What Are the Most Common Knee Injuries?

Are you an athlete or active individual who likes exercising? Do you tend to overwork your muscles and tendons to the extent that you experience sports injuries? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Each year, 400,000 people in the US suffer from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and millions more experience other kinds of knee injuries. Fortunately, many of these knee injuries are minor, but although they may not be life-threatening, they can be painful, inconvenient, and slow to heal.

So what are the most common knee injuries? And, how can you avoid getting them? Read on to learn more.

Cartilage Tears

The cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of the bones and allows them to move easily against each other. A tear in the cartilage can cause the knee to become painful and swollen.

Cartilage tears can be caused by a sudden injury, such as a fall, or by repetitive stress, such as from running or playing sports. Treatment for a cartilage tear may include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and surgery.

Torn Ligaments

One of the most common knee injuries is a torn ligament. The knee has four main ligaments that connect the thighbone to the lower leg bones. These ligaments provide stability to the knee joint and allow the knee to move freely.

A torn ligament can occur from a sudden injury, such as a fall, or from overuse. Symptoms of a torn ligament include pain, swelling, and instability of the knee.

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. For a milder injury, immobilization and physical therapy may be enough. For a more severe injury, surgery may be necessary to repair the torn ligament.

Knee Dislocation

The knee is a complex joint with many moving parts, so it’s susceptible to a variety of injuries. Knee dislocations occur when the knee joint is forcefully moved out of its natural position. This can happen as a result of a fall, a direct blow to the knee, or a twisting motion.

Knee dislocations are extremely painful and can cause the knee joint to become unstable. This may require surgery to correct, if the knee joint is not treated properly, it can lead to long-term problems. Fractures of the knee can also be quite painful and may require immobilization of the knee in order to heal properly.

Knee Strain

Knee strains typically occur when the muscles and tendons around the knee are overstretched or torn. Knee strains are often caused by playing sports or participating in other physical activities that put stress on the knee. Symptoms of a strain include knee pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Treatment for a knee strain may include rest, ice, and elevation. More severe cases may require physical therapy or surgery. Read about a knee strain to be aware of the symptoms and how to avoid getting strains.

Being Aware of The Common Knee Injuries

There are a few common knee injuries that can occur from overuse or trauma. These include knee strains, knee dislocation, cartilage tears, and torn ligaments. If you experience any pain or swelling in your knee, it’s important to see a doctor. They can properly diagnose the injury and help you create a treatment plan.

Keep reading our blog for more advice on how to prevent and treat common injuries.