Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain

To say that the mechanism of our knees is complex, will be an understatement. It is much more than that. There are 4 crucial ligaments, tendons and then there are joints. All in all, knee is a small machine in itself. One of the major ligaments which are described above, is the medial collateral ligament.

It is one of those ligaments which impart stability to the knee. The other 3 are lateral collateral ligament, anterior and posterior cruciate ligament. Any injury to the MCL can lead to impaired knee functions and movements. Sprain to the MCL is one of the most common type of injury to the MCL. The following text will give you a better idea of this ligament and medial collateral ligament sprain.

Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain in Knee

What is MCL?
MCL is located on the inner side of the knee and runs from the thigh bone to the shin bone. It resists the pressure applied on the outer surface of the knee. This prevents the medial or the inner portion of the joint from widening. There is one deep inner section of this ligament and the other is a superficial band which joins higher up on the thigh bone to an area lower down on the shin bone's inner part.

Causes of MCL Sprain
MCL sprain can happen on account of sudden blow or pressure to the outer part of the knee joint. What follows then is impact on the inner or medial part of the knee, leading it to buckle under pressure and widen. If it is an extreme case, the ligament opens up and stretches the ligament. It very commonly happens to soccer players and hockey players. It culminates in pain, increased sensitivity in the concerned area, bruising, swelling and inflammation.

MCL Sprain
There are 3 stages of the sprain to the ligament, which in extreme cases develops into a tear of the ligament.

Grade 1 Tear
In this, the ligament is stretched, but the stretch is minor. There is no considerable sprain and strain to the ligament. The tendon is intact here. There is a slight pain as well.

Grade 2 Tear
This stage involves a partial tear or sprain to the ligament. A person going through this might experience instability, while making a cutting or a pivoting action using their knee. The swelling and bruising is significant in this kind of a sprain. There is a restriction on the movement of the knee. Read more on medial knee pain.

Grade 3 Tear
The medial collateral ligament sprain is acute and chronic here. The ligament is completely torn here, so actually it is beyond the stage of sprain! There is pain, swelling and bruising. But the good news is that it may not be as bad as the grade 2 injury.

Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain Treatment

The treatment depends on what level the injury is. If it is a grade 1 injury, resting, anti inflammatory medicines and pain killers and cold compression would be just fine. The medial collateral ligament sprain recovery time here is maximum 2 weeks. A step further into a grade 2 injury leads to use of hinged knee brace, along with the medications. A sabbatical of maximum 4 weeks is necessary for sportsmen in this case. Physical therapy can help further for the patient to recuperate faster, once the initial pain subsides. Physical therapy would involve medial collateral ligament sprain exercises. However, they would be light initially so as to not give an undue stretch to the already damaged ligament.

Now we come to the stage where the ligament is torn. Patients generally wear a knee immobilizer and take the help of crutches for around 10 days after the injury. Later on the patient can wear a hinged knee brace. The patient should be able to move his knee for at least 100 degrees before he or she can ride a bike. If this does not seem to work, the last resort would be surgery. But this option is seldom pondered over and amongst the doctors too, there is contention about it.

Lastly, please do not delay going to the doctor if you feel you might have a medial collateral ligament sprain. Get it checked as soon as possible and prevent further damage. Take Care!

Lateral Collateral Ligament

How relieved we would have been if our human bodies did not have so many complications! But it is also true that without these complications, homo sapiens are incomplete and incapable. These are precisely the things which help a Ronaldo or a Usain Bolt get to the top. If it was not for the fascinating mechanism of our knees and legs, these two could be rendered worthless. It is the knees and the legs over which their skill is based upon. Hence, the point here was human body and its complicated structure.

Consequently the structure of our knee is the best example of that. It is the ever important part of our body taking the total responsibility of keeping us on our feet, bearing our weight. Our knees have four major ligaments and numerous muscles and major joints and what not. One of them is the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) or the fibular lateral ligament. Any injury to this ligament could create a problem in balance and stability of the knee. What is the deal with one of the pivots of our knee, here is more on that.

Formation of the Ligament
This ligament is on the outer side of the knee, that is the lateral side of the knee and is a part of the extrinsic knee ligaments. This ligament is narrow, as compared to the medial collateral ligament. Akin to the medial collateral ligament, it stretches from almost the end of the thigh bone to the shin bone. To put it simply, it is the counterpart of the medial collateral ligament on its opposite side. The only difference is that since this ligament is flexible than the medial collateral ligament, it is less susceptible to injury and joint pain than its medial counterpart.

Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury
Just as any other ligament, this crucial part of the knee can undergo a sprain or stretch, a partial or incomplete tear or a complete tear. The basis of an injury to this ligament is pressure placed on the inner part of the knee joint, which leads to strain on the outer part of the joint. A grade one injury of LCL can be a lateral collateral ligament sprain and a grade 2 injury is an incomplete tear of the ligament. The final blow to this ligament is the grade 3 injury, where thee is a complete tearing of the ligament. All these 3 conditions lead to lateral collateral ligament pain, swelling and tenderness around the affected spot.

Diagnosis and Treatment
A simple LCL test will easily identify if there is any problem, for instance looseness in the ligament. The test consists of bending the knee to 25 degrees, followed by exerting pressure on the outer part of the knee. X rays and MRI scan are other options to detect such an injury.

Treatment mainly comprises of rest, cold compress, elevating the legs, using knee support braces and anti inflammatory medicines. Once the initial shock gets better, light knee exercises can also be done to strengthen the knee. In case of complete tear, a surgery may be essential.

In case you observe any swelling or tenderness around the injured part of the knee, in this case the LCL, immediately contact a health care professional. Another significant factor to keep in mind as regards lateral collateral ligament is that if you are already being treated for LCL injury and if you observe instability in your knee, do not think twice and tell this to your doctor as soon as possible. In addition to that, consult the doctor if the pain or swelling subsides in the initial stages but resurrects. This is an indication that the ligament has not healed properly. Read more in knee exercises after surgery.

There, that was about one of the major pivots of our knees. Lateral collateral ligament needs to be in proper shape, so that our knees do not have to kneel! Whenever it is possible, try and avert a potentially injurious situation (I know its almost impossible, but you could still try!) and prevent the injury. In sports of course you cannot do it and you cannot preempt an injury as well. Nevertheless, here is where I leave you reeling in knee-deep thoughts! Take care!

Weak Knees

These days, most of the people are worried because of weak knees. Knee pain is very common complaint among elderly people. During the process of aging, joints and muscles become weak. Sometimes, excessive use or wear and tear of the knee joint or any injury to the joint or muscles can lead to weak knees. As knee joint bears the load of your body, proper care of the joint and muscles should be taken.

The severe pain in the knees may hinder your movements. Restricted leg movement can make you avoid most of the daily activities and this can influence your work performance. If you love sports, then you should take utmost care of your knees. Let us first have a look at the weak knee symptoms.

Weak Knee Symptoms

    * Swelling and grinding
    * Pain in the knee
    * Burning or crunching sensation
    * Limited motion
    * Difficulty to use stairs
    * Inflammation
    * Stiffness
    * Hard bumps
    * Deformation of knees and legs
    * Popping sound from the knees
    * Pain while bending or straightening of the knees
    * Limping, difficulty in walking
    * Joint locking
    * Signs of an infection, including fever, redness, warmth

Following are some of the common weak knee causes.

Weak Knees Causes

    * Arthritis is the main cause of weak knees. It is a chronic and inflammatory disease of the joints, affecting the discs and the bones.
    * Any type of strain or sprain can lead to pain in knees, resulting in weak knees.
    * Torn ligament or torn cartilage in knee can make your knees weak.
    * Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis may lead to the formation of baker's cyst behind knee, making your knees weak.
    * Tendonitis or bursitis can result in weak knees.
    * Physical trauma or injury or dislocated knee cap are very common causes for weak knees.
    * Connective tissue disorders like lupus may lead to restricted movement of knees.
    * Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition which can lead to weak knees.
    * Any kind of infection of the knee joint can make the knees weak.
    * Bone tumors and Osgood-Schlatter condition leads to weak knees.
    * Injuries to or weakness in the adjoining structures like thighs, legs, hips can increase the pressure on knees and thus can cause weak knees.
    * Hip, leg or knee surgery can lead to weak knees.
    * Fatigue due to any kind of disease like flu, typhoid, diarrhea, cancer, etc. can lead to weak knees.
    * Sedentary lifestyle, lack of sufficient physical activity can lead to weak knees.

How to Cure Weak Knees

The remedies for weak knees can be determined only after knowing the causes of the problem. Following are some of the common remedies.

    * Sufficient rest can allow the acute inflammation to subside. Sufficient rest is the simplest way to relieve the knee joint pain.
    * Knee exercises performed under proper guidance can help relieve the pain and can also offer easy movement of the joint.
    * Ice packs and heat pads applied around the knees can offer knee joint pain relief.
    * Wearing knee pads, wearing perfect shoes can reduce knee pain.
    * In case of overweight persons, reducing weight can reduce knee pain.
    * The doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, commonly referred to as NSAIDs, which are for patients with knee pain caused by problems such as arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis.
    * Cortisone is a powerful medication used to treat inflammation. Doctor will decide whether cortisone injection can prove beneficial for your condition.
    * If nothing works, then doctors may recommend knee replacement. Such surgeries are quite common these days. You can opt for physical therapy after knee surgery for strong knees.

I hope the above article provides you sufficient information about weak knee symptoms, causes and treatment. If you wish to prevent any knee joint related problems, you can easily follow the prevention tips. If your knee condition doesn't get better with home remedies, you should consult your physician.

