Preventing knee injuries isn’t as difficult as you might think. Knee joints are made up of bones, ligaments and cartilage. The cartilage is a fibrous, elastic tissue that acts as a cushion between the bones of the knee. Over time, and with age, this specialized shock absorber begins to thin, allowing the ball and socket bones in the knee to rub and pound against each other.Read More >
When To See A Doctor For Knee Pain
When is it time to see a doctor for knee pain? Sometimes it’s hard to gauge on your own pain. What is normal joint pain and what is something more serious? The best plan of action is to leave it up to the professional. Make an appointment with your physician and see what’s really going on. Because, believe it or not, there is actually a lot you can do. Here are some clues that you should see a doctor for knee pain.Read More >
What Are Common Knee Injuries?
What are common knee injuries? How do they happen? Every season can be a very active time for families with all sports and activities. We talk about prevention and recovery, but let’s talk about specific injuries that are common and how they actually impact you. Read More >
Common Basketball Knee Injuries
According to Stop Sports Injuries, medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears are the most common basketball knee injuries sustained while playing basketball. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that symptoms of this injury, which is caused by blows to the outside of the knee, include swelling, locking and pain on the inside of the joint. Here is some information on common basketball knee injuries and prevention.Read More >
Common Knee Injuries
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, common injuries of the knee include fractures, dislocations and ligament tears.
Though the femur and tibia do break, the patella or kneecap is the bone that is most commonly fractured around the knee. These knee joint fractures usually occur as a result of high energy trauma from motor vehicle accidents and falls from heights. Most knee joint fractures are treated surgically with plates, screws and casts to keep the broken ends in their correct position until the knee heals.
Knee dislocations occur when the bones are knocked out of their correct anatomical position during sports related accidents, motor vehicle collisions and other high energy trauma. The patella can also slip out of its position during twisting movements. Dislocated knees are treated by returning the bone to its position and placing the joint in a splint or cast for a few weeks. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen are also prescribed to reduce the pain and swelling.
The medial and lateral collateral ligaments, as well as the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, are some of the ligaments that are torn in knee injuries. The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is injured during activities that involve sudden twisting motions. This can occur while playing football, soccer, basketball and other sports that require changing directions rapidly. The collateral ligaments are often torn by blows from contact sports that push the knees sideways. Ligament injuries are usually treated surgically. This can either be the traditional open surgery or arthroscopic surgery which uses tiny instruments and small incisions.
The Knee Society reports that patella tendinitis is a common knee injury that follows repetitive trauma from activities like playing volleyball or basketball. The treatment of this tendon injury involves resting the knee for some time, followed by stretching and strengthening exercises. Ice may also be applied and NSAIDS prescribed.
Disclaimer: Always seek professional help or treatment from your doctor if you encounter any type of knee injury or pain.
Written by: Marian Kim, Rust Built, Marketing Services
Knee Tendon Tears & Injuries
Knee injuries are very common in today’s world. One area that knee injuries can occur is the tendons. Tendons are “strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. The tendons in the front of the knee are the quadriceps tendon and the patellar tendon. The quadriceps tendon connects to the top of the patella and allows the leg to extend. The patellar tendon connects to the bottom of the kneecap and attaches to the top of the tibia.” (KidsHealth.org)
How do knee tendon injuries happen?
Tendon injuries can range from inflammation of a tendon such as tendonitis, all the way to a torn tendon. Most torn tendons occur from overuse, such as in sports. When that happens, the tendon stretches like a rubber band and becomes inflamed. Tendon injuries also can be caused by trying to break a fall. “If thigh muscles contract, the tendon can tear. This is most likely to happen in older people with weak tendons.” (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
A very common type of knee tendon injury is called tendinitis. Tendinitis of the knee is also known as jumper’s knee. Types of sports such as basketball and volleyball, and sports that require jumping, can cause the tendon to become inflamed or tear.
How do I know if I have a knee tendon injury?
There are various indicators of a knee tendon injury such as:
- Pain and tenderness
- Swelling in the knee joint
- Pain with jumping, running, or walking
- Pain when bending or straightening the leg
- Tenderness behind the kneecap
Types of Treatment
There are various types of treatments for knee tendon injuries. Types of treatments include:
- Rest and modifying your activities
- Taking medication to reduce inflammation and pain, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Icing the knee
- Elevating the knee on a pillow when sitting or lying down
- Limiting sports activity
- Doing exercises that stretch and strengthen the knee
- For very severe injuries surgery might be needed
References:
1. “What Are Knee Problems?
Fast Facts: An Easy-to-Read Series of Publications for the Public.” National Institute of Arthritus and musculoskeletal and Skin Deseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Knee_Problems/knee_problems_ff.asp#h
2. “Jumper’s Knee.” KidsHealth.org. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/bones/jumpers_knee.html
3. “Patellar Tendon Injury (Jumper’s Knee).” Corephysicians.org. http://www.corephysicians.org/news-and-health-library/health-library/injuries/inju3197/
4. “Sports-Related Knee Injuries.” Columbus Regional Health. http://www.crh.org/services/joint-and-spine-center/sports-related-knee-injuries.aspx
Written by: Sharan Kaur, Rust Built, Marketing Services
Football Knee Injuries
According to Stop Sports Injuries, knee injuries are the most common injuries sustained while playing football. These injuries, which mainly affect the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments together with the menisci, can be prevented by simple measures like having proper warm up and cool down routines.
