We use our knees every day for something as simple as walking, so treating a knee injury is essential. If you injure your knee, possible injuries include a torn ACL, meniscus tear, or fracture.
The knee joint is extremely complex. It is where the thigh bone, shinbone, and kneecap (patella) connect. In addition to these bones, the knee includes cartilage, ligaments, menisci, and tendons. Each component of the knee is important for it to function properly and without pain, but each part can also be injured. Taking proper precautions to avoid a knee injury is not only something for athletes to do, but for everyone.
Types of Knee Injuries
This complex nature of the knee is what makes it prone to several injuries. While there are many problems that can contribute to knee pain, some are more common than others.
Sudden (Acute) Injuries
An injury that happens suddenly may be caused by abnormally twisting the knee, a direct blow to the knee, and bending or falling on the knee. Within minutes, your knee may develop pain, bruising, or swelling. This type of injury is likely to happen during physical activity.
Acute injuries can include:
- Sprains, strains, or other ligament and tendon injuries
- A meniscus tear
- A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or torn medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- Fractures of the kneecap, the lower portion of the femur, or the upper portion of the tibia or fibula
- Dislocation of the kneecap
- Pieces of bone (loose bodies) from a fracture that interfere with movement
- Dislocation of the knee joint
Overuse injuries occur with repetitive activities or repeated or prolonged pressure on the knee. Activities that can contribute to overuse include the stair climbing, running, bicycling, or performing heavy weighted squats. These can especially happen if you are doing an exercise or movement wrong. Without correcting the form, your knees can be injured.
Examples of overuse injuries include:
- Tendonitis, inflammation of the tendons
- Bursitis, inflammation of the small sacs of fluid surrounding the knee
- Thickening or folding of the knee ligaments
- Pain in the front of the knee from overuse, excessive exercise, or being overweight
Diagnose Your Knee Injury at The Urgency Room
While knee pain should never be taken lightly, there are times when it is more urgent than others to see a doctor. If you notice immediate swelling to the knee, bones looking deformed, an inability to bear weight, pain that is intolerable, loss of sensation below the knee, or your foot and ankle turn cold and have no pulse, you should head to your nearest Urgency Room immediately.
The Urgency Room will provide you with high-quality care and lower wait times than a typical emergency room. With our three convenient locations in Woodbury, Eagan, and Vadnais Heights, our experienced physicians can treat your knee injury quickly and efficiently.