Our knees are key to our performance when engaging in most sports, including tennis, football, basketball, and skiing. They also get a good workout when performing exercises such as running or jogging. Of course, all of these activities make your knees particularly vulnerable to injury.
A sports medicine doctor can help you prevent knee injuries and the chronic pain they can cause. Some of the most common knee injuries due to sports are fractures, meniscal tears, and ligament injuries (especially of the ACL and PCL).
Let’s talk about these injuries and the symptoms they can cause, and where you can go for an evaluation and treatment by an orthopedic sports doctor.
Common Knee Injuries from Sports and Their Symptoms
Knee injuries while playing sports tend to produce the following symptoms:
Symptoms of a Fracture
A broken bone in the knee usually causes severe knee pain, tenderness, and swelling, as well as pain when moving the knee left and right or when straightening the leg. Knee fractures often result from a direct hit to the knee or a bad fall.
ACL Injury Symptoms
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is key to stability of the knee. A sudden twist or pivot can cause the ligament to stretch or tear, causing a popping sound and a loss of the ability to bear weight on the affected knee.
PCL Injury Symptoms
A blow to the knee while the knee is bent can result in damage to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which is directly behind the ACL. The two ligaments together form an “X” shape – thus the name cruciate. Symptoms of a PCL injury include knee pain and difficulty walking.
Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus
Each knee has two menisci, which are moon-shaped sections of cartilage that provide cushiony support to the joint. A torn meniscus is often a result of sudden twists, cutting movements, and tackling, which are common movements in contact sports.
Similar to an ACL injury, a meniscal tear can produce a popping sound. While you may be able to continue playing with a meniscus tear, symptoms such as swelling and stiffness will begin to appear within a few days. Your knee may also catch or lock.
Sports Medicine Doctors in Central Maryland
Our sports doctors here at the Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland (OACM) provide expert diagnosis and efficient treatment for your sports injury-related knee pain. Our facility offers treatment services such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, which are available in all of our locations: Catonsville, Columbia, Eldersburg, Ellicott City, and Jessup.
Plus, our orthopedic urgent care clinic in Columbia accepts walk-ins for non-life-threatening injuries. If you have questions, call (443) 524-2577.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with one of our outstanding sports medicine doctors, call our friendly staff today by calling us at (410) 644-1880 or (855) 4MD-BONE (463-2663), or fill out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!
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