Prevention of Knee Injuries:
The knee joint allows you to run, walk and play sport. Awkward movements, falls and collisions, sudden twists, excessive force or overuse can result in a range of injuries to the knee joint and the structures supporting it. Common knee injuries include ligament, tendon and cartilage tears, and patello-femoral pain syndrome.
First aid for Knee Injuries in the first 48 to 72 hours
Suggestions for first aid treatment of an injured knee include:
- Stop your activity immediately. Don’t ‘work through’ the pain.
- Rest the joint at first.
- Reduce pain, swelling and internal bleeding with icepacks, applied for 15 minutes every couple of hours.
- Bandage the knee firmly and extend the wrapping down the lower leg.
- Elevate the injured leg.
- Don’t apply heat to the joint.
- Avoid alcohol, as this encourages bleeding and swelling.
- Don’t massage the joint, as this encourages bleeding and swelling.
Prevention tips for Knee Injuries
You can help to prevent injuries if you:
- Warm up joints and muscles by gently going through the motions of your sport or activity and stretching muscles.
- Wear appropriate footwear.
- Avoid sudden jarring motions.
- Try to turn on the balls of your feet when you’re changing direction, rather than twisting through your knees.
- Cool down after exercise by performing light, easy and sustained stretches.
- Build up an exercise program slowly over time.
Professional help for Knee Injuries
Mild knee injuries may heal by themselves, but all injuries should be checked and diagnosed by a doctor or physiotherapist. Persistent knee pain needs professional help. Prompt medical attention for any knee injury increases the chances of a full recovery. Treatment options include:
- Aspiration – If the knee joint is grossly swollen, the doctor may release the pressure by drawing off some of the fluid with a fine needle.
- Physiotherapy – Including ultrasound and electrical muscle stimulation treatment, kneecap taping, exercises for increased mobility and strength, and associated rehabilitation techniques.
- Arthroscopic surgery or ‘keyhole’ surgery – Where the knee operation is performed by inserting slender instruments through small incisions (cuts). Cartilage tears are often treated with arthroscopic surgery.
- Open surgery – Required when the injuries are more severe and the entire joint needs to be laid open for repair.
Aquatic therapy or pool therapy consists of an exercise program that is executed in the water. It is a valuable form of therapy that is useful for a range of medical conditions. Aquatic therapy utilizes the physical properties of water to aid in patient healing and exercise performance. Call now for Quick Appointment: 703-670-9935