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Did you know the knee is the largest joint in the body? Made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, the knee offers plenty of opportunity for injury.
Fractures A fracture is a crack or break in a bone. Fractures of the knee occur from high-energy trauma such as collisions or falls. Symptoms: severe pain, tenderness, swelling, limited range of motion, grating bone ends, misshapen leg
Dislocation When a bone in the knee is out of place, it’s known as dislocation. High-energy trauma is one of the main causes for knee dislocation. Symptoms: visibly deformed or bent knee, intense pain, swollenness, discoloration, immobility
ACL Injuries The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is often torn in sports injuries in which the player changes direction rapidly or lands incorrectly. Symptoms: feeling or hearing a “pop,” sudden instability, pain, sudden swelling
Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries This type of injury occurs from a blow to the front of a bended knee. Often it is only a partial tear that can heal on its own. Symptoms: swelling (mild to severe), knee pain, wobbly sensation in the knee, trouble walking or bearing weight on the knee
Collateral Ligament InjuryA force that pushes the knee sideways is a common cause for this injury. Although rare, this injury is caused by a blow to the inside or outside of the knee which pushes it in the opposite direction. Symptoms: popping and buckling, pain, swelling, redness, warmth, instability, difficulty walking
Meniscal and Tendon TearsMeniscus tears occur from swift knee movements such as twisting or pivoting. Tendons in the knee can be stretched and torn from an awkward land or direct force. Symptoms: pain, stiffness and swelling, instability, bruising, tenderness, cramping, inability to straighten knee, sagging kneecap, indentation at top of kneecap
