The knee is the largest weight bearing joint in the body. Although most of the motion is forward and backward, there is also some motion from side to side. The muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage that support the knee require flexibility, strength and stability to maintain motion for standing, walking, running and turning. Each of the structures inside the knee joint is at risk for injury and disease that can have a large impact on quality of life. By identifying the problem and addressing the correct treatment protocol there is a greater potential for resuming normal activities.
RICE
A common method of immediate first aid for injuries and the treatment for mild injury is R.I.C.E. These letters stand for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Doctors at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommend staying off the knee or using crutches until an accurate diagnosis and treatment can be recommended.
Apply ice and compression bandages to control swelling and give external support. Keeping the knee elevated will also help reduce swelling in the joint and speed healing, notes the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Evaluation
The correct remedy and treatment protocol cannot be accurately determined without a full evaluation by a physician. Using a full history and physical examination as well as imaging studies, your doctor can ascertain the source of your pain and discomfort as well as advise you about the treatment that will best address their needs.
Surgery may be the only option for someone with a torn ligament but this will not be considered when someone suffers from a sprain or a strain that will heal over time.
Physical Therapy
Most knee injuries that require medical treatment also entail physical therapy to strengthen and stabilize the joint.
According to Kids Health, physical therapists will recommend specific exercises designed to increase flexibility, reduce stiffness and scarring, and improve strength and conditioning. This process requires patience and time to produce good results. When the recovery process is rushed it increases the risk of future injury and lengthens the healing process.
Medication
Medication choices will be based on the source of the knee pain. For those with arthritis, anti-inflammatory medications or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are options that will reduce pain or halt the progression of the disease, according to National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed for those suffering from tendon, ligament or cartilage injury to reduce the inflammatory response and speed healing.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to take a direct look inside the knee joint and treat ligament and meniscal tears. According to Kids Health, this procedure has significantly reduced recovery, post-operative pain and rehabilitation time from surgery.
During arthroscopy, a tiny lit video camera aids the physician and enables him make repairs to the knee joint. If a full joint replacement is required, the surgeon will use an open procedure.
