A knee injury is any damage or trauma affecting the knee joint, which is critical for movements like walking, running, and jumping. The knee joint is a complex structure involving bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, all working together to support the body’s weight. Knee injuries can occur from various causes, such as trauma, overuse, or degenerative changes, and range from mild sprains to severe fractures or ligament tears.
Symptoms of Knee Injury
Knee injuries often present with a range of symptoms, including:
Pain: A primary symptom that may vary from sharp to dull, often worsening with movement or activity.
Swelling: Common, especially after a trauma or in more severe cases, such as ligament tears.
Stiffness: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee, limiting mobility.
Instability: A feeling of weakness or the knee “giving out” under pressure.
Bruising and Discoloration: Indicative of internal bleeding or trauma around the knee joint.
The severity of these symptoms can depend on the type of injury, and they can significantly impact a person’s ability to move freely and participate in daily activities.
Causes of Knee Injury
Knee injuries can occur due to:
Trauma: Falls, car accidents, or sports-related impacts can cause fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears.
Overuse: Repetitive movements in activities like running or jumping can lead to tendinitis or stress fractures.
Twisting Movements: Sudden changes in direction, especially in sports, can cause ligament or cartilage tears.
Aging and Wear: Over time, degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis can make the knee more prone to injuries.
Whether from sports, accidents, or aging, knee injuries are common and can affect people of all ages.
Types of Knee Injuries
The knee joint is vulnerable to various types of injuries, including:
Ligament Injuries: Tears to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), or MCL (medial collateral ligament) are frequent in sports and activities requiring sudden changes in direction.
Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones. Tears can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.
Patellar Injuries: The patella, or kneecap, can be dislocated or fractured due to falls or direct impact.
Tendinitis: Overuse can lead to inflammation in the tendons, especially the patellar tendon, causing pain and stiffness in the knee area.
Each type of injury may require a different approach to treatment, but the main goal is always to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent further damage.
Physiotherapy for Knee Injury
Physiotherapy is a crucial treatment for knee injuries, helping to manage pain and restore mobility. A physiotherapist will assess your knee injury and create a rehabilitation plan that may include:
Strengthening Exercises: To rebuild muscle strength around the knee, providing stability and support.
Stretching: Improving flexibility in the surrounding muscles and tendons to prevent stiffness.
Manual Therapy: Techniques like joint mobilizations to ease pain and restore movement.
Modalities: Ice or heat therapy to reduce swelling and inflammation.
The physiotherapy process may also involve the use of supports or braces for additional stability during the healing phase. Through physiotherapy, many people are able to recover fully and return to normal activities without the need for invasive treatments or medications.
Why Early Treatment is Crucial
Starting treatment as soon as possible after a knee injury is essential for effective recovery. The sooner you begin physiotherapy, the quicker you can alleviate symptoms, prevent long-term complications, and regain full mobility. Delaying treatment may lead to chronic pain, instability, or permanent loss of function, making rehabilitation more challenging.
Let Us Help You Recover
If you are dealing with a knee injury in Mississauga, physiotherapy is one of the best ways to support your recovery. We offer comprehensive rehabilitation programs designed to improve strength, flexibility, and overall knee function. Don’t wait for the pain to worsen—contact us today to begin your recovery journey. We’re here to help you get back to your active lifestyle, pain-free and with confidence.
