A List of Problems Associated With the Knee

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Copyright (c) 2013 Dave Regis

Knee injuries can occur at any time as a result of any activity, typically as a result of overuse or through injury. We see many cases in the media of sports star injuring their knees, with the period of rehabilitation required ranging from a few days to a few months depending on their severity. Such sports injuries however are not just limited to those in the limelight with all of us being susceptible to anything from a slight sprain to a degenerative condition such as osteoarthritis.

Some injuries are more common than others and this article is designed to highlight the more common occurrences, what they are and how they might be remedied.

Strains and sprains

A strain or sprain of the knee is probably one of the more common forms of injury sustained and luckily, one of the least serious. Typically incurred as a result of overuse, the pain is caused from overstretching the tissue surrounding the knee, with any inflammation compounding the effects.

In the event of an injury you should take the time to rest and apply ice to ease any inflammation. The majority of sprains are self-limiting therefore take your time and you will be back up and running in no time.

There are however a number of preventative measures you can employ and these involve warming up and cooling down and being sensible with your activity levels. By warming up and cooling down you are getting your muscles ready for action or allowing them time to rest after a workout. If you fail to cool down properly you will sometimes get stiffness in your muscles which are caused by a build-up of lactic acid. Another preventative measure you could seek is the use of a knee support, which provides additional support and can help protect the knee against injury.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by the reduction in joint cartilage. The resulting factor causes bone on bone contact which is the root cause of the pain felt by sufferers. As the condition is degenerative it will never heal, therefore the emphasis is on management of the pain to ensure sufferers are able to remain active.

Pain is typically reported during movement from simply walking to the shops or taking a run or a bike ride. Some sufferers also complain of a stiffness following periods of inactivity and find it harder to get going.

There are various ways of managing the condition, with the more serious ultimately requiring surgery. Medication can also be provided which can help manage the pain and allow the sufferer to continue their daily routine. Another avenue to consider from a non-invasive perspective is that of a knee support, with specific osteoarthritis supports available on the market. They differ from the standard knee support you would use following a sprain by unloading the pressure from one side of the knee to the other, thereby reducing the bone on bone contact felt and allowing increased mobility.

Tendonitis

Whilst seen as one of the less common cause of knee injuries, tendonitis of the patella can result from overuse. The patella is the tendon which connects the knee cap and shin bone and injuries here can often be referred to as 'jumper's knee' and suffered by those performing jumping related sports such as basketball and volleyball.

Sufferers will typically complain of having a swollen tendon, which can limit movement and be quite painful. In the event of any inflammation you should always apply ice to reduce the swelling, elevate your leg and rest before getting back out on court. An alternative would be to use a patella strap to help manage the condition.

The use of a patella strap can help you continue moving when faced with patella tendonitis. The strap is designed to apply pressure to the tendon which works to reduce inflammation and with it reduce the levels of pain felt.

A patella strap can be used as a preventative tool, though more commonly is worn post injury to help prevent future reoccurrences. Sport stars make their money on the field or court of play and reoccurring injuries can sometimes be the difference between a new contract or early retirement, therefore staying fit and healthy and bracing up can ensure they can perform for longer.

If you are ever unsure about your injury then you should seek advice from a clinician, if not just for peace of mind. They will be able to advise you and offer you advice on the best course of rehabilitation. For reoccurring injuries they may even recommend you buying a knee support for subsequent activities.

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