Torn Cartilage in Knee

Knee injuries are an inevitable part of contact sports. There are a lot of bad challenges, bad landings and excessive pressure that falls on the knee over the course of a contact sport. But the problem of a torn cartilage in knee is not only restricted to sportspersons and can happen to anyone. So here's a comprehensive article on a torn cartilage in knee.

Overview and Causes of Torn Cartilage in Knee

You may have never given a thought to how complex a structure the knee might be. The knee is a joint, yes, where the tibia (shin bone) and the femur (thigh bone) meet. There is also the patella (knee cap) which protects the joint from direct damage. There are also ligaments which tie one bone to another-in this case the femur to the tibia and the patella to the knee-and tendons which tie the muscles to the bones. There is also the cartilage, known as the meniscus which acts as a shock absorbing mechanism in the knee. So there could be quite a few types of injuries in there. And one of the most common knee injury which people have to face is the torn cartilage in knee.

What causes a torn cartilage in knee? There are two main reasons why the meniscus tears. The first is due to aging and wear and tear of the cartilage. This case is fairly common among people who are above 50 years of age. The second cause of meniscus tear is when due to excessive pressure, perhaps because of a bad landing or a bad twist in the knee, is applied to the cartilage, which causes it to tear.

The most signs of torn cartilage in knee include a swelling in and around the knee, accompanied with meniscus pain while walking or otherwise using the knee. The second common symptom of torn cartilage in knee includes 'joint locking'. Joint locking is a condition where a person finds it difficult to bend and straighten the knee as the torn cartilage gets lodged with the knee joint.

Torn Cartilage in Knee Treatment

So now the damage is done. Now what do you do? The most common form of treatment for a torn cartilage in knee is the RICE method. RICE is the acronym for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Make sure that you do not apply too much effort or pressure on the knee when it is injured. Keep the knee rested as much as you can. Apply ice for 20 minutes 2-3 times a day for the first 3 days. Make sure that you do not apply the ice directly, but with an ice pack or cover the ice in a piece of cloth. Direct application of ice may cause ice burns and skin damage. For the first 2-3 days avoid bringing the injured area in contact with any form of heat or pressure. The non-operative torn cartilage in knee recovery time is around 6 weeks. Read on for meniscus tear recovery time.

But then again, in case of a severe tear in the meniscus, the doctor may advise a meniscus tear surgery as it may not be able to heal itself. Meniscus surgeries are of two main types. The first one is called the meniscus repair which is done in case the tear is sustained in the part of the meniscus where there is blood supply as the blood supply will help it in healing. The other type of surgery is known as menisectomy which is performed when the part of the meniscus is torn where there is no blood supply. There is also another meniscus transplant surgery for torn cartilage in knee where the torn meniscus is removed and a new meniscus is put in its place. After a surgery, the person may have to walk with crutches for 3 months. The torn cartilage recovery time after a surgery can be anywhere from 4-6 months followed by physiotherapy sessions in which you do a range of knee exercises to strengthen the knee. Training for contact sports can commence only after 6-8 months after receiving the go-ahead from the doctor. Read on for meniscus surgery recovery time.

So this was all about a torn cartilage in knee. Proper care should be taken while you are recovering to ensure quick recovery. If the doctor's advise is not followed, the recovery time will be further lengthened.

Sprained Knee

A sprain is where one or more ligaments are overstretched, due to twisting or pulling. The ligament may be torn or may get ruptured. Ligaments are actually tissues which hold the bones together. Sprains are a common occurrence during sports activities. In a sprained knee injury, the patient will also experience knee pain, swelling and bruising of the knee. The severity of the sprain may vary from a slight stretch to a complete tear of the ligament.

Causes of Sprained Knee Ligament
Sprains are often caused due to movements which are not normal for the knee. One of the most common movement which causes a sprain in the knee during sports is where the person plants his foot on the ground and quickly turns at the knee. The same can happen when the person is walking or running and suddenly stops to change direction.

The other cause is hyper-extending the knee, in other words, when you straighten your leg more than its normal range of motion. Direct hits to the knee, either to the front sides or back of the knees can lead to a sprain in the knee. It can also be caused due to tripping or falling down on the knees, when the person is bent. Click to read on sprains & strains: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Sprained Knee Symptoms
The very first symptom of sprain in the knee is decreased movement. The person may experience stiff knee and may find it difficult to move. The other symptom which accompanies a sprain is pain or tenderness in the knee. Some people may also feel or hear a painful "pop" in the knee. In the first few hours after the sprain, joint swelling, and bruising is a common occurrence. This is caused because the ligament bleeds into the knee joint. If your knee is unstable and it feels like buckling or giving out when you are trying to walk, it can be due to a sprain in the knee.

Sprained Knee - What to Do
Sprained knee treatment includes controlling the pain and swelling first. There is a four step treatment which is often helpful in treating the knee. The first of the four steps is rest. Resting the knee is very important. It is better to keep weight off the knee. Once the knee has been given sufficient amount of rest, the swelling with decrease and it will also give the knee the required time to heal and recover. You may want to read on how to treat a sprain.

Using ice packs on the affected knee also decreases swelling, pain and redness, as the blood vessels are constricted. Use of frozen corn or peas on the knee will also give the same effect as that of ice pack. The ice pack can be put on the knee for 15 to 20 minutes about three to four times a day. This treatment should be used for three to four days, until the pain goes away. However, do not sleep with the ice pack on the knee, as it can cause frostbite.

Compresses wrapped around the knee will prevent the sprained knee from moving too much when it is in the healing process. The compress also should not be wrapped too tight or too loose. In other words, it should be wrapped comfortably. Placing the knee on an elevation will also help in decreasing the swelling.

If the pain is unbearable, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine can be taken, but it recommended to take these medicines after talking to your health care professional. In case there is extra fluid accumulation in the sprained knee, it may have to be drained out. Draining out the fluid will help in the healing process. Sprained knee exercises may be prescribed after the initial swelling and inflammation has decreased. These exercises will help to strengthen and stretch the knee. However, it is better to talk to a physical therapist and not start any exercises on your own.

Sprained knee recovery time depends on the type of injury caused to the knee. You may wan to read on knee injury recovery. In very rare cases, surgical intervention may be required to treat the knee. In such a case the recovery time will certainly be much more. If with the treatment at home, the sprained knee is not healing itself, then it is better to visit a physician to rule out any other complications.

Dislocated Kneecap

A dislocated kneecap or a dislocated patella is exactly what it sounds like. Due to some undue pressure on the knee, the tendons that bind the kneecap to the rest of the knee tear, which gets the kneecap out of its groove. But then again, a lot of people complain that they had a dislocated kneecap without any sort of injury or blow to the knee. What's that all about?

Dislocated Kneecap

Now let us review the structure of the knee, to better understand how the kneecap may get dislocated. The knee is a joint, as well all know, where the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) meet. Bones as they are, they are connected together by ligaments. But since the knee is such an important bone, there is the kneecap or the patella, which is supposed protect the joint. The kneecap is supposed to rest in an adequately sized groove. But in some people, this groove is inherently not big enough to hold the patella in. These people are understandably more prone to a dislocated kneecap or problems related to an unstable kneecap.

Others face the problems of a dislocated kneecap because of a prolonged incorrect running posture. Often sudden changes in the direction of running, twisting the knee and a direct blow to knee too may be common dislocated kneecap causes.

The dislocated kneecap symptoms include knee pain accompanied by swelling. Kneecap dislocation is often a very visible injury where you can see that the kneecap is out of its correct position.

Dislocated Kneecap Treatment

The dislocated kneecap treatment varies based on the cause of the knee injury.

Once you take your dislocated kneecap to the doctor, he will diagnose the exact cause of the dislocated kneecap with the help of an X-ray or an MRI scan. The scan will help correctly diagnose the cause of the dislocated kneecap.

If the cause of the kneecap dislocation is due to an injury, then the doctor will immobilize the knee for some time. You'll be told to wear a cast or an immobilizer over your knee to prevent further damage to the knee for around 3 weeks, after which you will have to undergo sessions in physical therapy, mostly knee exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee. This will take another 2 weeks. Read on for more on dislocated knee treatment.

But if the damage is caused because the groove of the knee is not big enough to hold the kneecap, corrective dislocated kneecap surgery may be required. Corrective surgery will help stop the recurrence of this injury and avoid further damage to the underside of the kneecap as well. Corrective surgery will demand a dislocated kneecap recovery time of around 6 weeks at least, and you can resume training for a competitive sport (if you play one) only after 12 weeks of the surgery. And after getting the thumbs-up from your doctor of course! Read on for dislocated knee recovery time and knee injury recovery.

Dislocated Kneecap Prevention

Well clearly, a dislocated kneecap is not an ordeal which you'd want to go through again, so why not take a look at these preventive measures.

Most of the times, the doctor will tell you what caused the dislocated kneecap. Most often it is caused due to a problem in the way you run. So that is one of the first things which you'll need to fix. Make sure that during your physiotherapy sessions, you get a small little tutorial on how to run correctly. The second thing to keep in mind is to always warm up before playing a contact sport. Warm-ups avoid the ill-effects of cold-starting a muscle and keep them working just fine!

So this was all about the dislocated kneecap. I hope this advice comes in handy to help you recover from the dislocated kneecap and gets you on your feet again.

