The knee is
a complex structure and one of the most stressed joints in the body. It is the
largest joint, vital for movement.
The knee is
the most commonly injured joint by
adolescent athletes .Many knee injuries may be successfully treated with simple measures,
such as strengthening and bracing exercises. Other injuries may require to
surgery.
- Stairs, ramps, landings, and floors are most associated with knee injuries sustained outside of sports.
- There are 15 to 24 years of age had the highest injury rate.
- Participator of sports and recreational activities are risk factors for knee injury.
- The incidence of knee injuries among older adults can also be expected to increase.
- Knee injuries account for 60% of high school sports-related surgeries, and occur among both sexes and across all age groups.
- Female athletes participating in basketball and soccer are two to eight times more likely to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury compared to male athletes.
- A direct blow to the knee is a serious injury and requires immediate medical attention.
The knee is
a hinge joint that is responsible for weight bearing and movement. It consists
of bones, meniscus, ligaments, and tendons.
Bones
The femur
(thigh bone), tibia (leg bone), and patella (knee cap), make up the bones of
the knee.
Meniscus
Meniscus is
sometimes called cartilage, and the knee has two; the medial (inner) and
lateral (outer). These crescent-shaped discs act as a cushion, or "shock absorbed" so that the bones of the knee can move through their range of
motion without rubbing against each other.
Ligaments
act like strong ropes to connect bones to other bones. The knee has four; ACL
(anterior cruciate ligament), MCL (medial collateral ligament), PCL (posterior
cruciate ligament), and LCL (lateral collateral ligament).
Tendons
These tough
bands of tissue connect muscles to bone and provide stability to the joint.
Muscles
Although
they are not technically part of the knee joint, the equally important
hamstrings and quadriceps are the muscles that strengthen the leg and help flex
the knee.
Most Common knee injuries
Knees are most often injured during exercising & sports activities, or as a result of a
fall. Pain and swelling, difficulty with weight bearing, and instability are
the most common symptoms of knee injury.
Fracture
The most
common bone broken around the knee is the patella. A fracture
is most often caused by trauma, such as falls, motor vehicle accidents,
and sports-related contact.
Meniscus tear
A meniscal
tear normally happens during sports where the knee twists, pivots, or an
individual is tackled.
Even normal
wear from aging can weaken the meniscus, causing it to tear with a simple
awkward turn during normal day to day activities. Symptoms of a tear are
usually pain, stiffness, swelling, locking, and decreased range of motion.
Sprains and strains
Sprains and
strains are injuries to the ligaments. The ACL and MCL are the ligaments most
often injured.
These
injuries usually happen in sports such as soccer, football, and basketball
where the knee might experience a sudden twisting motion, a rapid change in
direction, or an incorrect landing from a jump.
Overuse
These
painful conditions are common among athletes such as runners and cyclists. Overuse
injury is "runner's knee," a loose term that refers to several
disorders, including parallelogram pain syndrome (PFPS).
Pain is
experienced behind or around the kneecap, and can travel to the thigh or shin.
The pain worsens with activity and is relieved by rest.
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