The knee consists of many components, making it highly susceptible to injury. Seeking professional treatment can greatly reduce pain and other symptoms while improving mobility, strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Common knee injuries include sprains, ligament tears, fractures, and dislocations. However, knee pain can arise from various health conditions and injuries, simple overuse, or incorrect movement. Read on to learn how sports rehabilitation can help you get back on your feet and learn to manage any pain and symptoms at home.
Common knee injuries
Patients who experience a tear or lesion occur and are unsure whether it can heal on its own or if they may need surgery should seek immediate medical attention. Patients who have already decided on surgery but want to regain range of motion and confidence in their knee may also benefit from knee treatments.
Knee injuries that we often see are characterized in a few ways:
- Ligament tears (e.g., Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear and Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tear). These can tear from partially to completely during a sudden instance of twisting the knee.
- Meniscus injury can occur with a ligament tear.
- Articular cartilage lesions (bone bruises) can also occur alongside a ligament tear.
- Pain from inflammation (e.g., arthritis, tendinitis), degeneration (e.g., Runner's Knee), and overuse.
We pay special attention to sudden (acute) knee injuries that occur in sports that require quick changes of direction (pivoting or twisting of the knees), such as soccer, volleyball, football, and tennis. However, the causes of ligament tears or pain are not always apparent.
Causes of knee pain
The most common causes of knee pain include aging, injury, and repeated undue stress or pressure on the knee. Continual wear and tear on the knee can cause arthritis, a condition in which the cartilage in the joint gradually wears down. Other knee problems result from accidents, injuries, and sudden incorrect knee movement, such as standing up quickly, kicking a ball, and suddenly twisting the knee.
Diagnosing knee pain
To properly identify the cause and provide adequate treatment, we will conduct a diagnosis that includes imaging and tests. In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, the patient will likely need X-rays, an MRI, a CT or CAT scan, an arthroscopy, or a radionuclide bone scan. These tests will also help determine the type of treatment a patient can receive to avoid additional stress or injury to the knee.
Sports rehabilitation for knee pain
Along with pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications, patients are often treated through sports rehabilitation through physical therapy and different strengthening exercises based on the specific condition causing the knee pain. These exercises strengthen and stabilize the muscles around the knee joint. In addition, we implement various exercises that improve flexibility and balance, especially for athletes.
Stem cell therapy
Stem cells can divide and duplicate themselves before developing into different types of cells. Instead of serving a specific bodily function, stem cells can develop into specialized cells. It is widely believed that, when placed under the right conditions, stem cells can transform to meet specific needs. For instance, stem cells placed near a damaged ligament should develop into healthy ligament cells.
As such, stem cell therapy is a popular form of sports medicine today. It can treat damage to cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons, whether the injuries are due to a singular trauma or chronic overuse. Doctors can apply stem cells via injection, sometimes with the help of ultrasound or other medical imaging tests, to ensure the cells are delivered to the same site of damaged tissue.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is a noninvasive procedure that involves injecting a natural irritant into the soft tissue of an injured joint, thereby triggering the body's healing process. Once the irritant has activated the body's healing response, the damaged ligaments in the joint will gradually begin to strengthen and repair themselves. This process helps stabilize the joint and alleviates any pain. Most patients typically require anywhere from four to 15 shots per session for several sessions over three to six months.
Get treated for your knee pain today
If you are suffering from knee pain, contact our office to book a consultation appointment and discover your options. Our team looks forward to treating you and helping you get back to what you love doing most. Call us today at (423) 424-1529 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
To learn more about our services, visit https://sjrm-tn.com or call our Ooltewah office at (423) 424-1529 to schedule an appointment.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Knee Pain in Ooltewah, TN.
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