Hyperextended Knee

Knee hyperextension is one of the common knee injuries faced by athletes in sports like gymnastics, basketball and volleyball, to name a few. However, in sports the damage may be less intense than what can occur in an accident; car crash being a common one. The excessive pressure can result from any sudden or aggressive action which causes the knee to move past its normal straightened position and bend backwards. A tear in the knee ligaments is what which causes this condition. These ligaments serve as a bridge connecting the upper portion of the leg to the bottom. This tear results out of an incident wherein, the knee bends, twists or moves out of its typical range of motion. What explains the occurrence of an hyperextended knee is the simultaneous onset of two movements in the knee, which causes the tear. The information given below is a description on the different signs and symptoms of hyperextended knee and about its treatment, as well.

Hyperextended Knee Symptoms

Hyperextended knee symptoms are immediate and there might be several of them which occur right away. The bending of the knee backwards, is the first apparent symptom which may indicate that you might have hyperextended your knee. Then comes the hyperextended knee pain which may be extremely painful and grueling, particularly for severe injuries. The pain may be felt at the back and sides of the knee, and it may be accompanied by a swelling of the injured area within the few first hours of the injury. What becomes a very apparent consequence of a hyperextended knee is the person's inability to continue playing, running and perform other similar activities, due to instability or impaired motion. Walking may still be possible, but it might cause a lot of pain. In some cases, it might get difficult to diagnose if the person has actually hyperextended his/her knee. If the knee appears deformed, pain continues or if the knee gets locked in one position or does not get straightened, then there is a possibility that the patient has hyperextended his/her knee. Read more on common knee injuries.

Hyperextended Knee Treatment

The treatment lays its focus on alleviating the unnatural stress, swelling and the pain. Applying ice immediately helps in relieving the swelling and so also the pain which might be radiating throughout the leg. Not to mention, do not apply the ice directly onto the damaged area. Use towel or something similar to wrap around the ice. Thereafter, call for medical help without any haste. After getting the injury diagnosed, the patient might be given anti-inflammatory medications and recommended to use a compression bandage. If the injury is of a mild nature, then complete rest from activity and physical therapy is required for the leg to regain its lost strength and stability. Crutches, keeping the affected knee(s) in an elevated position while sitting or lying down and icing several times a day, also comprises the treatment for a hyperextended knee. For cases which doctors feel are too severe to be treated by conservative treatment methods, they are most likely to be attended by surgery. In case of a child who has suffered a hyperextended knee, doctors recommend the surgery to be performed once the child's bones have stopped growing.

Patients are also assigned some hyperextended knee exercises, to help the knee attain its normal range of motion. These exercises may include performing activities in water, use of stationary bike, muscle stretching, and probably other kinds of knee strengthening exercises, depending on what the doctor might consider best for the patients.

Hyperextended knee recovery time, may require about six to nine months. This is the time a patient must wait before returning to sports, especially if he/she has undergone a surgery. Very mild cases, may take an average of 1 - 2 weeks for recuperation, but by far it all depends upon the extent and graveness of the injury.

Knee Instability

A human beings knee is made up of a lot of entwined ligaments and tendons, and a rupture or a tear anywhere along this line can lead to a serious case of knee instability. This is a medical condition that needs to be looked into immediately, as knee instability and pain can seriously hamper the movement of an individual, apart from the obvious discomfort of the pain.

Medical science has advanced enough for doctors to be able to accurately ascertain what the exact cause behind knee pain is, and the rehabilitation of such problems can be carried out simply and quickly as well. This of course depends on the severity of the condition.

Knee Instability Causes
Before we delve into the exact causes of a knee injury, let's understand the various ligaments that support the knee joint. There are 4 such ligaments that support the knee joint in addition to the menisci and the condyles, and these are the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL). Significant contributions are also made to the knee joint by the posteromedial and posterolateral capsular components and the iliotibial tract.

The primary reason for knee instability will always be traced back to some sort of trauma or condition such as Iliotibial Band Syndrome, either direct or indirect, to the knee. This can occur as a result of a direct force impacting the knee, or even as a result of the knee slowly taking damage over time due to a simple act like walking. Athletes and sportsmen are more likely to face this problem as they have to routinely undergo some rigorous training regimes, and ultimately this begins to take a toll on the knee joints. A sudden movement sometimes results in a very painful twist in the knee that leads to ligament damage such as medial collateral ligament sprain, and this occurs most commonly due to sudden jumping or deceleration.

The most common cause of knee instability though is the sudden twisting of the knee. There are a variety of reasons that lead to this situation, the most obvious being some strenuous physical activity. Other events like turning too fast or twisting to get out of a car can also lead to such a scenario, and it is simply impossible to predict what action can lead to such an occurrence. It goes without saying that the pain is just excruciating, and one is left with a distinct sensation that the knee is just going to fall off or give way. In extreme cases, arthroscopic knee surgery or knee replacement surgery is the only option available.

Knee Instability Treatment
The true extent of the damage can only be assessed by a qualified and experienced medical expert, and once this has been assessed, the suitable mode of treatment can be suggested. There are several grades into which an injury can be placed, and the higher the grade, the longer the knee will take to heal. The assessment begins with many knee instability tests to try and determine how much damage is actually done, and this begins with a clear description of the way the injury was sustained. If there is a distinct 'popping' noise heard then the damage is certainly pretty high, and any other observations by the patient can also come in handy.

The patient's lifestyle habits and routine is also assessed thoroughly in order to determine what could be the exact cause of the knee instability, and what corrective and rehabilitative measures can be taken. The age and the previous medical history is also studied in detail to obtain some more clues, and a plain radiography of the knee is also vital. Read on knee support braces.

Once the causes and the extent of the knee instability have been determined, a suitable course of action for treatment can be set upon. As soon as the diagnosis is complete the rehabilitative process begins and this may take a few weeks to a several months. This process aims at restoring the complete range of motion for the patient without putting any stress on the graft. A number of knee instability exercises are demonstrated to the patient and some other exercises and movements that are prohibited are told to him.

In some cases the restructuring of the ligaments is also necessary, and on an average it is fair to assume that the total time period for recovery from knee instability while doing recommended knee exercises is anything between 5-7 months. Advances in science are constantly being made as well, and new ways of preventing such knee damage have also been made available in the public domain.

Patellar Reflex

Knee jerk is a layman's term for what in medical science is called patellar reflex. If this does not click anything, let me give you an example. Whenever you might have gone to a doctor for a problem, which may have a connection with sensory faculties, the doctor must have tapped a bit under your knee with a tendon hammer. Now do you remember? Yes, exactly. The sensation and the reflex which comes from that, not realized by us, is analyzed by the doctor. Now this is actually a type of deep tendon reflex and is a stretch reflex. The text to come will tell you more about patellar tendon reflex.

Patellar Reflex Test
This test is done with the help of a tendon hammer. The doctor while doing this test, strikes the patellar tendon hammer a bit below the knee cap (patella), which stretches the quadriceps muscles in the thighs. Basically, this is the test to see how is the sensory response to the tapping by the tendon hammer. The main aim of testing is to analyze if the nervous system is in good shape or not. Simply put, after the doctor taps the tendon, the leg is extended and then it comes to rest. If the reflex is not upto the mark or is not there at all, it is referred to as Westphal's sign. On the contrary, if there is multiple oscillation in response to the tap, that could indicate a cerebellar disease. It all happens because of the patellar reflex arc from stimulus to response. A reflex arc is a neural pathway which mediates a reflex action. In a patellar reflex, nerve root is the carrier of an impulse by the motor neuron along its axon.

Patellar Reflex Somatic or Autonomic
Patellar reflex is a somatic reflex arc, which affects the muscles. It is a stretch reflex when a muscle or tendon is struck or hit. The jolt leads the muscle to contract, which in turn inhibits the muscle contraction as a result of being struck. These somatic reflexes are fundamentally spinal reflexes, mediated by the spinal cord. The catch here is even the message reaches the spinal cord and the brain together, the response is reflexed by the trigger without waiting for the brain to analyze the situation. It is a withdrawal reflex, also called as flexor through the somatic nervous system. In a patellar reflex, nerve root is the carrier of an impulse by the motor neuron along its axon. The impulse then travels through the spinal nerve to the quadriceps muscles. Finally, acetylcholine is released, which causes contraction of muscle. Read more on nervous system function.

Patellar Reflex after Exercise
Apparently, mild exercise does have a slight impact in the patellar tendon reflex. The reflex time appears to be shorter after mild exercise. But no connection was established between the time for reflex and neuromuscular excitability. There is another dimension to this, the impact of your mental state on the patellar reflex. That is patellar reflex and mental distraction. There are few tests to check if the 2 are connected. It depends from person to person but one thing is sure that the more the mental activity the more noticeable the response. Read more on peripheral nervous system.

Patellar tendon reflex test and analysis in short is done when damage to motor nerve or spinal cord has to be confirmed or checked. So, even if the patient does not realize that his knee has given a jerk, the doctors get what they want out of the test. Consequently the patient is told whether there is any problem or not. Read more on nervous tissues.

Swelling Behind Knee

Knee pain can affect each and every activity like sitting, standing, walking, etc. Sometimes, knee pain is experienced while sleeping also. You can easily kneel, bend or stretch your legs only when knees support these basic actions well. Besides helping in the leg movements, knees also bear the entire weight of your body. Even a mild knee pain, if left untreated, may cost you much later. Swelling behind knees is usually followed by pain. There are several causes of swelling behind knees. Some of the main causes of swelling behind knee are mentioned below.

