5 Common Knee Injuries From Falling

Several kinds of knee injuries may arise from falling:

• ligament traumas

• meniscus injuries

• fractures

• dislocation

• bursitis

Knee injuries are common from falling. They can range from mild sprains to severe fractures or dislocations. To treat knee pain after a fall, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential. Common treatment options include rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy. Often, pain management with over-the-counter or prescription medications can also be useful. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for proper healing and to prevent complications.

Types of Knee Injuries Occur from Fall

Knee injury from falling can really vary, but commonly, they include:

• Ligament Injuries. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are the most commonly affected ligaments in the knee. 
• Meniscus Injuries. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) in the knee joint. Meniscus after a fall can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty bending the knee.
• Fractures. Fractures or breaks in the knee joint bones include the femur, tibia, and patella (kneecap). 
• Dislocation. A fall can cause the bones of the knee joint to become dislocated or move out of their normal position. 
• Bursitis. It is inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. A fall can cause trauma to the knee, leading to bursitis, which can cause pain and knee swelling after the fall.

Ligament Injuries

Ligament injuries can be a painful and common occurrence from falls on your knee. When a person falls, the sudden force and impact can put an immense amount of stress on the knee joint. Ligaments are responsible for stabilizing the knee, for becoming stretched or torn. The severity of the injury can vary from a minor sprain to a complete tear of the ligament. Some people may experience a popping or snapping sound in their knee at the time of injury. Symptoms of a ligament injury can include:

• pain
• swelling
• stiffness
• difficulty moving the knee

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the fall on the knees. It may include rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy.

Meniscus Injuries

A meniscus injury is a common knee injury that can occur from a fall. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a shock absorber. A fall can cause the meniscus to become torn or damaged. It leads to pain, limited mobility, and knee swelling after a fall. The symptoms of a meniscus injury can include:

• clicking or popping sounds
• difficulty bending or straightening the knee
• a feeling of instability in the knee joint

Treatment options for meniscus injuries can range from rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy to surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent further damage and promote healing.

Fractures

Fractures are common injuries that can occur from a fall on the knees. A fracture is a break or crack in the bone. The severity of the injury can range from a hairline crack to a complete break in the bone. A fall can cause a fracture in any bone in the body, but fractures in the hip, wrist, and spine are particularly common. Symptoms of a fracture can include:

• pain
• swelling
• bruising
• difficulty moving the affected limb

Treatment options for this knee injury from falling can vary. They depend on the severity and location of the fracture. They may include immobilization, pain management, and surgical intervention to repair the bone. 

Dislocation

Dislocations are another type of injury that can occur from falls on the knees. A dislocation is when a joint becomes completely or partially dislodged from its normal position. A fall can cause a dislocation in any joint, but common locations include the shoulder, elbow, and knee. Symptoms of dislocation can include:

• pain
• swelling
• deformity
• limited mobility in the affected joint

Treatment options for this knee injury from falling may include manual reduction, where a healthcare provider repositions the joint back into its normal position, followed by immobilization with a cast or splint. Physical therapy may also be recommended. It will help restore mobility and strength in the affected joint. Early treatment can help to prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a type of injury that can occur from a fall on the knees. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs. They act as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles around joints. A fall can cause these bursae to become inflamed, leading to bursitis. Symptoms of bursitis can include:

• pain
• swelling
• warmth
• tenderness in the affected area

Common locations for bursitis include the knee, elbow, and shoulder. Treatment options for bursitis may include rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy, as well as pain management with over-the-counter or prescription medications. In some cases, aspiration or corticosteroid injections may be necessary to relieve symptoms.

How to Treat Knee Pain after a Fall? 

When it comes to treating knee pain after a fall, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A medical professional can assess the extent of the injury. He will recommend appropriate treatment options.

Some common treatment options for knee pain after a fall include:

1. Rest and ice. Resting the knee and applying ice can help reduce swelling and pain. It is recommended to apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
2. Pain medication. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain.
3. Physical therapy. A medical professional may recommend physical therapy. It will help improve the range of motion and strength.
4. Knee brace or support. In some cases, a knee brace or support may be recommended. It provides added stability and support during the healing process.
5. Compression and elevation. Compression, such as using an elastic bandage, can help reduce knee swelling after a fall. Elevating the affected knee above the heart can also help reduce swelling.
6. Surgery. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair any damage to the knee.
7. Chiropractic care. A chiropractor may perform a physical examination. He will assess your condition and may use various techniques. They will relieve your pain and improve your knee function. 

It is essential to follow the recommended treatment plan. Don’t forget to attend any necessary follow-up appointments with a medical professional. If knee pain persists or worsens, it is important to seek medical attention again.

Furthermore, after recovering from knee pain after a fall, it is essential to prevent future injuries. Just take some precautions! For example, wearing comfortable footwear, avoiding uneven surfaces, and stretching regularly. In addition, incorporate strength training and low-impact exercises into a fitness routine. This can help improve knee health and reduce the risk of future knee injuries.

What Type of Doctor Should I Choose to Treat Knee Pain? 

When it comes to treating knee pain, there are several healthcare professionals. They can offer different perspectives and treatments depending on the severity and cause of the pain. Some of the healthcare professionals who can treat knee pain include:

• Primary care physicians offer initial evaluation and treatment to moderate knee pain after a fall. They can order imaging tests or refer to other specialists if the pain is severe or persistent.
• Orthopedic surgeons specialize in surgical treatments for knee injuries. For example, torn ligaments, meniscus tears, and osteoarthritis. They may also provide non-surgical treatments, such as injections, braces, or physical therapy.
• Rheumatologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and bones. They include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and osteoarthritis. Doctors provide treatments to help reduce inflammation and pain in the knee joint.
• Physical therapists can help improve knee strength and flexibility. It is all thanks to exercise and rehabilitation after falling on the knees. They may also use techniques to reduce pain and improve the range of motion. For example, manual therapy and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

In addition to these healthcare professionals, chiropractors can also help you out. They use manual techniques to manipulate the spine and other joints. They can offer adjustments to the knee joint to help reduce pain and improve the range of motion. 

Conclussion

The type of doctor to choose for knee injury from falling depends on the underlying cause. It is recommended to consult with a primary care physician first. He can provide a referral to a specialist if necessary. A multidisciplinary approach incorporates different healthcare professionals as needed. It can often provide the most effective treatment for any injury that occurs after a fall on your knee.