Because knees are some of the most worked joints in the body, knee pain and injuries are very common. Such injuries can occur in people of all ages and from a number of causes, including accidents, sports, overuse or simply the wear and tear of the knee overtime. Sports are the most common cause of knee injuries, with about 2.5 million reported each year. As another large contributor to knee injuries, osteoarthritis affects more than 30 percent of adults over the age of 65 in the U.S. Several different parts of the knee can be injured, and result in a long, painful recovery. If you are experiencing knee pain, you should visit an experienced knee pain doctor to check for and treat possible injuries.
Knee Structures
A knee is considered a modified hinge joint, as it conjoins the femur and the tibia. There are many components of the knee that contribute to conjoining these major leg bones and allowing for proper bending and movement. Some of the most common include:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): The ACL prevents the tibia from sliding to the front of the femur, limiting certain movement and allowing for stability. ACL injuries are commonly caused by rapid movements, such as those in certain sports.
- Patella: Also known as the knee cap, this is the bone at the front of the knee that acts as an anchor to some of the tendons that connect the femur and the tibia.
- Medial Meniscus: Shaped like a disk and situated on the top of the tibia, this provide protection for the bone ends, and deepens the tibial sockets allowing the femur and tibia to attach better.
- Articular Cartilage: This is an elastic tissue that is located on the bottom of the femur. As a smooth surface, it protects the bone ends as they slide over one another.
Ways to prevent Knee Injuries
Although knee injuries are prevalent, they can be preventable. There are simple exercises and activities you can do regularly to help reduce knee injury risks. Properly exercising the muscles and ligaments of and around the knee can help to strengthen them and reduce stress on the joint. Climbing stairs can be hard on the knees, however, when done correctly, it can also be a useful activity to strengthening these parts of the knee. In addition, climbing stairs can help reduce weight, which can decrease the amount of force exerted on the knees. Not only can climbing stairs and doing other exercises help to prevent knee injuries, but they can also increase the longevity and performance of the knees.
If you Experience a Knee Injury
Knee injuries are not always preventable, because sometimes they happen at no fault of your own. No matter how well you exercise your knees, accidents can always occur and cause injuries to your knee. Whether you slipped and fell on a wet floor, you were involved in a car accident or you simply moved your knee wrong, knee injuries, ranging from minor to severe, may occur. If you are experiencing knee pain of any kind, you should seek medical attention. If you believe that your knee injury was caused at the fault of another party, such as by slipping in an unmarked puddle of water on a store’s floor, then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In such case, a person injury lawyer can help review your situation and help you make a valid claim. In the event you are suffering from a knee injury, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Potomac MD knee doctor to ensure that you are taking proper steps to recovery.
Thank you to the Pain Arthritis Relief Center for providing insight and expertise on knee structures and injuries.