Causes of Swelling Behind Knee

Baker's Cyst: Baker's cyst is a non-malignant growth that is usually noticed in runners and tennis players. Weakened lining of the knee joint can lead to the formation of a lump or swelling behind the knee, which may restrict leg movement. It can cause pain and discomfort to the person. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can especially lead to the formation of Baker's cyst, causing unbearable pain behind knee.

Chondromalacia of Patella: Chondromalacia of the patella is also called 'runner's knee'. Swelling behind knee after running, like baker's cyst can be noticed when a runner approaches forty miles per week for the first time. Over-strain may lead to swelling and pain behind knee. Even though a few day's rest is recommended, the pain may come right back. After the first few miles of the next run the swelling behind knee can be seen increased and the pain also might flair up.

Injuries: Any injury that occurs to the knee can lead to swelling behind knee joint. A fracture or tear in your meniscus or ligaments or just a minor tear of the cartilage surface can lead to pain and swelling behind knee. Trauma, injury or fracture during a sport event or accident can lead to swelling behind knees. Read more on knee pain after running.

Overuse: Leg pain behind knee is observed when the joint is overused. Strenuous or constant exercises, wrong position during exercising or during any activity, aging or any fault in structural alignment can cause swelling behind knees, resulting in mild or severe pain. Swelling behind knee after exercise is a very common complaint. If your joint is not used to an exercise pattern, it may result in swelling behind the knee.

Weakened Muscles: Sometimes, swelling behind knee can be experienced due to weakened thigh, foot or calf muscles. Other weakened muscles can create unnecessary work pressure on the knees during any activity, like knee pain when bending. If you are overweight, then this problem can be often experienced as the knees have to carry excess weight.

Other Problems: Rubbing of the knee cap against the lowermost end of the femur (thigh bone) can cause swelling behind knee cap, leading to sharp pain. Sudden change in the daily routine, any added activity or lack of exercise, vitamin deficiency, serious diseases like cancer are also among the other causes of swelling behind knee.

Swelling Behind Knee: Treatment

    * If you are overweight, losing weight is the first requirement for avoiding knee problems. Regular exercises and balanced diet can help reduce the weight.
    * Arthritic patients also need to perform regular knee exercises under the guidance of a physician or physical trainer.
    * Regular runners should use perfect fitting shoes along with knee braces or additional arch support in the shoes, etc.
    * Baker cyst in rare cases requires removal of excess knee fluid in conjunction with cortisone injection. Doctor may prescribe medications to relieve pain and inflammation. Mostly, Baker’s cyst heals on its own and no special treatment is required.
    * For mild swelling or pain, you may opt for over the counter anti inflammatory medicines or pain killers. You can apply ice packs or hot packs, ointments, balms, etc. which can help reduce the pain and swelling behind knee.
    * When pain or swelling behind knee is noticed, you should provide sufficient rest to the joint. You should avoid rigorous physical activities which might lead to increased pressure on knees. Read more on leg exercises for bad knees.
    * If Baker's cyst is associated with cartilage tears or other internal knee problems then surgery can be the best treatment option. During the surgery, the surgeon can remove the swollen tissue (synovium) that is responsible for the cyst formation.

I hope you find the above information about swelling behind knee helpful. I hope, this article guides you to take necessary precautions while exercising or while performing daily activities. The most important thing is that you should consult your doctor about any knee problem if it is not resolved with the help of simple home remedies.

Bone Spurs in Knee

The medical term used to describe bone spurs is osteophytes. This is nothing but an extra bony growth over a normal bone structure. It can occur in various parts of the body. Bone spurs in neck, shoulder, heel, knee, hands are quite common. Bone spurs in knee are found mostly in the elderly. The knee joint comprises of three different bones. They are: the femur or upper leg bone, the tibia or lower leg bone, and the patella or the knee cap. In order to provide stability to these bone structures, several muscles, tendons and ligaments are also present in the knee. When bone spurs develop in the knee, it may not show any symptoms. But as it grows and starts rubbing against other surrounding structures, then it becomes quite painful.

Bone Spurs in Knee Causes

The knee joint is subjected to a lot of pressure continuously. This results in excessive rubbing and stretching of the knee joints. As it continues over a long period of time, the cartilage present in the knee tend to get worn out. In such a condition, the body makes an attempt to protect the joint from any further damage and repair the existing damages by forming bone spurs in knee. The knee is susceptible to osteoarthritis and is often responsible for causing knee bone spurs. Calcium build up in the knee, aging and obesity are the other factors that can give rise to this condition. Knee injury caused by accidents or during any sports activities, lack of physical activity, poor postures and nutritional deficiency can accelerate the process of bone spur growth in the knee. These are the major causes behind formation of knee bone spur in middle aged people.

Bone Spurs in Knee Treatment

As we have already discussed, there are no symptoms of bone spur in the initial stage. Hence, during this period, no treatment is required. When the spur get rubbed against nerves, ligaments and tendons, then these structures become inflamed and gives pain and irritation in the knee. The treatment for bone spurs in knee depends on the intensity of these symptoms. When the knee pain is mild, then the patient is advised to provide adequate amount of rest to the affected knee. Application of ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and stretching exercises are recommended to manage the localized joint pain. In some cases, steroids are administered by doctors which helps to get rid of the pain and may even stop further growth of the bones spurs. Those who are overweight should lose some weight in order to bring down the stress from the knee joint.

When all these non-surgical methods of treatment fail to show any improvement and the pain becomes unbearable for the patient, then the spur has to be removed by means of bone spur surgery. This option is availed as a last resort and is undertaken only if the patient is in good health condition. After the surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation program is necessary to restore the strength and flexibility of the knee joint. Apart from these conventional treatments, there are some alternative methods of treatment like massage therapy, acupuncture and acupressure that have provided a lot of relief to many people. Know more on bone spur treatment.

Basically, it is not possible to prevent bone spurs in knees. However, eating healthy food, maintaining proper body weight, regular exercises, and intake of calcium supplements are some of the measures that can help to reduce the chances of such bony growths. If you are experiencing bone spur symptoms, then you must consult the doctor without any delay, and thus you can prevent any serious damage and deformity of the knee joint.

Knee Injuries - Diagnosis

There are two main functions which our knees perform. Firstly they flex i.e bend and secondly they extend i.e straighten up. It is because of these two functions of the knees that a person is able to walk, run, kick and sit. So, just imagine what will happen if the knees are injured? It will become very difficult for a person even to perform these basic functions.

Knee injuries can occur on account of various reasons such as indulging in sports or exercises and hurting the knee, making an awkward movement, any direct blow caused to the knee, flat feet in a person, unstable kneecaps and imbalance of the thigh muscles. As soon as a person has his knee injured, it is important that he goes to a doctor for a complete knee injuries diagnosis and treatment to prevent any further damage.

Knee Injuries - Diagnosis

Diagnosis of knee injuries is done to identify the type of the injury so that the corresponding treatment can be given.

Sprains
If during a knee injuries diagnosis, it is found that the knee is strained from a particular direction, then the reason could be that the ligament which holds it in place has torn. Such a ligament tear is known as a sprain. Sprains are medically graded as first degree, second degree and third degree. First degree sprains cause the ligament to stretch but there is no tearing of the fiber. Second degree sprains do not affect the ligament but the fibers may be partially sprained while third degree sprains completely damage the ligaments. Read more on sprained knee.

Strains
An injury in the muscles of the knee as well as the tendons which surround the knee is caused due to its overuse or due to hyperflexion or hyperextention of the knee. Such injuries are medically known as strains. Read more on hyperextended knee.

Bursitis
It is a condition in which there is inflammation in the bursas of the knee. It can be caused due to a direct blow to the knee or due to its overuse. See bursitis.

Cartilage Tear
A knee injury which is caused due to the knee twisting, putting stress on the cartilage, can result in a tear. Such an injury is called a cartilage tear or a meniscus tear. Read more on torn cartilage in knee.

Knee Injuries Diagnosis : Symptoms

To diagnose the type of knee injury, doctors depend upon the symptoms which it produces in the person. If the knee injury is severe, it can lead to pain and swelling in the affected area. The person with a knee injury will face problems while bending his knee as well as in bearing weight. The swelling in the injured knee may come and go and can become severe if the person undertakes any activity in which the knee is used. Severe knee pain too like swelling might be intermittent and may come and go with activity.

If the person feels that the knee is giving away or is unstable, then this signals a ligament injury. If there is a grinding or a popping sound experienced, with the person even unable to bend his knee (known as "locking" in medical terms), the reason could be a cartilage tear. Read more on knee instability.

So for knee injuries diagnosis, the doctor always begins with a physical inspection and examination of the affected area. By doing this, the doctor tries to find out that the bones and other structures of the knee are located in the right place or they have been displaced by the injury. The doctor also identifies whether the knee is held correctly. Then he checks where the pain and swelling is experienced, followed by the assessment of the blood and nerve supply to the foot and the leg. In some cases, such as when it is suspected that bones are broken, doctors might ask for an X-rays too.

Once the knee injuries diagnoses is complete, and if there is no broken bone, then the first course of treatment that is suggested is RICE, i.e resting the area, regular application of ice on the affected area to reduce the swelling and pain, putting compression wraps to hold the knee together, and keeping the knee at an elevated position. The doctors recommend physical therapy and a few strengthening exercises as well. Most of the times, these treatments are more than enough to cure knee injuries. However, if the knee injury is severe, and involves broken bones and other structures of the knee, surgery is suggested as the last option.