Studies have shown that cold muscles are more prone to injury and thus the hip, thigh and calf muscles should be the focus of pre-game stretches, though other muscle groups should not be ignored.
Maintaining general fitness during summer is another way of preventing football injuries in the fall. This can be done by following a balanced conditioning program which includes stretching, strength training and aerobic exercises.
Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports states that every athlete should receive a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE) to detect any conditions that may predispose them to developing injuries or illnesses while playing football. Having this medical examination before playing is another way of preventing football injuries.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons also states that football players with joint problems should have a full range of motion and normal strength without any pain or swelling before they can be allowed to play. This safety precaution can prevent additional knee joint injuries.
Wearing properly fitted protective equipment is another way of preventing injuries while playing football. These should include a helmet, mouth guard, thigh guards and knee pads according to the Pop Warner Football Official Rule Book.
Hydrating appropriately can also prevent cramps and injuries when playing football. Proper hydration also ensures that the body can cool itself adequately through sweating. Generally it is recommended that footballers should drink 24 ounces of fluid 2 hours before playing. This hydration is also vital for treating heat injuries since it can help prevent the symptoms of painful muscle cramping from progressing into heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.
Written by: Marian Kim, Rust Built, Marketing Services
Basketball Related Injuries & Prevention
Knee and hip injuries are two of the most common sports related injuries among athletes, and basketball injuries make up some of the most varied sports injuries. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing in a high school championship or for an NBA title, the physicality of basketball is one reason why injuries to your knees and hips can result.
KNEE INJURIES
One type of knee injury, the sprain, results from a ligament tear not severe enough to make your knee give out. In order for it to heal properly you will need to immobilize the knee. Once the tear has healed you will need to perform stretching and strengthening exercises for the muscles to keep the knee in place. A more severe knee injury like a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) will make your knee give out immediately, but it doesn’t always require surgery to participate in sports again. You may only have to do special exercises to strengthen the thigh muscle and wear a knee brace.
HIP INJURIES
Hip injuries are very painful, take longer to heal, and often occur as the result of a fall. The most common hip problem is the hip pointer injury, which results from impact to the iliac crest of the pelvis. This injury usually results in a sharp and strong pain and requires a long recovery. Avoiding a hip injury is really difficult, but there is protective hip equipment available to help reduce the chances of serious injury. If an athlete suffers a hip injury, never attempt to return to training before being given the all clear by a professional. Returning too soon can lead to further complications and a much longer lay off. Also, keep in mind before you start exercising to warm-up and stretch because it will help warm up your muscles, increase flexibility, reduce stiffness and prevent injury.
Medical Disclaimer: Always talk to a medical consultant before starting a new exercise routine, returning to exercise after injury, or if you have any health care-related questions.
Written by: Jamacia Magee, Rust Built, Marketing Services
Children and Knee Injuries
Children & Knee Injuries: Causes, Treatments, and Tips to Prevent Them
According to the website Kidshealth.org, thousands of kids sprain, fracture, or dislocate a knee every year. The cause of a knee injury can be anything from typical kid’s play to sports related and can be as mild as a sprain that needs rest and a short heal time, to a more serious injury that requires surgery and a longer time to heal.Read More >
Tips For Preventing Children’s Sports-Related Knee Injuries
The occurrence of children’s sports-related knee injuries has dramatically increased in the last decade. This article will explain to parents the simple ways that they can help their children prevent them from happening.
Children in sports are more susceptible to sports-related knee injuries for these reasons:
- Children are still growing, and each are at a different level of growth
- Children mature at individual paces and are at varied sizes when in play with each other
- Children have less coordination and slower reaction time than adults
- Children may take unnecessary risks that may result in injuries
Parents must explain these risks to their children when they allow their children to become involved in sports. Here are several easy tips for parents to use to guide their children in preventing sports-related knee injuries:
Knee Injury Prevention Tips
- First, make sure there is proper supervision by trained adults.
- Make sure those adults are knowledgeable in prevention of sports injuries, i.e., adequate warm-ups, stretching and breaks for rest in games and practices.
- Kids’ shoes should be in good condition, fit properly and be appropriate for the sport.
- Kids should wear protective knee pads if appropriate for the sport.
- Children can maintain and improve their coordination and balance by training all year long, not just during their sport’s season.
- Muscles should be warmed up before stretching. Stretching helps muscles stay flexible. It also increases blood flow and lengthens the muscles for optimal use.
- Don’t let them play when they’re injured. When it hurts, they shouldn’t play. They’ll be setting themselves up for an even more serious injury. And will set them aside for an even longer time.
Involved and caring parents can help children prevent sports-related knee injuries by following these simple tips.
Ruby H. Moseley, Rust Built, Marketing Services
Photo Credit: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/blog/?author=3&paged=3