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.

How do you treat knee injuries?
Physiotherapy is essential for treating acute knee injuries, with cold compression therapy, massage and a focus on regaining strength and movement taking the highest priority. For chronic knee injuries, a combination of manual therapy and exercise prescription will be used to ensure full potential is reached.
Our team understands the impact that a knee injury can have on your life, and we always aim to reduce this impact by offering a comprehensive treatment plan which focuses on pain management and strengthening the muscles which support your knee.
Flex Health Hull
4B Newland Science Park
Inglemire Lane
Hull
HU6 7TQ
01482 966 006
Flex Health York
Roko Gym
Stirling Road
York
YO30 4TU
01904 390 901