Knees Popping

Knees popping and snapping are nothing uncommon. They often do not indicate a serious health problem. When knee popping happens without any knee pain and other discomforts, it is taken as normal. However, when it occurs too often and causes the knees to be painful during movements, it becomes a cause for care and concern. In case, you have been suffering from it for quite some time and wondering whether it is serious or not and what could have been causing it, the present article might help. It describes a few possible factors which might lead to knees popping out of socket. The account on cause of knee popping is followed by an overview of the medical treatment along with a couple of home remedies to speed up the process of recuperation.

Knees Popping: Causes
There are four major ligaments in the knee. One of them is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Its function is to maintain the stability of the knee joint by preventing its excessive motion. Patients who get anterior cruciate ligament affected by arthritis in knee, often complain of popping or snapping within the knee. They frequently get a feeling that their knee is going to give way any moment. Snapping or popping is one of the commonly experienced arthritis symptoms in the knee.

The second possible reason behind knees popping is subluxation. It is defined as incomplete dislocation of a joint. If it occurs in the knee joint, it is symptomized by cracking and popping sound produced during movement. It may be accompanied with swelling, discoloration and painful knee. Another probable cause of knees popping is a disorder called popping knee syndrome. It is mostly seen to occur in adolescents and adults below 30 years of age. The popping sound produced in the knee may or may not be in company with pain. Popping knee syndrome mainly occurs as a symptom of a medical condition known as discoid lateral meniscus. It involves distortion in the normal shape of the meniscus. Read on knee arthritis symptoms.

Knees Popping: Treatment
Snapping or popping of knees is generally not taken as a serious medical condition. It goes away by itself over a period of time. However, if the knees popping is accompanied with pain and other uncomfortable symptoms, you need to take it with concern. You need to treat it as soon as possible. To meet this goal, you need to know the exact underlying cause. A medical professional is the person who can help you the best. Fix an appointment with a health care practitioner. He is most likely to conduct a physical examination and ask you undergo some diagnostic tests. Take all the tests so that the data obtained from them can help the doctor diagnose the hidden cause for knees popping. When the correct reason for knees popping pain is known, the doctor will prescribe you some medications and recommend you some knee exercises to bring the normal state back. The medications commonly include pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

In addition to medical treatment, you should follow some measures at home to accelerate the process of recovery from knees popping and cracking. Perform the knee strengthening exercises recommended by the physical therapist as directed. You need to warm your body up before exercising. Warming up loosens your body muscles. The muscles are then better able to stretch and take the effect of physical exercises. This prevents you from muscle cramps and fatigue as well. Secondly, if some particular activity is responsible for causing knees popping sound, stop doing that. Thirdly, follow a healthy diet. Consumption of the nutrients required by the body in required amounts keep several medical problems at bay. It keeps your body fit and mind calm. Thus, eat right to stay fit and healthy.

Clicking Knee

The knee joints are one of the most crucial joints of our body. The joints are exposed to a lot of stress, as it provides support to the entire body weight. If you are involved in sports activities or any other such strenuous activity, then the repetitive movements of the knee joints put some additional amount of pressure on them. As a result, it is susceptible to various forms of injury involving the bones, muscles and ligaments that are present in the region. Any problems of the knee are alarming for us, simply because we fear that it can affect our body movements in everyday life. Clicking knee is one such problem where an unpleasant noise is emitted when the joint is moved.

Causes and Symptoms of Clicking Knee

Clicking knee can be a symptom of a large number of health related issues. Here we are discussing about some of the major causes that can trigger this symptom. They are as follows:

Knee Injury
If you had a trauma in recent times where you have banged your knee against any hard surface, then it is likely to have caused damage to the knee joint. It may result in fractured bones or stretching of the ligaments or muscle fibers. Depending on the severity of the injury, one gets clicking knee joint along with sharp pain. If the clicking knee pain subsides after a few hours then the injury is not so serious. However, if it lasts longer than that and tends to worsen when the patient tries to walk, then there could be a fracture in the bones or minor or major tears in the ligaments.

Meniscus Tear
Medial meniscus that lies in between the thigh bone and shin bone is a fibrocartilage band which acts like a shock absorber for the knee. It is responsible for maintaining uniform distribution of the body weight on the knee. Usually, it gets torn due to abnormal twisting of the knee joint or over stretching of the cartilage due to overuse. For this reason, one experiences clicking knee when bending or straightening of the knee joint. Here it is accompanied by other symptoms like leg pain and tenderness in the knee joint and blue and black bruise marks can be observed in the region. Read more article on meniscus tear.

Arthritis
If the knee continues to produce clicking sound quite frequently without any knee injury, then it could be warning sign of degeneration of the knee joints or arthritis. It is most commonly found in elderly people. With increase in age, the bones and cartilage of the knee joint deteriorates and the pressure builds up in the area causing the clicking sound. It is accompanied by pain, inflammation and stiffness in the knee joint.

Other Minor Causes
If you get clicking knee no pain during certain movements like climbing up the stairs or while doing squatting exercise, then it is a harmless condition. This is observed particularly, after a period of inactivity. When you do those movements regularly, the the clicking sound will disappear. If the knee clicking is accompanied by a minor discomfort in the knee region, then it could be due to imbalance in the leg muscles. Usually, it happens when the hamstrings are weaker than the quadriceps. This problem can be rectified by the right training of the leg muscles.

Treatment for Clicking Knee Pain

The treatment is based upon the underlying cause of the clicking knee problems. The first thing that needs to be done is to give adequate amount of rest to the legs, in order to minimize the stress on the knees. Then application of ice can provide substantial relief from pain and inflammation. If this home treatment fails to cure the symptoms, a doctor should be consulted. They often prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines to bring down the joint pain. When there is clicking knee without any pain or other symptoms, then medicines are administered to improve the lubrication of the knee joint. If fracture in knee bone is diagnosed, then splinter has to be used to set the bones. Tear in cartilage and arthritic symptoms are often managed with help of rest, physical therapy and knee exercises that strengthen the knees. In case the ligaments are badly damaged, surgical option is availed as a last resort.

When you have a clicking knee joint along with pain and tenderness you must strictly avoid any kind of sudden, jerky movements. All kind of sports activities must be suspended. Lifting of heavy objects can also have a negative impact on the knees. Swimming and short distance walking on the grass can be highly beneficial for clicking knee.

Water on the Knee Symptoms

Water on knee commonly refers to knee effusion or swelling of the knee. Knee effusion results from an excessive accumulation of water or fluid in or around the knee joint. Usually, the lining of the knee joint capsule produces a fluid, known as synovial fluid. This lubricating fluid nourishes the cartilage along with facilitating the movement of the knee joint. Fluid accumulation or water on the knee occurs, when there is an excess production of synovial fluid, due to factors like, injury or trauma and certain underlying health conditions. There can be various water on the knee symptoms and causes, which are explained below.

Water on the Knee Causes

Fluid accumulation in and around the knee joint can occur due to injury or trauma to any part of the knee. Examples include, injury to the ligaments and meniscus tear. Even broken bones and overuse injuries can cause build up of fluid on the knee, as it is body's natural reaction to surround the injured knee with fluid in order to protect it from further damage. However, water on the knee is not always associated with traumatic injury. In fact, it can be a sign of certain diseases like, arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudogout, infection, kneecap bursitis, cysts and tumors. Obese people, as well as those involved in sport activities are more likely to get this condition frequently.

Water on the Knee Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of water on the knee is swelling. The affected knee usually appears larger than the other knee. One can observe increased puffiness around the bony parts of the affected knee. Along with swelling, pain may also be present. In the case of osteoarthritis, pain usually occurs while bearing weight on the knee. Apart from these, water on the knee can affect the movement of the knee joint. As a result, the affected individuals can experience stiffness and they may fail to bend or straighten their knees completely. If the condition is caused by an injury or trauma, then one can observe bruising along with these usual fluid on the knee symptoms. Bruising can be easily noticed and it can occur on the front, side or the rear of the knee. In case of injury, bearing weight on the injured knee can be quite painful.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Water on the Knee

Diagnosis of water on the knee can involve various tests and examinations. Most often, the swollen knee is aspirated, which is called joint aspiration. In this procedure, the accumulated fluid inside the knee is withdrawn and checked for the presence of crystals, bacteria and blood. Other diagnostic tests include, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and blood tests to look for infection, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and bleeding disorder. Treatment for water on the knee depends mainly on the factors that lead to the build up of fluid in or around the knee joint.

Usually, the water on the knee symptoms like, knee pain subsides or reduces with adequate rest, especially if the condition is caused by a traumatic injury. You can also find considerable relief by keeping the knee at an elevated position, and applying ice pack on it. Ideally, ice pack can be applied on the affected knee continuously, for about 15 minutes several times a day. Even after using ice pack, if the pain and inflammation do not resolve, then talk to your physician regarding the use of pain medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAID along with corticosteroid injections and colchicine may be required, if water on the knee is caused by gout or pseudogout. A large build up of fluid and severe inflammation on the other hand, can necessitate aspiration of the joint, followed by the administration of corticosteroid injections.

Arthroscopic knee surgery is another treatment option, which the physicians may suggest occasionally, in order to relieve the water on the knee symptoms. But, if all these treatment options fail to reduce the knee swelling symptoms, then knee replacement can be suggested by the physicians. Knee replacement is usually recommended for water on the knee treatment, when the pain is intolerable and standing or bearing weight on the affected knee becomes impossible. To sum up, there are a number of treatment options for water on the knee, depending on the underlying causes and the associated symptoms. For proper diagnosis and prompt treatment, it is better to talk to a physician on observing any of the symptoms of water on the knee. Be sure to follow your physician's suggestions regarding the use of various medications.

