Knee Injury

A knee injury can occur as a result of direct trauma, wear and tear, or an awkward twist. Other conditions weaken your knee, making it more prone to injury.

The following factors may make it easier for you to sustain a knee injury:

• Being overweight. Obesity causes your knees to buckle under the extra weight, which is especially noticeable while climbing stairs. Being overweight and not exercising can cause your muscles to become less flexible and lose strength. As a result, your knees may feel jerky and unstable, which might lead to an injury.
• Playing sports. If you love playing sports, jumping, bending, kicking, and twisting may cause problems with your knees. It’s especially dangerous if you overdo it or take up a physical activity after being inactive for a while. Certain sports, like running and jogging, are especially taxing on your knees.
• Working at certain jobs. Your job may be hard on your body, including your knees. Knees often develop problems if you tend to carry heavy objects for long distances. If you have to bend your knees to squat or kneel constantly while you work, you can end up with knee problems and injuries. Scrubbing floors and gardening can cause a knee injury.
• Other factors. Wearing improper shoes for your activities, whether it’s playing a sport, walking for exercise, or doing chores around the house, increases your chances of suffering a knee injury. Previous injuries increase your risks as well.

A swollen knee is often the first sign of an injury. The knee injury doctors at the NJ center for pain management will thoroughly examine your knees during your consultation. This exam helps our specialist determine why you need treatment for a swollen knee.

Injuries that end up causing swelling in your knees include:

• Fracture. A bone fracture can occur as a result of a fall, a car accident, or a direct hit while playing sports. Osteoporosis weakens your bones to the point that they can fracture.
• Sprained knee. You may sprain your knee as a result of engaging in too much physical activity for which you have not adequately prepared.
• Meniscal injuries. If you twist your knee suddenly, the meniscus, the cartilage that circles your knee joint, may tear.
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome. This pain is due to damage to the kneecap and the surrounding cartilage.
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). An ACL injury can occur when you suddenly twist or change directions. Playing soccer puts you at risk.
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). A PCL injury occurs as a result of a direct hit, such as when you are tackled in football.
• Medial cruciate ligament (MCL). When you are hit directly on the outside of your knee, the blow can cause MCL damage.
• Patellar tendonitis. This condition develops when your knee tendons get irritated and inflamed. It’s prevalent in athletes who run, jump, ski, or cycle.
• Knee bursitis. The fluid-filled bursa keeps your knee joint operating smoothly. If they’re damaged, it causes friction between the bones and surrounding tissues.
• Loose bodies. Pieces of bone cartilage that have broken off due to an injury or accident cause problems in your knee joint.
• Osgood-Schlatter disease. This disease affects preteen and teenage boys. It causes the patellar tendon to become inflamed. The tendon may tear away from the thigh bone in severe cases.
• Dislocated kneecap. If your kneecap shifts out of place, it creates a painful condition.
• Iliotibial band syndrome. When the band becomes so tight that it irritates the thigh bone, it causes sharp, burning pain.
• Plica syndrome. The bands of synovial tissues can become irritated due to overuse or injury, causing pain.