The 5 Most Common Knee Injuries

You use your knee a great deal most days. All this stress on your knees can lead to injuries. You can also hurt your knees when you participate in sports or other physical activities. Certain injuries are more common than others, but an orthopedic doctor can help you find relief and prevent long-term damage in most cases.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis occurs from either an acute injury or repetitive wear and tear. For instance, you may sustain an injury to the patellar tendon, which is the one that connects your kneecap and shinbone. It could occur if you play volleyball, basketball, or any sport that requires frequent running, jumping, or kicking. A tendon in your knee will swell, which will cause you pain. Without treatment, tendonitis may worsen and begin to affect everyday activities like stair climbing.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition in which affected joints swell. You might have pain that worsens when you wake up. You might also notice that your joints crack or pop when you move them.

Arthritis can affect one or more of your joints at a time, but certain types are more common in your knees than others, such as osteoarthritis. It occurs when the cartilage in your joint wears out over time. You’re more at risk for osteoarthritis in your knee if you frequently partake in activities that place repeated stress on it. Your chances of osteoarthritis in your knee are also higher if you’re overweight because the excess weight places more pressure on your knees as you move.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another form of arthritis that’s common in your knee. This type stems from an immune system issue that occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies the lining of your knee as an intruder and attacks it.

Torn Meniscus

Each of your knees has two menisci. Each meniscus is C-shaped and cushions your shinbone and thighbone. A torn meniscus is one of the more common knee injuries and may occur from any activity that causes you to rotate or twist your knee forcefully.

You might have pain, and it may tend to worsen when you rotate or twist your knee. Besides pain, you might also have a decreased range of motion in your knee and struggle to straighten it completely. You might also have stiffness or swelling. It’s possible that you’ll experience a popping sensation. In some cases, you might feel like your knee is going to give out.

Knee Bursitis

You have bursae – fluid-filled sacs – in your knees, which decrease the amount of friction in between your joints. One of the sacs can become irritated or inflamed. Most often, bursitis happens over the kneecap or possibly on the inner side below your joint.

Bursitis in your knee can cause severe, possibly debilitating, pain. You could have a shooting or sharp pain, as well. It may worsen when you exercise. You might struggle to move your joint, as well. You may also visibly notice bruising or redness.

ACL Tear

You have an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in each one of your knees. An ACL provides stability for your knee joint. It connects your shinbone and thighbone. You could experience a tear in one of them when you participate in a sport that requires you to change directions or stop suddenly like when you play soccer, tennis, volleyball, or basketball.

When you tear your ACL, you might hear a continuous popping noise or a single loud pop. Your knee may feel unstable or like it’s going to give way. The pain could be severe and interfere with your ability to perform in the activity. You might notice swelling and have a decreased range of motion, as well.

Why Choose One of Our Orthopedic Clinics in O’Fallon or St. Peters, MO

Whether you hurt yourself and are in need of a sports medicine physician or you think you have arthritis and need an orthopedic doctor, our clinic can be of service. You’ll have the option to choose an orthopedic surgeon in St. Peters or visit another practitioner to identify the cause and extent of your knee injury. Moreover, every member of our staff feels passionate about finding a solution to your pain and wants to improve your symptoms.

Start the healing process to decrease your knee pain with Advanced Bone & Joint, serving St. Peters, O’Fallon, and the surrounding Missouri area, by contacting us for an appointment. Use our online contact form or call us at (636) 229-4222.