Knees are among the most commonly injured body parts. We use our knees constantly, and we take them for granted. A serious knee injury can be painful, debilitating, and have long-term effects. Knee injuries commonly result from slip and falls, car accidents, bike accidents, workplace injuries, and any number of other scenarios. Below, we discuss a few of the more common types of knee injuries and how they should be treated. Call an experienced New York personal injury lawyer if you need assistance pursuing a New York premises liability claim, car accident claim, or any other negligence-based lawsuit.
Knee Sprain: ACL, PCL, MCL Injuries
Knee sprains refer to injury to the ligaments that hold the knee together. Ligament injuries are common in sports or in other situations under which the knee is overextended or forced to move in a way that it is not meant to move. When the knee moves in a way unsupported by the ligaments, ligament stretching or tearing can occur.
The most common ligaments to be injured are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which stabilize the knee’s front-to-back movement. Many people also suffer injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL), which stabilize the knee to prevent bone movement from side to side.
Knee sprains should be treated with rest and elevation, ice, compression with elastic bandages or tape, as well as a knee brace where necessary. Anti-inflammatory painkillers are helpful as well. Patients should avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks. For a more serious tear, physical therapy and surgery may be necessary.
Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is a thin piece of cartilage on either side of where the tibia (shinbone) meets the femur (thighbone). It’s located inside the knee joint just under the kneecap (patella). The meniscus acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and thighbone. Any overly forceful twisting or rotation of the knee can lead to a torn meniscus, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and difficulty extending the knee.
Patients suffering a torn meniscus should lay off their knees and take a rest. Doctors also recommend ice and anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen. For full recovery after a bad tear, physical therapy is often necessary. Under certain circumstances, surgery may be necessary as well.
Dislocation
Dislocation occurs when the knee bone is forcefully moved out of place. Dislocations are extremely painful and commonly occur after a violent impact, such as from a car accident, fall, or other collision.
Dislocations can right themselves over time with rest, but if the knee does not do so on its own, a doctor will have to relocate the knee bones back into the proper place. After a serious dislocation, ongoing physical therapy is commonly necessary to recover full range of motion, strength, and stability.
Torn Tendons
Overextension of the knee due to a fall or landing awkwardly during sports can lead to a torn tendon or knee strain. Tendon strains or tears can cause pain outside the knee joint, limit normal range of motion, stiffness, swelling, and a clicking or popping sound. Recommended treatment for torn tendons includes resting, icing, and gentle stretching. Tendon tears often require significant additional treatment and even surgery.
Get Help After a New York Knee Injury
If you have suffered a serious knee injury as a result of someone else’s negligence in New York, find out if you’re entitled to money damages for your injuries by contacting the professional and polished New York personal injury lawyers at the Bronx offices of the Kohn Law Firm for a free consultation, at 718-409-1200.