Ligaments of the Knee

The knee joint is the largest joint in the body and forms a hinge between the thigh bone and the bones of the lower leg known as tibia and fibula. It is one of the most complicated joints in the human body and is made up of two articulations, one between the femur and tibia and the other between the femur and patella. It is a pivotal type of hinge joint that permits easy flexion and extension as well as slight lateral and medial rotation. The knee joint is supported by muscles and ligaments, that offer stability and strength to the joint. In this article, we shall discuss the different ligaments of the knee joint.

Ligaments of the Knee Joint

The ligaments of the knee protect the articular capsule of the knee and offer stability and strength to the knee joint. There are two main sets of ligaments that surround the knee joint, the collateral ligaments and the cruciate ligaments. Let us read about them in detail.

Collateral Ligaments
There are two collateral ligaments that run along either side of the knee joint. The medial collateral ligament is located on the inner side of the knee joint and strengthens the joint from inside. It extends from the medial femoral epicondyle to the upper inside edge of the shin bone or tibia. This ligament helps in preventing excessive abduction of the knee.

The second collateral ligament, known as the lateral collateral ligament is located on the outer side of the knee joint. It extends from the lateral femoral epicondyle to the top of the fibula. These two collateral ligaments, together, prevent the side to side movement of the knee joint. They also help in preventing the rotation between the thigh bone and the shin. The lateral collateral ligament is flexible as compared to the medial collateral ligament and is thus, less susceptible to injury. Twisting of the knee, force that pushes the foot outward or a direct hit to the knee can easily result in torn ligament.

Cruciate Ligaments
Another set of ligaments of the knee joint are the cruciate ligaments. The cruciate ligaments are named based on their attachment to the tibia. They are actually short, strong bands of fibrous tissue, that join the tibia to the femur. The anterior cruciate ligament runs posterolaterally from the tibia to the base of the femur. It is attached to the lateral femoral condyle. This cruciate ligament prevents the excessive movement of the femur on the tibia.

The posterior cruciate ligament extends from the rear of the tibia, slightly inwards, to the base of the femur. It is attached posteriorly to the medial femoral condyle. It prevents the excessive anterior movement of the femur bone on the tibia. The posterior cruciate ligament is generally stronger than the anterior cruciate ligament and hence, injuries to the latter are quite common. Landing on a hard surface after a high jump, changing direction rapidly and slowing down suddenly while running, can tear or cause injury to the anterior cruciate ligament. Tearing of anterior cruciate ligament can be a serious condition as compared to the injury caused to any other ligament of the knee. This is mainly because the knee joint stability gets profoundly affected in case of injury to this ligament. Knee exercises can help in strengthening the ligaments and muscles that surround the knee.

This was all about the ligaments of the knee joint. All these ligaments are extremely important for the stability and strength of the knee joint and an injury to any of these ligaments can cause a serious damage to the knee. Hope you found this article informative!

Unhappy Triad

Since the past few days, Micheal, a footballer, had been experiencing a nagging pain in his knee. It was swollen and he also noticed some bruise marks on his knee. Every time he walked, he felt like he would just lose his balance and fall down. The doctor told him that he was suffering from unhappy triad.

Wondering what's that? Well, unhappy triad is a knee injury which mainly sports persons suffer from. It involves the tearing of three important ligaments; the anterior cruciate ligament, the medical collateral ligament and the medial meniscus. Want some more information about it? Want to know how you can treat it? Here's some information on what it means and how one can treat it.

Unhappy Triad: Causes and Symptoms

Unhappy triad is also referred to as the O'Donoghue's triad or a 'blown knee'. It is a knee injury that usually occurs when the person has his foot fixed to the ground and then he receives the lateral force which causes the injury. This not a type of common knee injury, as it mainly occurs to those who play football as the player is hit on the outer side of his knee while his foot is planted firmly to the ground. In this injury, three structures of the knee are involved; the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial meniscus. A look into the past here. In the year 1950, O'Donoghue, coined the term 'unhappy triad' for the first time. But that time, it was not only the knee, but even the joint and shoulder injuries were referred to as the unhappy triad, although the name stayed. Let us see what happens in this injury.

The unhappy triad is a combination of ACL, MCL and the medial meniscus injury. Out of these three, ACL tear is the worst. It is very difficult to treat it too as surgery is needed sometimes. If the ACL tears, then the person cannot walk properly and the person feels as if his legs are going to give away any minute. ACL tear is like a nightmare for a footballer. They are the ones who get these kinds of tears. The second part of the tear is the meniscus tear. This is a cartilage in the knee and acts as a cushion for the bones. If that is destroyed then it takes time to heal as it receives less supply of blood. A damaged meniscus causes pain and swelling in the knee. The third and the final part of unhappy triad is the MCL. This ligament stabilizes the knee joint and if it's damaged, then the area starts swelling and the person's walk becomes uncertain. However, this does not need a surgery to be corrected.

So now that we know what is the unhappy triad injury, let us now see what are the symptoms of unhappy triad. The symptoms are the common things that have already been mentioned above; swollen knee, bruise marks on or around the knee, feeling that the knee might give away, and severe knee pain. These symptoms indicate whether or not a person has unhappy triad.

Unhappy Triad Injury Treatment

Players pray that they do not have this kind of injury. It's not that unhappy triad injury treatment is not treatable, surgery can be done to treat it. But the problem is the recovery time which is long. ACL can only be treated with the help of surgery which also helps to repair the meniscus. MCL does not require any surgery but only time to heal. Unhappy triad recovery time is long but with weeks of strict exercises and physical therapy and a proper diet, the player will be up in no time. Yes, it's true that in the beginning, he has to wear a knee brace but with proper care, the player can go back to his game again.

For players, unhappy triad is like a nightmare. But, unfortunately you cannot avoid injuries while on the ground. Accidents do happen and it's only with patience and care that one can overcome the difficulties. Easy to say, but hard to follow I know, but it's worth it.

Torn Ligament in Knee

There are four major ligaments which make up our knee and impart a solid strength to them. These strong elastic bands of tissue connect two bones to each other. These knee ligaments are extremely crucial as they are the weight bearing parts of our knees. Any injury or discomfort to this ligament can be really painful and can limit our mobility. Unfortunately quite a few of us have been through a ligament injury and for those who have not experienced it, there is no guarantee that it would not happen. Of course this is not to scare you, it is just to tell you the truth. So let us check out all about torn ligament in knee in the form of questions you might have about it.

How do I Recognize a Torn Ligament in Knee?

Several prominent torn ligament in knee symptoms can tell a person if he or she has torn a ligament in his or her knee. These are;

Popping Sound
One of the major indicators of a torn ligament is a popping sound or a 'snap' at the spot of the tear. The ligament which is torn, also may give away if a lot of weight is put on it. Actually what happens is that the ligament fibers are pulled apart, leading to a snap or a popping sensation.

Pain
Undoubtedly, pain is the most obvious result of a ligament being torn or in fact any injury. Be it a partially torn ligament or a completely torn ligament, pain is a consequence. Although the severity and the grade of pain will depend upon how severe the injury is. If the ligament injury is severe, it is going to cause extreme pain.

Swelling and Bruising
Torn ligament in knee, which is mostly associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), leads to swelling and bruising at the spot of injury. Soft tissue irritation in the concerned area and the surrounding muscle tissue leads to swelling. As a result of this, our body reacts by increasing the blood circulation and fluid flow in the affected area. This increases the swelling and causes bruising in and around the area where the ligament is torn and eventually it leads to bruising.

Instability and Limited Movement
As knees bear our weight, an injury like this is going to affect the range of our movement. An ACL tear hampers the normal joint functions as it affects the normal muscle action and strength across it. The joint then becomes unstable and weak. If the torn ligament is in a very severe state then the person may not even be able to move the knee. Sometimes the affected part may even get numb in addition to knee pain.

What is the Treatment for Torn Knee Ligament?

Torn ligament in knee treatment depends on how serious the injury is. If the injury is not very serious, then it can be dealt with at home. Sportsmen generally are seen to be suffering from this condition. The treatment involves;

Rest/Protection
It is important not to strain the torn ligament further, so give it as much rest as possible. You do not want to worsen things, do you?

Ice pack
This works well to prevent swelling in the injured area. Ice also helps normalizing the blood circulation and prevents swelling and inflammation if applied immediately after sustaining injury. Have either an ice bag or make a pack keeping ice cubes in a towel to avoid direct exposure of skin to ice and avoid skin irritation. Apply this for not more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid further damage to the ligaments of the knee.

Compression
Compression too helps in faster healing of knee. The joint can be compressed by bandaging and thus giving it support. It also reduces the swelling.

Pain killers
Mild non steroidal anti inflammatory pain killers can also be used in consultation with a doctor. That will help reduce swelling and contribute to overall recovery too.

Elevation
Elevating your knees at the level of your heart will further help in the recovery of torn ligament in knee.

A last resort, with regards to an ACL or a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tear is surgery. Torn ligament in knee surgery may be required if there is a serious rupture of the ligament and more than one ligament or tissue has been damaged. In case the anterior cruciate ligament is injured, even then surgery would be required for, especially if you are a lot into sports. It would also be required if there is a torn cartilage in knee.

Exercising properly and doing a good warm up before workout will help in preventing torn ligament in knee. I hope you have found all your answers related to that! This is where I sign off! Take care!

Tendons in the Knee

In this article I shall elaborate mainly on the tendons of the knee. The tendons of the knee form an intricate network that helps in proper movement of knee joints. Along with this, the ligaments and bones play a key role to bring out proper muscular coordination. With age, the tendons gradually lose strength and become brittle. The elasticity is also reduced causing terrible knee pain. This condition is often faced by middle aged people and the medical terminology for inflammation of knees is known as knee tendonitis.

