The knee joint is placed under considerable stress during weight-bearing activities and is consequently susceptible to injury, especially if you play sports. Common conditions and injuries that affect the knee include bursitis, contusions, ligament sprains, meniscus injuries and tendinitis. The rehabilitation process for any of these can be extensive, if the injury is severe, and typically includes interventions designed to alleviate inflammation and pain, and restore range of motion and strength. Consult your doctor and a physical therapist for guidance.
Interventions
Applying a cold pack to your affected knee, wrapping it with an elastic bandage and elevating your injured leg are all recommended interventions to help decrease swelling during the first 72 hours after suffering a knee injury. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe specific drugs designed to minimize swelling and relieve pain. Take such medications only as directed.
Restoring Range of Motion
The aforementioned knee conditions and injuries may decrease your range of motion, so performing stretching exercises is a critical component of the rehabilitation process. Begin stretching the calves, hamstrings and quadriceps daily after the initial-treatment period -- usually 48 to 72 hours -- after suffering an injury. Lengthen the muscles until you feel a gentle stretch, then hold for 10 to 30 seconds, deepening the stretch slightly with each breath. Gradually increase your range of motion over a period of weeks and months as you're recovering.
Restoring Strength
Along with restoring range of motion, strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee is another key element of the rehabilitation process. Perform isometric exercises initially, followed by dynamic-strengthening exercises, such as heel raises, leg curls, leg extensions, partial squats and stepups. Use your body weight for resistance at first, then gradually add resistance by using ankle weights, a barbell, dumbbells and/or a resistance band. Gradually increase your range of motion for the partial-squat exercise, progressing to a parallel squat and then to a full squat if desired.
Returning to Normal
Returning to normal activities as quickly as possible is the ultimate objective of any rehabilitation protocol for a knee injury. After restoring your range of motion and strength, resume your normal activities conservatively. If you walked three miles a day before the injury, for example, then start walking a half mile every day and progressively increase the distance over time; or if you're an athlete, begin performing sport-specific activities at half speed and gradually pick up the pace.
Considerations
The length and scope of your rehabilitation program for a knee injury depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injury, your health status and your lifestyle.The program may take only a month or less for a minor injury and six months or more for a severe injury. For these reasons, it's important to discuss all factors that may affect your recovery with your doctor before proceeding.
References
- "Essentials of Athletic Injury Management"; William Prentice, et al.; 2008
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation; Knee Rehabilitation Exercises; Warren King
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