Injuries to the Knee

By Ehren Allen, Certified Manual Therapist/Physical Therapist

Common Injuries to the Knee

By: Ehren Allen, Certified Manual Therapist/Physical Therapist

The knee is comprised of many parts, which makes it vulnerable to various types of injuries. The knee is the largest joint in the body, and it’s the most often treated area by orthopaedic surgeons.

The most prevalent injuries occur to one or more of the four ligaments located in the joint, including the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament, which are often injured during sports. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries often occur when you change direction rapidly, slow down when running, or land from a jump, while medial collateral ligament injuries are more apt to occur by direct contact made on the outside of the knee. A torn meniscus, or knee cartilage, is another common injury to the joint. The meniscus is a tough, rubbery cartilage that is attached to the knee’s ligaments and acts like a shock absorber.

Seeking immediate advice from a doctor may be the best treatment for more serious injuries, but using rest, ice, compression, and elevation is common treatment for mild knee injuries.

To learn more about injuries to the knee, go to:

• Anatomy of the knee
• Content knee anatomy
• Knee ligaments
• Knee anatomy

Physical Therapy for Knee Pain

When treating patients for knee pain, clinicians typically concentrate on range-of-motion with active and passive mobility exercises. In most cases, patients will undergo strength training as a way to treat their knee pain. Lastly, electrical modalities such as ultrasound and E-Stim (electric stimulation) may be used to remedy the pain.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment at JOI Rehab for physical therapy, call 904-858-7045.

To schedule with a JOI Knee Orthopedic Specialist, Call 904-JOI-2000.