A short slide show from http://www.tristateorthotc.com/orthopaedic-services/sports-medicine.html on the basic anatomy of the knee, common injuries, treatment for mild injuries, and when tot see a doctor.
2. MEET THE KNEE
Oblique by Perfect Zero
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/86236275@N00/4475886940/)
Last day for the old knee by Postbear
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/91387326@N00/4593578226/)
The knee is a very complex joint; in fact, it’s the largest joint in
the human body. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most easily
injured.
3. TIME TO GET INTIMATE...
Anatomy of the Knee
The knee is made up in part by the lower part of the femur, tibia (a.k.a. shin bone), and patella (a.k.a.
kneecap). It also contains ligaments which help regulate motion. There is a wedge of cartilage in the
knee that helps absorb motion (it basically acts as a cushion) called the meniscus.
4. FOUL!
Knee injuries are fairly common especially
among athletes. One of the most common
knee injuries is “disruption” of the anterior
cruciate ligament (a.k.a. ACL). The ACL is an
elastic band of tissue that helps hold the knee
joint together.
According to the American Orthopedic
Society for Sports Medicine, every year
approximately 150,000 ACL injuries occur in
the U.S. (Coleman, 2011)!
Coleman, E. (2011). Statistics on ACL Injuries in Athletes. Retrieved from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/548782-statistics-on-acl-injuries-in-athletes/#ixzz22t7PUG48
5. OTHER KNEE INJURIES
There are a wide range of other possible
knee injuries including sprains, broken
bones, problems with other ligaments such
as the medial collateral ligament and the
posterior cruciate ligament, and tearing the
meniscus (that cushioning cartilage that
acts as a shock absorber).
Basket a contraluz l by Magec
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/7911718@N05/1352257174/)
6. R.I.C.E. ANYONE?
Mild knee injuries can be treated with R.I.C.E.:
R(est) - stay off of the knee as much as possible (this may call
for the use of crutches)
I(ce) - apply ice to the injury spot to reduce swelling
C(ompression) - wrap the knee snuggly in an elastic
bandage to help control swelling
E(levation) - keep the knee propped up above the level of
your heart
7. CALL A DOCTOR!
Seek treatment from a medical professional if:
- You have severe pain
- Hear a popping noise or feel your knee giving out at the time
of injury
- Swelling persists
- You can’t move the knee
8. WANT TO KNOW MORE?
To find out more about the knee, sports
medicine, and possible treatments....
Visit Tristate Orthopedic Treatment
Center at: www.tristateorthotc.com
Chip? by Cee-dub
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/39472722@N00/359657229/)
