Knee injuries and its treatments

The knee is the largest joint in the body and gets injured easily. It is made up of the lower end of the thighbone which rotates on the upper end of the shinbone and the knee cap which slides in a groove on the end of the femur. The knee also consists of large ligaments, which help in controlling the motion by connecting bones and by bracing the joint against abnormal types of motion. Common knee injuries:rnMany athletes suffer from injuries to their knee ligaments. • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL):rnChanging direction rapidly, landing from a jump, and slowing down when running cause tears in the ACL. Athletes who participate in basketball and skiing, athletes who wear cleats such as football players are responsive for ACL injuries. • Medial Collateral ligament (MCL):rnInjuries in this case are generally induced by a direct blow to the outside of the knee. These types of injuries frequently occur in contact sports such as football or soccer. • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL):rnIt is frequently injured when an athlete receives a blow to the front of the knee. • Torn cartilage:rnTorn cartilage often refers to a torn meniscus. The meniscus can tear off when you experience twisting, pivoting, cutting, causing to move slowly, or being tackled. • Overuse injuries:rnThey occur with repetitive activities or repeated or prolonged pressure on the knee. Activities like bicycle riding, stair climbing, jogging or jumping stress joints and other tissues can lead to irritation and inflammation. These injuries embrace:rn1. Inflammation of the small sacsrn2. Inflammation of the tendonsrn3. Folding or thickening of the knee ligamentsrn4. Pain in the kneern5. Irritation or inflammation of the band of fibrous tissue Prevention tips for knee injuries You can help out to prevent injuries if you: • Warm up joints and muscles by lightly going through the motions of your sport or activity and stretching muscles. • Wear suitable footwear. • Avoid sudden jarring motions. • Try to spin on the balls of your feet when you’re changing path, rather than twisting throughout your knees. • Cool down after exercise by performing light, easy and persistent stretches • Build up an exercise program gradually over moment in time. Symptoms: • Knee painrn• Tendernessrn• Numbness or tingling in your knee, foot or lower legrn• Swelling of your kneern• Hear a snap, pop or grinding in your kneern• Weakness, stiffness, decreased movement or lockingrn• Knee looks bruised after an injuryrn• Swelling or infection in your knee Treatment:rnOrthopaedic surgeons use a variety of methods to treat knee injuries in athletes. A common method used to treat knee injuries is R.I.C.E, which indicates rest, ice, compression and elevation. Treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of the injury as well as the age of the person. It also depends on the health conditions and various activity levels.