Knee Injuries are a major cause of disability and injury, especially in the elderly. A fall, collision, or sporting activity may cause them.
It’s a common fact that you can’t prevent all injuries. But you CAN avoid knee injuries after a fall with some simple precautions.
Knee injuries are a serious issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they’re the third most common injury in the United States.
And if you’ve ever had a knee injury, you know how painful they can be. They may even prevent you from participating in activities you love.
While prevention is always the best way to go, there are some things you can do to minimize the damage of a knee injury.
A common knee injury after a fall is called posterior tibial tendonitis. It happens when the posterior tibial tendon (the thickest tendon in your leg) tears at its attachment to the lower shin bone, the tibia. This happens because people who have had a knee injury have a less stable knee joint, so they can easily get the tibia out of alignment, which can damage the tendon.
What is a knee injury?
Knee injuries include everything from knee sprains to tears. Most of these minor injuries can usually be fixed with rest and ice.
Knee injuries are common, but they’re not a given. They can happen when you slip and fall, jump from a height, or run.
Types of knee injuries
Injuries to the knee are extremely common. There are several types of knee injuries, from sprains to ACL tears, and many of them have different symptoms.
Some common causes of knee injuries include slipping, tripping, and falling. It’s important to note that these damages can occur with or without external forces, such as collisions and falls.
Here’s a list of common knee injuries and their causes:
• Sprains are typically caused by hyperextension and can be treated with rest, ice packs, compression, and elevation.
• Meniscus tears happen when the knee is bent and can be treated with ice packs, compression, and elevation.
• Bursitis happens when a bursa (fluid-filled sac) in the knee becomes inflamed and can be treated with rest, ice packs, compression, and elevation.
• Patellar dislocation occurs when the kneecap dislocates from the patellar groove, and it can be treated with rest, ice packs, compression, and elevation.
• Cartilage tears can be caused by direct contact with an object and can be treated with rest, ice packs, compression, and elevation.
• ACL tears can be caused by direct contact with an object and can be treated with rest, ice packs, compression, and elevation.
How to avoid knee injuries after a fall
You can’t prevent all injuries, but you can do a few things to reduce the risk of knee injuries.
• Use a knee brace or strap if you’re involved in sports that require jumping and running.
• Avoid stairs. You can’t prevent all stair-related injuries, but you can reduce the risk.
• Wear shoes with good arch support and good ankle support.
• Avoid walking barefoot on rough terrain.
• Stay away from cliffs, steps, and uneven ground.
• Be aware of your surroundings. • Practice safe lifting and carrying.
• Keep your weight off your injured knee.
The treatments for knee injuries
Knee injuries are a serious issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they’re the third most common injury in the United States.
And as any athlete knows, knee injuries are more than just an inconvenience. They can seriously affect your athletic performance and career.
Fortunately, the best way to treat knee injuries is by doing physical therapy.
That’s why the majority of the population needs to get physical therapy. However, if you’re suffering from a knee injury, you might be worried that physical therapy won’t help you.
This is a common misconception. It’s a myth that the medical industry has spread to discourage people from getting treatment.
Here’s the truth: Physical therapy can be an effective way of healing knee injuries. Some studies have shown that it can help you heal faster.
And the best part? It doesn’t cost much at all. If you’re looking for affordable physical therapy, consider visiting a chiropractor.
The best way to prevent knee injury after a fall
Don’t rush into moving on from a fall. Instead, assess your situation and make sure you don’t do anything that might cause further damage.
You may have to wait for help, or you may need to call an ambulance. If you’re unsure how to proceed, contact someone who knows what they’re doing.
Try to avoid landing on your knees or ankles. If you must land on them, ensure you absorb the impact with your legs rather than your head.
Sit up straight immediately after the fall. Sit with your feet flat on the ground and your body weight on your butt.
If you’re unsure if you need to go to the hospital, try not to move.
Tell someone you trust about the fall if you need to go to the hospital.
If you’re taking prescription medication, check with your doctor about whether it will affect your fall risk.
Make sure you have adequate lighting. This includes overhead lights and streetlights.
It’s important to remember that every person is different. Some people don’t experience knee pain after a fall.
Frequently asked questions about Knee Injury.
Q: Can you give us some advice on how to prevent knee injuries after a fall?
A: For women, try to land on your knees, not your legs.
Q: I like to stand tall. How can I protect my knees better?
A: There are things you can do to protect your knees better. When standing on a carpeted floor, ensure it is firm. Make sure that you are wearing proper shoes for your height. Wear protective pads in your shoes if you need to.
Q: How can I know if I’m landing on my knees or legs?
A: If you feel pain in your knees, you’re likely landing on your knees.
Top Myths About Knee Injury
1. People should not walk on their knees after a fall.
2. They should put pressure on their feet or hips.
3. They should use crutches.
4. They should have surgery.
Conclusion
I love the idea of using your knee as an exercise tool. Using it properly can be a fantastic way to tone and strengthen your leg muscles.
However, your knee can be extremely painful if you are not careful. That’s why I strongly recommend only doing exercises you feel comfortable with.
It also helps to wear a supportive brace to protect your knee while working out.
