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Understanding Knee Injuries: Symptoms, Causes, and Care

The knee is the largest and one of the most complex joints in the human body, playing a vital role in movement and supporting the body’s weight. As a weight-bearing joint, the knee is essential for daily activities such as walking, standing, bending, and lifting. Due to its structure, the knee is particularly vulnerable to injury, especially in situations that involve physical exertion, trauma, or accidents. Injuries sustained at work or in an accident can be especially debilitating, affecting not just mobility but the ability to perform daily tasks and return to work.

Whether caused by a fall, workplace accident, or traumatic event, knee injuries can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and ability to work. These injuries require prompt and proper medical attention to prevent long-term complications and ensure a full recovery. Accident and Injury Rehab Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for individuals injured at work or in accidents, helping them regain function and return to normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.

Common Causes of Knee Injuries

Knee injuries often occur in work environments that require heavy lifting, prolonged standing, repetitive movement, or exposure to hazardous conditions. They can also result from accidents, such as car collisions or slip-and-fall incidents. Some common causes include:

Workplace Accidents

Employees in physically demanding jobs, such as construction, manufacturing, or warehousing, may risk knee injuries due to falls, incorrect lifting of heavy objects, or repetitive motion injuries. Additionally, those who work in jobs requiring long standing or walking hours (such as healthcare workers or retail employees) may develop overuse injuries, such as patellofemoral syndrome or tendonitis.

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slips, trips, and falls are common causes of knee injuries, especially in environments with wet, uneven, or cluttered floors. A sudden fall can result in sprains, fractures, or ligament tears, often requiring immediate medical intervention.

Car Accidents

Knee injuries are common in car accidents, as dashboards, steering wheels, and sudden jolts often impact them. Injuries can include fractures, dislocations, or damage to the ligaments and cartilage in the knee.

Repetitive Stress and Overuse

Workers in physically demanding jobs or those who perform repetitive motions with their knees—such as bending, squatting, or kneeling—may develop overuse injuries over time. These include bursitis, tendonitis, or early-stage osteoarthritis, which can significantly impair knee function.

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Common Types of Knee Injuries

Knee injuries vary in severity, from mild sprains to severe tears. Some of the most common types include:

Ligament Injuries

These occur when ligaments, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), are damaged by a twisting motion or a forceful impact. Ligament injuries often require prompt medical attention to avoid complications.

ACL Tears

The ACL is essential for knee stability. ACL tears typically occur during activities involving sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction. This injury often results in intense pain, swelling, and knee instability.

Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a cartilage that cushions the knee joint. Tears can result from trauma or degeneration and are often accompanied by pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Treatment may vary based on the severity of the tear.

Patella (Kneecap) Injuries

Fractures, dislocations, or contusions of the kneecap can cause sharp pain and limited mobility. Such injuries may require immediate intervention to prevent long-term complications.

Our Team

With over 5 decades of collective experience, our staff brings a wealth of wisdom and insight to your injury treatment and medical documentation that supports your legal claim. Our experience and caring approach allows us to provide thorough treatment to address your injuries and get you on the road to recovery.

Dr. Kelly Von-Schilling Worth, DC-DACAN

Double Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Chiropractic Internist

Dr. Eric Brueckner, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Elderize Von-Schilling Worth, CT, CRT

Chiropractic and Radiological Technician

Sejoon "Jay" Nakama CPT, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Signs and Symptoms of a Knee Injury

Recognizing the signs of a knee injury early is crucial for effective treatment. Symptoms can include:

  • Pain and Swelling
  • Instability
  • Reduced Range of Motion
  • Visible Deformity

When to Seek Medical Attention for Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common issue, and while some mild discomfort can often be treated at home with rest and essential self-care, there are specific circumstances where professional medical evaluation is crucial. Ignoring serious knee problems can lead to prolonged pain, further injury, and more complicated treatment down the road. It's essential to know when to seek medical attention for knee pain. You should consult a healthcare provider if:

  1. Pain persists despite rest and self-care measures. If your knee pain doesn’t improve after a few days of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.), it might indicate a more serious injury or underlying condition. Persistent pain can signal that further evaluation is necessary to prevent the issue from worsening.
  2. You cannot bear weight on the injured knee. If you have trouble standing or walking due to pain or instability in your knee, this could indicate a more severe injury, such as a ligament tear, fracture, or meniscus injury. In such cases, seeking medical attention is critical to assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action.
  3. The swelling is significant and doesn’t subside. If it doesn’t reduce over time or worsens, especially if accompanied by bruising or warmth, it can be a sign of internal bleeding, joint injury, or inflammation. Early treatment can help reduce swelling and prevent long-term complications.
  4. You notice a visible deformity in the knee joint. A visible deformity or a knee that appears out of alignment may indicate a dislocation, fracture, or severe ligament injury. This requires immediate medical evaluation to realign the joint, stabilize the injury, and prevent further damage.
  5. You hear a popping sound or feel a locking sensation. If you hear a sudden pop or crack or feel your knee is locking or catching, it could indicate cartilage damage or ligament injury. These symptoms often signal a serious issue that a professional should address.
  6. You experience numbness or tingling. Numbness or tingling sensations in the knee or leg can be caused by nerve compression, severe swelling, or an injury affecting the nerves around the knee. These symptoms should be evaluated promptly to avoid nerve damage.
  7. Pain is accompanied by fever or redness. If your knee pain is accompanied by fever, redness, or warmth, it may indicate an infection or inflammatory condition, such as septic arthritis or gout. These conditions require immediate treatment to prevent complications.

