Types of knee injury

What are knee injuries?

Knee injuries are very common and can occur due to aging, arthritis or impact from playing sports, falling or road traffic accidents. The knee is made up of several components including joints, cartilage, ligaments and tendons, with any one of these being susceptible to injury. A knee injury can be very painful and cause difficulty walking or getting up from a chair and participating in sports.

What are the causes of knee injuries?

There are multiple potential causes of knee injuries, with playing sports, arthritis and age all being common factors contributing to those who are more likely to suffer a knee injury.

Types of knee injury

Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis can affect anyone of any age. It can be an extremely painful pathology that reduces mobility and significantly impacts on a person’s life. Osteoarthritis is best treated using a combination of manual therapy and physiotherapy based exercise prescription. 

Fractures

Knee fractures are most commonly caused by high intensity trauma such as falls from height and road traffic accidents. 

Dislocation

Dislocation of the knee will occur when the bones of the knee are out of place or forced out of alignment. 

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury

The anterior cruciate ligament is most commonly injured during sporting activities where someone might change direction rapidly or jump incorrectly, causing a tear in the ACL. The person may require surgery to treat the injury. Physiotherapy would be crucial after the surgical procedure. .

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury

The posterior cruciate ligament can be damaged during sporting activities where someone might change direction rapidly or jump incorrectly, causing a tear in the PCL. The person may require surgery to treat the injury. Physiotherapy would be crucial after the surgical procedure.

Collateral Ligament Injuries

The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) are found on the sides of your knee and are often caused by a force that pushes your knee sideways, resulting in injury.

Meniscal Tears

Another common sporting injury, meniscal tears occur when twisting, pivoting or being tackled. 

Chondral Defect Injury

A Chondral Defect Injury may occur as a result of a pivot or twist on a bent knee, or direct blow to the knee. They can also occur as a person gets older.  This type of injury can also occur alongside an ACL tear.