Let's come back to the subject matter, i.e tendons of the knee. The anatomy of knee is very complex, being the largest joint of the body. Ligaments (get the details of ligaments of the knee) and tendons in the knee form the connecting junctions of bones to bones or bones to muscle. There are four major ligaments present in the knee joints. They are

    * Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
    * Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
    * Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
    * Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

These three joints help in connecting either the interior (MCL, LCL) or the exterior (ACL, PCL) portions of the bones, which are of three types, the femur, patella and tibia. Muscles and tendons in the knee are interconnected with each other. Muscles surround the joints and are divided into three categories, namely the sartorius, the quadriceps and the patella. Contraction of knee is brought about by the hamstring muscles. Tendons are present at the end of muscles providing attachment with the bones. While describing the anatomy of a knee, we cannot miss out the cartilage tissues. The two types of cartilage present inside our knees are fibrocartilage and articular cartilage. Fibrocartilage, also known as meniscus makes the knees more congruent and offers protection from shock and injuries. Articular cartilage reduces friction between bones during movement. The structure of tendons shall be explained in following segment.

Tendons in the Knee: An Overview

As we have already said that tendons in the knee play an important role in connecting the muscles to the bones. The structure of tendons have been divided into 4 types. The four different types of tendons carry out specific functions. Described below are the different types of tendons.

Quadriceps Tendon
Attachment of the four quadriceps muscles (vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, rectus femoris) to the patella is brought about by the quadriceps tendon. Quadriceps help in extension of knee muscles. It's also a fact that quadriceps tendons are most vulnerable to tendonitis giving rise to a sprained knee.

Patellar Tendon
Patellar tendon is also known as patellar ligament since it is present between two bones. Patellar tendon provides attachment of tibia with the patella through the tibial tubercle. The average width of patellar tendon is 30 mm wide. It completes the attachment of quadriceps to lower legs quite effectively. Patellar tendonitis is very common among athletes.

Illiotibial Band
As the name suggests, this is a very long tendon that attaches tensor fascia latae muscle (TFL) to the knee, preferably on the lateral side. TFL provides medial rotation of the tibia. It's also known as hip abductor. Extension or flexing of knee pushes the muscle above the illiotibial band on the top of the fibula. Tightness of this tendon causes knee irritation and inflammation. Injury of illiotibial band is known as friction syndrome.

Hamstring Tendon
The last part of the knee tendon is known as hamstring tendon, running posterior portion of the thigh. Hamstring tendons are also known as knee flexors. Hamstring tendonitis, because of its position, is more often injured while swimming, playing badminton, basketball, tennis and soccer. It is present at the juncture of tibia and fibula running along the lateral and medial sides of the knee.

Knee Tendonitis: An Overview

Sports persons are always on the higher risk of developing knee tendonitis. Inflammation of knee muscles is a very painful condition that restricts movement of knees for time being. The joints swell causing redness (get some more info on knee pain causes). A sharp pain is experienced while trying to bend the knee, i.e while descending or ascending on stairs. Home remedies are carried out with ice compress and light physiotherapy exercises for knee pain. An X-ray is always suggested to know the intensity of the injury. Pain killers and treatment considerably subside the pain.

I hope the framework and structure of the tendons in the knee is now clear to you. However, if you are regularly engaged into sportive activities, be a little careful while performing the moves in order to avoid injury.

Unhappy Triad Injury

Knee is the largest joint in a human body. It comprises of femur (lower end of thighbone) and a knee cap (patella) which fits into the groove perfectly on one end of femur through a sliding mechanism. A knee also contains ligaments which aid in controlling motion by bracing joints against abnormal types of motion. Between the femur and the tibia (upper end of shinbone), there is a structure known as meniscus. This structure is constituted of soft cartilage between femur and tibia and absorbs any shock during leg movements. So when there is an injury to knee, a sudden knee pain is bound to be felt.

A torn ligament in knee could be one of the knee pain causes. However, when three structures of the knee, ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), MCL (medial collateral ligament) and medial meniscus get affected by an external injury, the term coined for such a condition is unhappy triad injury. Let's understand the causes for this unhappy triad knee injury.

What is the Unhappy Triad Injury?
The unhappy triad injury is an aggregation of three types of knee injuries that are explained below. Since this knee injury involves a meniscus tear, an ACL tear and an MCL tear, the name unhappy triad is given to it. Let's understand each of these injuries in detail.

ACL Tear: The anterior cruciate ligament tear is very painful and the most crucial of all knee injuries. This ligament helps in balancing of legs. When there is an ACL tear, the person might experience a knee pain and inability to walk properly (occasionally buckling away).

Meniscus Tear: The second of the unhappy triad, meniscus tear involves tearing of the fibrocartilage in the knee joint, thereby reducing the resistance of the knees (since meniscus aids in cushioning the knee bone and reducing friction in bones). Medial meniscus tear can cause inflammation in the knee causing meniscus pain. Some popping sensations can also be felt in the knee.

MCL Tear: The unhappy triad is completed by the tear of the medial collateral ligament which runs along the inside of the knee. This ligament is responsible for providing stability to the knee joint. Symptoms of pain, decreased range of motion and instability indicate an MCL tear.

What Causes the Unhappy Triad?
The unhappy triad knee injury is an outcome of stressful and rigorous sports activities like football and rugby. When a blow is inflicted on the outside of the knee of an athlete (who is in stance position with feet on ground), chances of this unhappy triad injury are maximum. The ACL tear and meniscus tear can occur simultaneously during a plant and turn movement in the game. When the knee, after the first injury continues to move along the same path. The ACL tears further causing the knee to shift. Consequently, the femur and tibia compress against the meniscus causing the soft fibrocartilage to tear. And an external blow on the same spot adds to the MCL tear.

Prominent symptoms felt post unhappy triad injury are swelling in the knee with a bruise around it, severe knee pain, instability (this happens as tibia and femur slide against each other) and rupture in the triad ligaments.

Unhappy Triad Injury Treatment
The most painful part of the unhappy triad injury is the ACL tear. It can be treated only with surgery. A person having undergone this injury can take even months to recuperate completely. Reconstructing the ACL is the primary goal in the surgery after which the MCL tear and meniscus tear gradually start to heal. The unhappy triad recovery time can range between 6-9 months depending on the seriousness of the injury. Post surgery, knee braces can be used for prophylactic reasons. Many athletes use knee braces for running. This will reduce the probabilities of occurrence of this injury.

Unhappy triad injury is definitely a painful condition for players. But with a lot of surgical treatments and proper knee care, such conditions do recover quite fast. So next time, when indulging in physically engaging sport activities, if there is a sharp knee pain and instability felt while walking, do not ignore the symptoms! Check with the doctor at the earliest! Hope this article, on unhappy triad knee injury, was informative!

Dislocated Knee Aftercare

The knee joint comprises the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia) and the kneecap (patella). These bones are attached to each other via tough bands of fibrous tissues that are referred to as ligaments. Menisci are pads of cartilaginous tissue that help in protecting the bones by reducing friction as one flexes, extends or rotates the knee. These pads also help in dispersing the weight of the body and reduce the stress on the joint. If any of the structures present in the knee get damaged due to repetitive strain or traumatic injuries, the knee can become unstable or even get dislocated. A dislocated knee, as the name suggests, is a medical condition wherein the bones that make up the knee joint fall out of place. This can affect the range of motion of the knee and affect one's ability to walk. As is the case with most health issues, a timely treatment is extremely important in order to restore the normal range of motion of the knee. While corrective surgery may be required to relocate the dislocated knee bones, following dislocated knee aftercare measures are also an extremely important part of the treatment. Given below is some information on the causes and symptoms of a dislocated knee along with treatment options.

Dislocated Knee: Causes and Symptoms

Before I move on to dislocated knee aftercare and recovery, let me tell you about the causes and symptoms of a dislocated knee. A dislocated knee is usually a direct result of a traumatic injury. A dislocated knee could be caused due to an accident, fall from a height or a sports injury. Those who participate in high speed contact sports are most likely to suffer from injuries that may lead to a knee dislocation. Structural abnormalities of the knee could also make one more susceptible to knee injuries. Those suffering from joint conditions such as knee arthritis or osteoporosis are also a great risk of suffering from knee dislocation. A knee dislocation is classified into anterior, posterior, medial, lateral or rotatory. It is the direction of the dislocation of the tibia or the shin bone that forms the basis of this classification.

The term knee dislocation must not be confused with subluxation or patellar dislocation. One is diagnosed with a dislocated knee if the thigh bone gets detached from the shin bone. Patellar dislocation, which is also referred to as the kneecap dislocation, occurs when the V-shaped patella that sits in the concave groove of the thigh bone, slips out of its groove at the end of the thigh bone. Subluxation is a condition wherein the knee slips from its position due to damage to a ligament. Subluxation is less serious as the knee usually slips back into the original position. On the other hand, a dislocated knee would have to be repositioned with the help of surgery. Most of the time, knee dislocation may be accompanied by damage to the cartilage or the anterior or the posterior cruciate ligaments. The symptoms of a dislocated knee include pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising or numbness in the lower leg. The knee may also look deformed.