Why Early Intervention Is Important

Early medical intervention can help identify the root cause of knee pain, prevent further injury, and speed up recovery. If you delay treatment, you may risk exacerbating the issue, leading to more complex and longer-term rehabilitation. Proper diagnosis and care can help you return to your daily activities faster and more safely.

At Accident and Injury Rehab Center, our experts specialize in diagnosing and treating knee injuries. We provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the most effective treatment to address your injury and get back on track to recovery. Don’t wait for your knee pain to worsen—contact us today to schedule a consultation.

How is a Knee Injury Diagnosed?

Diagnosing knee injuries requires a comprehensive approach that includes a physical examination and advanced imaging tests. Some of the tools that are used to diagnose knee injuries include::

X-rays: These are used to assess bone fractures or misalignments.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): For detailed images of soft tissues such as ligaments, cartilage, and meniscus.

CT Scans: To obtain 3D images for complex knee injuries, providing a clearer understanding of the joint's internal structures.

Based on the results, our specialists develop a customized treatment plan to help you recover fully.

Treatment Options for Knee Injuries

Treatment for knee injuries varies based on the type and severity of the injury. Options may include:

Non-Surgical Treatment

For mild to moderate injuries, conservative measures such as the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications are often sufficient to manage pain and promote healing.

Surgical Treatment

For severe knee injuries, such as complete ligament tears or complex fractures, surgery may be necessary. Common procedures include:

  • Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive technique to repair or remove damaged tissues.
  • Knee Replacement Surgery: In cases of advanced joint degeneration or damage, knee replacement may be recommended to restore functionality and alleviate pain.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is crucial in recovery. Our physical therapy programs focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, improving flexibility, and restoring the joint's range of motion. The goal is to help you safely return to normal activity levels and prevent future injuries.

Why Choose Accident and Injury Rehab Center?

At Accident and Injury Rehab Center, we understand that recovering from an injury can be physically and emotionally challenging. That's why we are dedicated to offering compassionate, expert care specifically tailored to meet your individual needs and goals. Our highly experienced specialists are committed to guiding you through every step of your recovery process, from the initial diagnosis to your return to an active and pain-free lifestyle.

Regarding knee injuries, we use a comprehensive approach that includes the latest diagnostic testing to assess the extent of your injury. Once we clearly understand your condition, we design a personalized treatment and rehabilitation plan that is both effective and manageable. Our goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and strengthen your knee to prevent further damage and reduce the likelihood of future injuries.

Our team will work closely with you throughout your rehabilitation journey to ensure that you are healing and regaining the strength and mobility you need to fully participate in your daily activities and sports. We believe a proactive rehabilitation approach is key to long-term recovery and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Whether you are recovering from a recent knee injury or dealing with the long-term effects of an old one, our center is here to provide the specialized care and support you need. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive and motivating environment where your recovery is our top priority.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn how we can help you heal, strengthen your knee, and prevent future injuries. Let us help you take the first step toward reclaiming your health and returning to the activities you love.

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Accident & Injury Rehab Center Will Help You Recover

Your recovery journey starts here at Accident & Injury Rehab Center of Milwaukee. Our dedicated care team has a proven track record of helping over 10,000 patients heal from injuries. We provide compassionate care to aid patients’ recovery. Our personalized approach ensures that each patient receives tailored treatment and proper documentation, helping secure the benefits they need and a seamless transition back to their lives.

Advanced medical treatment

In addition to our compassionate care and outpatient treatment, we work with a network of medical professionals to offer additional care such as Pain Management services, Orthopedic Evaluations and treatment, Neurodiagnostic testing, and Surgery if needed. These services allow us to provide more options for a wide range of injuries and fully develop an Impairment Rating to build solid documentation for your injury claim.

Get the help you need today

At Accident and Injury Rehab Center, we offer same-day appointments to get you on the path to recovery as soon as possible. Give us a call or complete the form below to get started with a free consultation. We’re eager to meet you.

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