Menu:
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are common to athletes who are into athletics or sports which involve the extensive use of limbs. There are several kinds of injuries which pertain to the knee, some of the commonly encountered injuries are:
Patellofemoral Syndrome or Runner’s knee
Patellofemoral syndrome is the term used to describe pain on and around the patella or kneecap. A common cause is damage to the surface underneath the kneecap. It can occur due to an impact or from rubbing on the bone underneath. The injury is often referred to as chondramalacia patellae, patella pain syndrome or runner's knee.
The injury common occurs among girls aged between 10 - 20 years. Along with taping, proper rehabilitation is a must for this injury.
Symptoms of patellofemoral syndrome
- Pain occurs in the knee joint, around and under the patella.
- Pain under the patella when bending and straightening the knee.
- Tenderness along the inside border of the kneecap
Who is most at risk from patellofemoral syndrome?
- Athletes who do a lot of long distance running or hill running
Steps to prevent patellofemoral syndrome:
- Apply RICE (Rest, ice compression and elevation) to the injured knee. This will help reduce swelling
- Rest until there is no pain
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
The two ligaments that cross over from front to back in the middle of the knee are called the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. This ligament prevents the shin bone or tibia popping out the front of the knee.
Cause of injury
The ACL or anterior cruciate ligament is injured through:
- Twisting the knee
- An impact to the side of the knee - often the outside
Symptoms of an injured anterior cruciate ligament
- Pain at the time of injury which dies away afterwards
- Swelling
Athletes can apply RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) immediately, once they develop pain in their knee.
Patellar tendinitis or Jumper’s Knee
The patella tendon (or ligament as it is sometimes called) connects the kneecap to tibia bone. Under extreme stresses such as those involved in jumping a partial rupture can occur. This can often lead to inflammation and degeneration of the tissue. Inflammation can also result from overuse.
Injury to this often affects athletes involved in jumping or throwing sports. Weight lifters, Tennis and Badminton players can also be affected. Rest in the early stages is important.
Osgood-Schlatter's Disease
Osgood Schlatters disease is a very common cause of knee pain in children and young athletes. It is a condition where the bony protrusion below the knee (called the tibial tuberosity or tubercle) becomes inflamed, painful and swollen.
Symptoms of osgood schlatters disease
- Swelling at the tibial tuberosity (or bony bit at the top of the shin) just below the kneecap
- Tenderness and pain on the tibial tuberosity during and after exercise