KNEE PAIN

 

      Knee pain can affect people of all ages.  The American Asociation of Orthopaedic Surgery has created an interactive site about knees.
 Check this out!   www.saveyourknees.org
          3-D Animation Video provided by the
American Orthopaedic Society For Sports Medicine
Knee Surgery

Did you know that the knee is the largest joint in your body, and also one of the most easily injured? Did you know that many knee injuries can be treated successfully without surgery?

The knee consists of the lower end of the thighbone (femur), which rotates on the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and the knee cap (patella), which slides in a groove on the end of the femur. The knee contains large ligaments, which help control motion by connecting bones and by bracing the joint against abnormal types of motion. Another important structure, the meniscus, is a wedge of soft cartilage between the femur and tibia that serves to cushion the knee and helps it absorb shock during motion.

Common Knee Injuries

Many athletes experience injuries to their knee ligaments. Of the four major ligaments found in the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) are often injured in sports. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) may also be injured.  Read about common knee injuries information provided by the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgery:

  • ACL injury
    Changing direction rapidly, slowing down when running, and landing from a jump may cause tears in the ACL. Athletes who participate in skiing and basketball, and athletes who wear cleats, such as football players, are susceptible to ACL injuries.
  • MCL injury
    Injuries to the MCL are usually caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee. These types of injuries often occur in contact sports, such as football or soccer.
  • PCL injury
    The PCL is often injured when an athlete receives a blow to the front of the knee or makes a simple misstep on the playing field.
  • Torn cartilage
    When people talk about torn knee cartilage, they are usually referring to a torn meniscus. The mensicus is a tough, rubbery cartilage that is attached to the knee's ligaments. The meniscus acts like a shock absorber. In athletic activities, tears in the meniscus can occur when twisting, cutting, pivoting, decelerating, or being tackled. Direct contact is often involved.

Watch this 3-D Animation Video Provided by the American Orthopaedic Society For Sports Medicine

SPORTS TIPS from the American Orthopaedic Society For Sports Medicine:

  • THE ACL INJURY
  • MENISCAL TEARS IN THE ATHLETE 

     
    At Franklin Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, you will find caring and compassionate orthopaedic surgeons and medical personnel comitted to getting you back to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible with the least amount of pain. 
    Call us today at 615-771-1116

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