Knee injuries are one of the most common reasons why people search for orthopedics in Boca Raton. Athletes, in particular, are more susceptible to getting knee injuries every once in a while. The knee is one of the largest and strongest joints in the body. However, it is also one of the most complex and as such, there are more parts that may be injured. Sudden turns, twists, and stops can put pressure on the knee joint and lead to injuries. Unfortunately, these movements are oftentimes unavoidable while training and playing certain sports.
With its trust team of orthopedic surgeons and physicians, Orthopaedic Surgery Associates shares with you everything you need to know about knee injuries in athletes. Read on!
Which Sports are most likely to cause Knee Injuries?
Some sports cause an increased risk of knee injuries in athletes. These sports are those that often require quick, forceful, abrupt, and harsh movements. Athletes whose knee joints suffer overuse related to their sport are more likely to experience knee injuries compared to non-athletes.
Below are some of the sports that commonly cause knee injuries:
- Running
- Basketball
- Football
- Soccer
- Skiing
- Gymnastics
- Competitive cheerleading
It is also important to note that other sports and less physically demanding activities may also cause knee injuries as a result of accidents or failure to observe proper and sufficient precautions.
What Are the Most Common Types of Knee Injuries in Athletes?
Our orthopedic specialists can help treat and manage various knee injuries in athletes. Below are some of the most common that our athlete patients experience:
1. ACL Injury
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain or tear is one of the most common knee injuries in athletes who participate in highly physically demanding sports. The ACL is the ligament that holds the thigh bone and shin bone together. As such, it is among the knee’s main stabilizing ligaments. An ACL sprain, tear, or rupture can occur as a result of the following:
- Single-leg landing
- Pivoting
- Cutting
- Knee twisting while the foot is planted
- Knee twisting after landing on one foot
- Blunt trauma to the knee
2. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)
Patellofemoral pain syndrome also known as “runner’s knee” or “jumper’s knee,” PFPS refers to the pain around the patella (kneecap) and in front of the knee. It occurs when the nerves in the knee sense pain or injury in the bone and soft tissues on and around the kneecap. PFPS often results from overuse. The prolonged use of improper sports training equipment and techniques may also be blamed. Furthermore, a change in footwear and playing surface can also trigger this condition.
3. Tendinitis
Also called tendonitis, this condition refers to the inflammation of a tendon. In particular, patellar tendinitis affects the knee’s patellar tendon, which runs from the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia).
4. MCL Injury
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is another ligament in the knee that can be sprained or injured. However, an MCL injury can often improve with rest and rehabilitation, while an ACL injury might need surgery.
5. Fractures
A fracture refers to a broken bone. This can occur due to orthopedic trauma, which is often a result of accidents that may happen during playing or training. The most commonly fractured part of the knee is the kneecap.
What Are the Symptoms of a Knee Injury?
The signs and symptoms of a knee injury will vary depending on the type of injury you have, and which part of the knee was injured. However, in general, below are some of the symptoms associated with knee injury:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Heat
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Difficulty moving or bending the knee
- Knee locking
- Popping or clicking sounds when bending the knee
- Difficulty balancing or maintaining stability
An acute knee injury will typically cause knee pain and swelling. However, a chronic injury may cause popping and clicking that may be accompanied by intermittent pain.
Knee Injury in Athletes: When to See a Doctor?
In general, it is recommended for athletes to have regular checks with a specialist in sports medicine in Boca Raton to ensure that their body is always in tip-top condition. Furthermore, if you experience knee pain that becomes chronic or lasts for more than a week, then you should consult an orthopedic specialist in your area, especially if the pain becomes severe.
How Are Knee Injuries Diagnosed and Treated?
When you consult an orthopedic doctor, they will evaluate your medical and physical history. If it is apparent that you got your symptoms from a sports injury or accident, they will likely require some tests to know the condition of your knee and the surrounding bones, tendons, ligaments, and tissues. The doctor may ask for an X-ray or MRI.
Meanwhile, the treatment will vary based on the cause of the pain or injury, the severity of pain, and the specific diagnosis.
Medication is often used to treat and manage pain and inflammation. The doctor may also recommend resting from playing sports for a while.
Ligament tear injuries, such as ACL injury, as well as trauma-induced injuries, may require bracing aside from medication and rest. In more serious cases, torn knee ligaments surgery may be required.
Finally, there will be cases where physical therapy will be required to help the patient regain strength and movement of their knees and legs.
Get the Right Care for Your Knee Injury From the Best Boca Raton orthopedics and sports medicine specialists
Orthopaedic Surgery Associates provides total patient care management facilitated by registered and board-certified orthopedic physicians, as well as registered physical therapists and physiologists. Our team of sports medicine specialists are trained and experienced in the diagnosis of sports-related orthopedic injuries and conditions, including knee injuries.
If you’re an athlete who suffers from knee injury due to your sports, trust Orthopaedic Surgery Associates for expert diagnosis and treatment. We will assist you on your road to quick recovery and help you avoid injuries in the future. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Our office serves patients in the Palm Beach County area with two convenient locations
Telemedicine appointments are also available for your initial consultation and follow-up checkups.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