Dislocated Knee: Treatment

If one experiences the aforementioned symptoms, one must consult a doctor immediately. An X-ray examination can help doctors ascertain whether the knee has been partially or completely dislocated. Dislocated knee treatment will depend on the extent of damage to the knee. In case of a mild injury to the knee, following the RICE principle will certainly prove beneficial. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. While rest is obviously important in order to allow the damaged ligaments or cartilage to heal, applying ice packs can reduce the swelling. Wearing a compression wrap or a knee brace will also prevent the knee from bending and will therefore, promote healing. Keeping the affected leg elevated will also help in reducing the swelling. Painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids may also be prescribed. An elaborate treatment will be required if the diagnostic tests indicate considerable damage to the ligaments, cartilage or the nerves. First of all, vascular or nerve injuries need to be attended to. The next step involves reconstruction of the ligaments and cartilage. Once ligament, cartilage or meniscus tears are repaired, and the affected knee has been relocated, one will have to follow precautions regarding dislocated knee aftercare so as to speed up dislocated knee recovery. One may have to wear a cast for a couple of months to keep the affected knee immobilized. This is to promote faster healing and prevent any further damage.

Dislocated Knee Aftercare and Healing Time

Dislocated knee recovery time depends on a variety of factors. If the patient adheres to the guidelines given by doctors and follows the aftercare measures religiously, he/she may recover quickly. In the first couple of months when the affected knee is immobilized, the stress is on preventing any damage and promoting healing. During this time, the patient must use crutches and avoid putting weight on the affected leg. One must refrain from any activity that may put strain on the affected knee. Once the ligaments and cartilage have healed considerably, there is a need to strengthen the muscles and regain the normal range of motion. This can be achieved by going for physiotherapy sessions and performing rehabilitation exercises suggested by the physiotherapist. It is extremely important that the knee is reconditioned well. One should resume weight-bearing activities or indulge in physical activities such as running or playing a sport, only after getting the clearance from the doctor. One may take about four to six months to recover from a dislocated knee, but if one neglects the aspect of dislocated knee aftercare, one may take longer to recover and may not even be able to recover the normal range of motion.

Complying with the dislocated knee aftercare measures is a very important part of the dislocated knee treatment. While it is important to prevent damage to the knee and let the damaged cartilage and ligaments heal during the early stages of rehabilitation, it is important to regain the motion of the knee as well. Those who don't follow the self care measures may later be plagued by the serious issues of knee instability and may find it hard to flex, extend or rotate the knee effortlessly.

Possible Causes of Weak Knees

Small children may complain about knee pain after running, or elderly members in the family may develop knee pain due to arthritis. There exist numerous causes of weak knees. Common possible causes are described below. Finding out the correct cause of weak knees is necessary, as it helps determine proper treatment.

Common Causes of Weak and Painful Knees

One can develop knee pain suddenly, or may complain about chronic knee pain. Some people experience pain in the inner knee (back of the knee), while some experience pain above knee cap. Some avoid walking due to painful knees while some complain about knee pain after sitting. For perfect diagnosis, doctors would examine the symptoms. The symptoms may vary according to the causes. Here are some common causes of weak knees.

Arthritis
Arthritis can lead to weak knees in the elderly. Arthritis is a chronic disease, in which inflammation of the joints and severe pain is experienced by the patient. The disease affects the discs and the bones and leads to stiff joints. These days, more and more young people are being diagnosed with arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis is the main cause of formation of Baker's cyst behind knee. All this can make your knees significantly weak.

Previous or Fresh Injuries
Any type of strain or sprain can lead to stretched muscles, injured nerves or veins, resulting in weak knees. Torn ligament or torn cartilage in the knee is one of the major causes of weak knees. Athletes or sports personalities mostly have to face such problems. Knee injuries during car accidents are also common. Physical trauma or injury leading to dislocation of the knee cap can lead to weak knees, even after proper treatment. Injuries to the thighs, lower legs and hips can lead to increased pressure on knees. This can result in weak knees.

Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons in the knee joint can make movement of the knee joint impossible. In athletes, inflammation of the patellar tendon is one of the possible causes of weak knees. This leads to swelling of the knee and restricted or no movement at all. Tendons join the muscles to the bones in the joint and so play an important role in physical activities.

Bursitis
Bursae are the small sacks filled with synovial fluid. Bursae are present in the joints like the elbow, knee, ankle, hip, shoulder, etc. It is because of these bursae that we experience smooth movement of the joints. Inflammation of bursae is called bursitis which can also lead to weak knees. Injuries or infection in knee sac leads to a painful condition known as suprapatellar bursitis. The knee sac gets filled up with extra fluid and the person experiences swelling in the knee. The person may find it difficult to perform daily activities.

Diseases and Disorders
Connective tissue disorders like lupus, iliotibial band syndrome, bone tumors and Osgood-Schlatter condition can make your knees weak. Blood circulation problems (due to diabetes or any other reason), osteoporosis (low bone density) can lead to weak knees and leg pain. Obesity is one of the main causes of weak knees. The knee joints have to bear the weight of the body. Obese or overweight people are likely to complain about weak knees. Hyperthyroidism, varicose veins problems, sciatica, dehydration, anemia, restless leg syndrome, etc. can lead to weak knees.

Other Causes
Knee surgery, or a surgery in the adjoining structures like hip, leg, can make your knees weak. Low calcium levels or electrolyte imbalance due to wrong diet can lead to weakness in knees and legs. Wear and tear can be the cause of weak knees in the elderly. Excessive weakness due to any kind of diseases like flu, typhoid, diarrhea, cancer, can lead to weak knees. Women may experience weak knees and legs during pregnancy due to excessive weight. Sometimes, women may complain about weak knees during menstruation, or after childbirth, due to overall weakness. Excessive exercise and lack of exercise (sedentary lifestyle) are the causes of weak knees in people living in this modern world. Even use of ill-fitting shoes can cause problems in knees and legs. Lack of essential nutrients, excessive intake of alcohol, drugs, caffeine, soda, excessive smoking can weaken your bones and muscles. Standing, sitting or working with a wrong posture results in knee problems.

It can be concluded that any kind of infection of the knee joint, injuries to knee or the adjoining structures, surgeries, various diseases and disorders, wrong diet, bad habits and unhealthy lifestyle can make the knees weak. I hope you have found the cause of pain in your knees in the above list of possible causes of weak knees. Restricted movement of legs can result in a number of difficulties in performing daily activities. You should sincerely take care of your knees.

Twisted Knee

During activities such as walking, running, sports practice, dance practice or if you stumble upon any object while walking, it may injure your knee and if the injury is more severe, it may cause sliding of the bone located in the knee joint. It is one of the most common leg injuries and can be cured easily if the treatment is started in time and the due care is taken. A sprain can be defined as wrenching of the ankle, whereas strain can be defined as deformation of the body under application of the force. In case of knee injuries, sprain is much severe than strain. There are certain knee related medical conditions which are caused due to sprain or strain on the knees. Acute knee injuries are categorized into twisted knee or torn ligaments, anterior cruciate ligaments, torn meniscus and knee fracture. Overuse knee injuries include knee bursitis, knee tendonitis and muscle sprain.

Twisted Knee Causes and Symptoms

In case of a knee getting twisted, the most commonly damaged ligament is ACL or anterior cruciate ligament situated in the center of the knee. Twisted knee or sprained knee occurs due to overstretching of the ligament during sports activity or injury. During the injury, you can notice a popping sound, in case of twisted knee. The most common twisted knee symptoms include, bruising, inflammation, knee pain on movement, along with stiff knee. Tenderness in the knee is also observed. Activities like walking or pressure on the leg due to movement are painful and unstable. Twisted knee is caused due to sliding of the bones in the knee joint.

To evaluate the degree of damage, a simple physical examination for knee pain diagnosis can be done. Press the knee gently to feel the pain. You can feel a little tenderness in the knee. Try to move your knee left and right and up and down. You will notice a little soreness while doing the movement. This indicates a twisted knee. Twisted knee and no swelling indicates comparatively lighter injury of grade 1 and is characterized by tenderness of the knee. If the knee appears a little hot on touching, or discolored, inflamed or bruised, along with pain on sustaining any weight, see the doctor immediately. Inflammation indicate severe damage. To alleviate the discomfort due to knee problem, apply ice pack on the knee for temporary relief. It will reduce the inflammation and twisted knee pain for some time.

Treatment for Twisted Knee

The treatment for twisted knee injury is termed as RICE, which is an acronym for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Rest includes avoiding movements which will put stress on your knee and avoiding exercises which involve running or walking and leg instruments in the gym. While walking, you could use a cane, to avoid pressure on the knee. Ice bag application helps reduce inflammation. Wrap ice bag in a fabric and apply on the twisted knee for approximately 20 minutes and repeat 7-8 times a day. Compression includes pressing the knee with an elastic bandage. Make sure that you do not compress the knee too tight, as it will obstruct the blood flow. Knee braces also work for gentle knee compression. Elevate your knee for few times a day for a few days, till the pain subsides. Follow the RICE treatment for 5-6 days. If the leg pain and inflammation still persists, the degree of damage would be severe and the doctor needs to decide the treatment and medication. If soreness alleviates within 4-5 days of RICE treatment, it's time to do some mild strengthening exercises of the tendons. Fix a weight bag to the ankle, make sure that the weight is sustainable and try to lift or raise your foot, while sitting. Repeat this knee exercise for 10 times each in the morning, noon and evening. Do the same exercise, trying to move the knee to the left and right, as well. This gentle exercise works best for tendon strengthening.

This was about twisted knee injury, its symptoms, causes and treatment. If the pain and discomfort does not alleviate within 4-5 days of the RICE treatment, rush to the doctor and start the treatment in time, else it can cause further complications. Stay fit!