Four types of knee sports injuries and what to do about them

Your knees are some of the most complex parts of your body. They are made up of several interworking ligaments, tendons and muscles that hold them together and power them for a wide range of activities. When just one part of your knee is injured or affected by a chronic condition, it can be difficult to use the entire knee or to bear weight on your leg.

Athletes demand greater use out of their knees than the average person, so they are vulnerable to a wide range of injuries. Get to know some of the common knee sports injuries below and how physical therapists can help treat them.

1. Strains

A strain occurs when one of your muscles or tendons is stretched or torn. Repetitive physical stress on the knee, as well as a traumatic impact such as in a tackle or a fall, can cause a strain.

Strains vary in grades from mild to severe. Mild strains may only require a few days of rest for recovery. More intense strains will need physical therapy, and severe strains may require surgery.

2. Tendinitis

Tendinitis is the inflammation of one of the tendons in your joints that occurs from frequent overexertion. This injury is common in the knees of athletes who run and jump frequently. 

Physical therapy can help reduce pain from tendinitis and improve your range of motion while the inflammation settles down.

3. Sprains

A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn. There are three major ligaments holding the bones in each knee together. A forceful impact to the knee that causes it to move in an unnatural direction can sprain one of the ligaments.

Sprains vary in severity in the knee. Mild sprains may only require physical therapy for treatment, but intense sprains, such as a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), usually require surgery for repair.

4. Torn meniscus

The menisci are discs of cartilage in your knees that cushion the joints from friction and force. A forceful impact to the knee that involves a twisting motion can tear one of the menisci. A torn meniscus can fold back on itself, causing your knee to feel wedged when trying to fully bend or straighten it.

Often, surgery is required to clean out the damaged meniscus tissue so you can bend and straighten your knee again. Physical therapy can help manage the pain and improve your recovery after surgery.

Visit SSOR today for knee sports injury treatment

Are you an athlete who has injured your knee in training or competition? It’s important that you get the treatment you need as soon as possible, so you can get back on the field or court to do what you love. Our team at SSOR can examine your knee and guide you through a personalized treatment routine that can help you recover.

Contact our team today for more information about knee sports injuries or to schedule an initial appointment.