The largest joint in the body, vital to movement is the knee. Because of its complexity and composed of several parts, the knee sustains frequent injury, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS. Knee problems account for one of the most common problems orthopaedics surgeons see. Many knee injuries that present into the doctor's office do not require surgical intervention.
Knee Pain
Sudden traumatic injury or gradual overuse injury causes pain in the knee. In healthy young athletes, ongoing pain in the front and center of the knee is common, especially in girls, notes the AAOS. Incorrect alignment and overuse by the athlete can cause the kneecap to go sideways and move out of its groove, thereby causing pain. Overdoing sports and using improper techniques while training are a couple of causes mentioned on the AAOS website. Arthritis in the knee also accounts for knee pain. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis where joint cartilege wears away develops over time. Most frequently, middle aged and older adults have this type of arthritis.
Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis, also called jumper's knee develops when the tendons, or strong bands of connective tissue that attach muscle to bone are inflamed. Too much jumping causes this or it could occur because of hips, legs, knees or feet not being properly aligned. A constant ache in the kneecap making it difficult to sleep or worsening pain with increased activity are a couple of symptoms noted on the MayoClinic.com website.
ACL Injury
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, makes up one of the four main ligaments in the knee, responsible for connecting the femur to the tibia, or lower end of the thigh bone. The ACL run up and down in the middle of the knee giving stability to the knee. According to the AAOS, the ACL is one of the most frequently injured ligaments in the knee, accounting for 200,000 a year and of those, 100,000 surgeries performed. The cause for injury seems closely associated with pivoting, sidestepping, unusual landings and reckless play.
Collateral Ligament
Collateral ligament injuries refer to those on the side of the knee. The medial ligament connects the femur to the tibia. Any sharp changing movements involving the knee can cause damage. Pain on the side of the athlete's knee or a feeling that the knee will give out, are symptoms noted on the AAOS website.
Treatment
A variety of treatment options exist for orthopaedic surgeons to consider as they treat knee injury patients. One common treatment used by doctors is R.I.C.E. which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Staying off the knee, icing the knee, lightly compressing the knee with a bandage and raising the knee is helpful, notes the AAOS.
