4 Common (and Highly Treatable) Knee Injuries

Your knee is one of the biggest, most complicated joints in your body, so it stands to reason that it’s also particularly vulnerable to injury. 

The good news is that many common knee injuries usually respond well to conservative treatments so you can get back to normal life.

Our team at Pain Management Associates is highly experienced; based on that experience, here are four common (and highly treatable) knee injuries and the treatment options that can get you moving well as soon as possible.

1. Meniscus tears

Your meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your thigh bone and shin bone. It can easily tear during an activity that involves twisting or pivoting, especially while your foot is planted. Tears can also develop gradually as you age. Symptoms include sharp pain, tenderness, swelling, and a catching sensation in your knee.

Small tears usually heal with rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Larger tears may require arthroscopic surgery to trim or repair your damaged cartilage.

2. Patellar tendinitis

Also called “jumper’s knee,” patellar tendinitis occurs when the patellar tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone becomes inflamed. It can happen to anyone, but it’s especially common in athletes who participate in repetitive jumping. Symptoms include pain and tenderness just below the kneecap that get worse with activity.

Treatment includes rest, activity modification, physical therapy, stretching, and using a brace.

3. Ligament injuries

Ligaments help stabilize your knee, so sudden changes in direction, awkward landings, or direct impacts can cause them to stretch or tear. Symptoms can include a popping sound at the time of injury, pain, localized swelling, and a sensation that your knee is giving way.

Depending on how severe the injury is, treatment can include bracing, physical therapy, pain-relieving injections, and surgery if necessary.

4. Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Also called “runner’s knee,” patellofemoral pain syndrome refers to pain at the front of the knee and around the kneecap stemming from the repetitive stress of activities such as running or cycling. Symptoms include dull, achy pain, especially when sitting for long periods or climbing stairs.

This condition is very treatable with physical therapy to strengthen your core, hip, and quadriceps while also correcting your gait mechanics. 

If you need professional treatment for your knee injury, our team at Pain Management Associates is here to guide you. To schedule an appointment, call our two offices in Greenbelt, MD.