If you’re an active person, a pestering knee injury can put a real damper on everyday activities. Without functioning knees, you’ll lack the basic stability to support the rest of your body; therefore, it’s important to take care of vital joints and get proper treatment if you are experiencing nagging knee pain. Knee injuries and discomfort are quite common, but they rarely become chronic. If pain and swelling persist after a few days followed by no signs of healing, it may indicate a more serious knee injury that requires a full evaluation from a medical professional.
Conditions & Symptoms of Knee Injuries
The knee is a complex joint; for this reason, it makes it one of the most easily injured parts of the body. If you notice your knee injury isn’t healing, it could be because you misjudged the severity or you simply didn’t give it enough time and rest. Moderate soft-tissue injuries generally need a minimum of two weeks to heal, and returning too soon from a knee injury can actually cause more pain and tissue damage.
Another type of knee injury that requires more healing time is bursitis. The knee is surrounded by several fluid-filled sacs, called bursas, which lie underneath the skin and directly above the kneecap bone. If you hit your kneecap against something hard and it doesn’t break, the bursa can bleed and swell. This area takes a lot longer to heal than a normal bruise and is most often improved over time, so treatment may be more for symptom relief. Additionally, it doesn’t take a hard blow to the knee to become injured. The knee can be stretched and worn out, aggravated, and partially torn due to simple, everyday movement.
The most common types of conditions and symptoms of knee injuries include:
- Osteoarthritis: This condition is caused by the deterioration of both the knee cartilage and adjacent bone. Symptoms vary and can include pain, tenderness, and inflammation of the knee.
- Tendinitis: Most commonly found in patients over the age of 50. Tendinitis is the swelling and tightness of one or more of the tendons that surround the knee, resulting in less flexibility.
- Fracture: A fracture can lead to sharp pain and the inability to move joints.
- Torn ligament: Some may initially hear a popping sound followed by severe pain and swelling.
- Runner’s knee: Typically causes pain in the front of your kneecap, but you can also experience dull throbbing behind your kneecap.
If you are suffering from a knee injury, look for signs of severe damage like swelling and immobility. If it’s hard to walk, see a doctor as soon as possible. A physical therapist can speed up recovery time using exercises, stretches, and other treatment methods. If the injury is mild to moderate, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and practice R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) to promote flexibility and healing in the knee.
Find out how we can help with your knee injury by contacting our office today: (732) 812-5200.