Knee Injury Treatment
Treatments for Knee Injuries
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation of the synovium and thickening of the plicae. The doctor usually prescribes medicine such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. The patient is also advised to reduce activity, apply ice and an elastic bandage to the knee, and do strengthening exercises. A cortisone injection into the plica folds helps about half of those treated. If treatment fails to relieve symptoms within 3-months, the doctor may recommend arthroscopic or open surgery to remove the plicae.
What Kinds of Doctors Treat Knee Problems?
Extensive injuries and diseases of the knees are usually treated by an orthopaedic surgeon, a doctor who has been trained in the non surgical and surgical treatment of bones, joints, and soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Patients seeking non surgical treatment of arthritis of the knee may also consult a rheumatologist (a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and related disorders).
How Can People Prevent Knee Problems?
Some knee problems, such as those resulting from an accident, can't be foreseen or prevented. However, a person can prevent many knee problems by following these suggestions:
Before exercising or participating in sports, warm up by walking or riding a stationary bicycle, then do stretches. Stretching the muscles in the front of the thigh (quadriceps) and back of the thigh (hamstrings) reduces tension on the tendons and relieves pressure on the knee during activity.
Strengthen the leg muscles by doing specific exercises (for example, by walking up stairs or hills, or by riding a stationary bicycle). A supervised workout with weights is another way to strengthen the leg muscles that support the knee.
Avoid sudden changes in the intensity of exercise. Increase the force or duration of activity gradually.
Wear shoes that both fit properly and are in good condition to help maintain balance and leg alignment when walking or running. Knee problems can be caused by flat feet or over pronated feet (feet that roll inward). People can often reduce some of these problems by wearing special shoe inserts (orthotics). Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee. Obesity increases the risk of degenerative (wearing) conditions such as osteoarthritis of the knee.
What Types of Exercise Are Most Suitable for Someone With Knee Problems?
Three types of exercise are best for people with arthritis:
1. Range-of-motion exercises help maintain normal joint movement and relieve stiffness. This type of exercise helps maintain or increase flexibility.
2. Strengthening exercises help keep or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect joints affected by arthritis.
3. Aerobic or endurance exercises improve function of the heart and circulation and help control weight. Weight control can be important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts pressure on many joints. Some studies show that aerobic exercise can reduce inflammation in some joints.