. Strengthening the muscles around the knee such as the quadriceps and hamstrings will reduce stress on the joint and help it absorb shock. Flexibility exercises stretch the muscles in order to restore range of motion, reduce muscle soreness, and prevent injury. Patients will also be educated on knee anatomy, how injuries happen, and how to manage them when they do. This will help prevent potential issues or long-term disability from common knee injuries.