A Comprehensive Look At Knee Injuries In Sports
Uploaded by magicninja on Dec 22, 2004
A Comprehensive Look At Knee Injuries In Sports
The knee is a complex joint. There are many different injuries that can occur during sports. The most predominant type of injuries to the knee are those done to the Meniscus and the ligaments. There are two areas of ligaments that are commonly affected; the Cruciate ligaments and the Collateral ligaments. Within the Cruciate ligaments there are posterior and anterior injuries, and within the Collateral ligaments there are medial and lateral injuries. It is very important that these injuries be taken seriously in athletics due to the seriousness of their affects to the knee.
One of the most commonly injured part of the knee is the meniscus. The meniscus is a wedge-like rubbery cushion where bones of your legs connect. The meniscal cartilage curves like the letter "c", and helps the knee joint carry weight, glide and turn in many directions. This helps prevent the bones in the leg from grinding against each other.
The two Menisci are easily injured by the force of rotating the knee while bearing weight. A partial or total tear can occur and the serious of the injury depends on the location of the tear.
When an athlete tears the meniscus he might experience a "popping" feeling, but he may still be able to continue playing. The following days after the tear the player will experience more pain accompanied by stiffness and swelling, tenderness in the joint line, and collection of fluid on the knee. Sever pain may occur if a fragment of the meniscus gets caught between the femur and tibia.
Treatment for a mild meniscus tear is basic. Using the "RICE" formula, rest, ice, compression, and elevation; the knee may be able to heal on its own.
Some doctors may recommend therapy to strengthen the muscle. If the tear does not heal on its own, repair may be necessary. Either through arthroscopic surgery or open surgery. These two surgeries will be performed to trim off the pieces of cartilage damaged by the injury.
Injuries to the Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligaments are generally referred to as sprains. The ACL, Anterior Cruciate Ligament, is usually stretched or torn while when the feet are pointed in one direction and the knees are turned in the opposite direction. The PCL, Posterior Cruciate Ligament, is...