Treatment Options for Common Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are some of the most common injuries which people sustain. The two categories of injuries to the knee are traumatic and non-traumatic or overuse type injuries. Both types of injuries can be debilitating and can limit your ability to complete daily activities or sports.

The first few days after an injury are crucial. You should treat your injury with the R.I.C.E principle (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Ice, compression and elevation will help with controlling the amount of swelling that occurs from your injury.

There has been recent information on social media regarding the effectiveness of ice on acute injuries, although inflammation after an injury is important, too much can cause damage to other surrounding tissues, and cause pain. Ice will help to reduce swelling and pain. In regards to the rest principle, it means avoiding painful activities but continuing to move the knee is important to maintain your range of motion.

With an overuse injury, rest is important but proper rest is the key. Rest does not mean stop from being active or moving but making sure you are resting from any activity that increases or promotes your pain. Limiting the activity that promotes your pain will decrease the overall irritation to your knee which will allow you to better rehabilitate your injury.

Rest is the first step in recovery from a knee injury for the first few days, the second most important step is enlisting in a trusted healthcare professional to assess and properly diagnose your injury. This is where your rehabilitation truly begins.

1. Pain Relief & Swelling Control

This can include ultrasound therapy, TENS or IFC. These modalities are aimed at helping control swelling and decrease pain which will allow you to progress you rehabilitation.

Once the pain and swelling are controlled, beginning to increase your range of motion and strength are very important.

2. Increase Range Of Motion

At this time, your therapist will also be able to assess for any muscle imbalances, weaknesses or deficiencies which may have led to your injury using a functional assessment (eg. SFMA/selective functional movement assessment).

Treating and correcting movement deficiencies can help with your rehabilitation and also decrease the risk of re-injury. Adding those exercises in with your rehabilitation exercises will furtherer your recovery and help you return to activity as soon as possible.

3. Use Taping Or Bracing

Your therapist can also employ taping or bracing to assist with the recovery process. The tape or brace can help with stability but can also be used to provide the body with proprioceptive feedback or aid the muscle to function.

4. Allow A Professional Guide You Through Activities

Lastly, your therapist will be able to properly progress you through a return to sport or activity to decrease the risk of re-injury and assist you with future injury prevention.