Common Knee Injuries

Dealing with common knee injuries can be very life-limiting, not to mention frustrating. Many people think that when they experience knee pain, it will eventually go away on its own. But six months later, you’re still living with the discomfort…and it’s even worse than when it first began. 

Does this sound like you? 

Whether your knee condition has been building up over months (or years) or just happened over a friendly game of basketball, Twin Boro’s team of skilled physical therapists is prepared to handle it! 

Let’s take a look at these seven common knee injuries and how to find relief. 

7 Common Knee Injuries 

1. Fractures —  The patella, commonly referred to as the kneecap, can be fractured by falls or being struck by a projectile such as a hardball.  Motor vehicle accidents are often the origin of these fractures. Twisting, pivoting injuries of the knee can result in a fracture of the bones of the knee in combination with any of the following injuries. 
2. Dislocation —  Patella dislocations are common among females in their early teens.  With these injuries the patella moves out of the grove of the femur the patella tracks through.  Structural abnormality, biomechanical insufficiencies, and trauma are the perfect storm for a patella dislocation no matter the age or gender of the individual.  
3. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Sprains —  An ACL sprain is most commonly seen in sports where athletes change direction quickly, such as soccer, football, and basketball. Approximately half of these injuries also involve damage to other structures in the knee, such as articular cartilage or meniscus.
4. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Sprains —  PCL sprains often occur from a blow to the front of the knee, when the knee is bent. Motor vehicle crashes or landing on the ground with a flexed knee during a fall are the most frequent causes of PCL sprains. 
5. Collateral Ligament Sprains —  When a force pushes the knee sideways, such as in a sports-related incident, it can result in a collateral ligament sprain.  A force from the outside in can damage the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL). An opposite force coming from the inside of the knee out can result in a Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) sprain. 
6. Meniscal Tears —  Meniscal tears are common sports related injuries. They can occur if an athlete is twisting or being tackled. This is also an injury that can occur as a result of weakened menisci due to arthritis or aging. 
7. Tendon Strains —  Tendon strains are common among middle-aged athletes who run or jump in sports. A fall or awkward landing can result in this common injury.

If you’re suffering from one of the above common knee injuries, you’re not alone. In fact, knee conditions are some of the most common problems we treat at our physical therapy clinics throughout New Jersey. 

Treatment of Common Knee Injuries in New Jersey

Knees are complex and can be difficult to treat. But rest assured, everything we do at Twin Boro is individualized, specific and specialized. Many common knee injuries can be successfully treated with Physical Therapy, though more severe injuries may require surgery first, with physical therapy to follow. Often physical therapy is used prior to surgery.  Prehabilitation, before surgery physical therapy, has been demonstrated to significantly improve postsurgical rehabilitation outcomes.      

Your health concerns are important to us and our goal is to help you recover from your knee pain, so you can get back to doing what you love. Your treatment plan will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injury, your age, general health and previous activity level. 

If you would like to know how the Physical Therapy team at Twin Boro in New Jersey can help you live with less knee pain, we invite you to request a no-obligation appointment at one of our 23 convenient clinics. Call us at1-732-444-3578 to schedule your appointment today.

Twin Boro Physical Therapy: Voted Readers’ Choice Best of New Jersey

Voted Readers’ Choice Best of New Jersey, Twin Boro has provided NJ residents with high quality physical therapy and rehab for over 39 years! It’s our award-winning approach, proven results and reputation that sets us apart. By incorporating the One2Four program into each patient’s program, the latest and most reliable scientific research and techniques are incorporated into effective evidence-based practice. We deliver only the highest standard of care with the unique One2Four approach.

It’s no surprise that Twin Boro Physical Therapy has also been voted the best physical therapy practice in New Jersey by the readers of mycentraljersey.com.