Knee pain can be very debilitating. Depending on the type of knee injury depends on what the course of treatment will be. Treating some injuries can be as easy as applying the R.I.C.E treatment others though, may require surgery.
About the Knee
The knee is the point where the three main bones of the leg, the femur, tibia, and fibula, meet. The patella sits on top of the junction where the femur meets the tibia and fibula. As the leg bends, the patella glides along the bottom of the femur. Another name for the patella is the kneecap.
Knee Pain Treatment
R.I.C.E
The four major principles to follow after a knee injury include rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest will help prevent further injuries to the vulnerable and weak parts of the knee. Ice helps to decrease inflammation and pain. Compression using an elastic bandage helps give the knee the support that your own knee muscles cannot provide after an injury. Elevation reduces pain and inflammation, which may cause further injuries to the knee.
Sprains and Strains
R.I.C.E is typically sufficient to treat a simple strain and sprain. Crutches and braces may also help the knee return to its normal functionality. Recovery time may vary depending on the extent of the injury.
Meniscus Tears
Meniscus injuries are much more difficult to heal and require specialized treatment. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage located between your thigh and lower leg. Being an avascular (lack of blood vessels) cartilage, the meniscus receives little or no blood supply. However, blood flow is essential in the proper healing of body tissues and organs. Lack of blood flow means meniscal injuries rarely heal on their own and surgery is often recommended as treatment.
Fractures
The knee has several bones including the patella, femur, tibia, and fibula. Fractures to these bones rarely heal using R.I.C.E and may require surgical intervention in some cases.
Ligament Tears
The knee has several ligaments that help keep the knee in place. Ligaments are thick bands that hold bone to bone and prevent the knees from shifting too far forward, backwards, or sideways. Ligament tears may require surgical intervention to heal properly. Braces and crutches help to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Strengthening
Strengthening is necessary after receiving knee treatment to eliminate the risk of re-injuring the affected area of the knee. A light rehabilitation program can help you build your strength and increase the stability of your knee joint. Strengthening helps people who have suffered various knee injuries to regain most or all of their previous knee functions. However, it is important to discuss your knee strengthening options with your physician or personal trainer.
Have you access to New York treatment centers? Treatment for Knee Pain is available at the Sports Physical Therapy of New York. If not, search the internet for knee pain treatment centers in your area. You may find that an orthopedist’s practice is where you’ll end up.
After suffering a knee injury, it is often advisable to seek medical care from a professional. New York New York has some of the best facilities for treating different types of knee injuries including meniscus tears, tendinitis, and anterior knee pain among others.
Have you or do you suffer from knee pain? What works/has worked for you?
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