Knee injuries are incredibly common. The knee is the largest joint in the body and is operated by a complex series of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. All these different parts work together to allow your knee to move, but the knees are also sensitive parts of the body.
Knee injuries can occur for several different reasons, including overuse, exercise injuries, slips and falls, and other accidents. We’re going to take a look at the most common knee injuries, how knee injuries are treated, and how and why you might need a personal injury lawyer after a knee injury. Keep reading to learn more.
Knee Fracture
The most common fracture in the knee is a fracture of the patella or kneecap, but knee fractures can occur when a bone is broken in any part of the joint. Knee fractures are common after high-impact trauma, like in a car accident or during a fall.
Meniscal Tear
In the knee joint are two wedges of cartilage called the menisci. They sit between the thighbone and the shinbone. A meniscus tear is when a sudden tear occurs in this part of the knee. People may also refer to this as torn cartilage.
A meniscus tear is a common sporting injury and is usually accompanied by a popping sound. After the injury, you are likely to feel pain and tightness in the knee as well as swelling.
The menisci may also tear due to the natural course of aging – this is called a degenerative meniscus tear.
Tendonitis
Patellar tendinitis is inflammation in the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. This is the tendon that allows you to extend your knee. It is common in physically active people and is sometimes referred to as ‘jumper’s knee.’
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
This ligament is found on the front of the knee and runs diagonally down the knee. It provides stability in the knee joint. An ACL injury is common in athletes who play contact sports, but can also happen when landing erroneously from a jump or quickly changing direction.
An ACL injury can be very serious and usually requires surgery. An ACL injury will be graded, with a grade one injury being the mildest and usually only involving a sprain and a grade 3 ACL injury being a complete tear of the ligament.
Dislocation
A dislocation of the knee is when one or more of the bones within the joint slip out of their proper placement. Trauma is usually the cause of dislocation and may occur after car accidents, slips and falls, or during contact sports. Structural abnormalities may also cause dislocation of the knee joint.
Bursitis
The knee joint is cushioned by small fluid-filled sacs called bursae. The sacs allow all parts of the knee to slide seamlessly across one another, but they can become inflamed. Overuse and repeated pressure tend to cause this inflammation, which is known as bursitis.
Generally, bursitis can be treated at home. However, in some cases, someone suffering from bursitis may need antibiotics or a procedure called aspiration, where a needle is used to remove excess fluid from the sacs.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
On the outside of the knee is the iliotibial band, and when this band rubs against the knee joint, it can cause pain. It is common in long-distance runners and usually starts with mild pain. Treatment usually requires runners to take a break from running until the iliotibial band has healed.
What Are My Options For Treating My Knee Injury?
For knee injuries, it is recommended that you follow the RICE acronym, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
- Rest – This means you need to avoid putting any weight on your knee and resting it as much as possible.
- Ice – A cold pack should be applied in 20-minute intervals, multiple times per day.
- Compression – This means lightly wrapping the injury with a bandage.
- Elevation – Lifting your injury high up will help to reduce the swelling.
There are some instances when home treatment is not enough for a knee injury. These include:
- Severe pain
- Inability to move the knee
- Severe swelling
- Popping noise at the time of injury
How A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Knee injuries are incredibly common, but sometimes, they’re not your fault. In these cases, you may want to seek out a personal injury lawyer to get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
If your knee injury is the result of a slip and fall or it was due to someone else’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer in Hamilton can help you to make a claim. They will walk you through the entire process, making it as straightforward as possible.
Call Virk Lawyers If You Are Looking To File A Personal Injury Claim For A Recent Knee Injury.
Are you in need of a personal injury lawyer? Hamilton citizens know that they can rely on Virk Personal Injury Law to get them the compensation they deserve in their time of need. We’re a team of dedicated personal injury lawyers with a ton of experience in personal injury claims. Get in touch today to find out how we can help.