Four Common Sports Injuries a Knee Specialist in Gramercy Park Can Treat

Sports are a fun source of physical activity, but they can be hard on our joints—especially our knees. According to a study performed by the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine, there were an estimated 6.6 million knee injuries presented to U.S. emergency departments between 1999 and 2008, with 49.3% of those being sports- and/or recreation-related. For optimal consultative and treatment results, it’s best to visit the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute’s knee specialists in Gramercy Park.

Don’t Ignore Your Sports-Related Knee Injury Any Longer

While you may be inclined to “play through the pain,” that decision could have detrimental results. Minor and major sports injuries often have similar symptoms, so it’s best to see a knee specialist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

There are a variety of knee injuries that can be sustained from sports/recreational activities. Here are four common ones that our knee specialists in Gramercy Park can expertly treat:

1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
   The anterior cruciate ligament is one of four ligaments that keep the knee joint stable. About half of all ACL injuries occur in tandem with damage to other parts of the knee, including articular cartilage, meniscus, or other ligaments.
   
   In most cases, an ACL injury is diagnosed as either a Grade One, Two, or Three sprain. A Grade One sprain is a mildly damaged ACL that has been slightly stretched. A Grade Two sprain is a partial tear, where the ACL has been stretched to the point of becoming loose. A Grade Three sprain is a complete tear, where the ACL has been split in two. Sports that involve changing direction quickly, jumping, or colliding (such as basketball, soccer, and football) are often the cause of ACL injuries.

2. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury
   Like the ACL, the PCL is one of the main stabilizers of the knee, except it is stronger and broader. Located behind the knee, it connects the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone) and prevents the tibia from moving back too far. PCL injuries are graded on the same scale as ACL injuries. A PCL injury typically forms with a powerful hit to the knee while it’s bent, which can occur in almost all contact sports.

3. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
   Unlike the ACL and PCL, which are found on the inside of the knee joint, the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) are found on the sides of the knee. The MCL in particular provides knee stability and prevents the knee from over-extending. MCL injuries are graded on the same scale as ACL and PCL injuries. When the outer knee is hit with a great force, it can cause the inner part of your knee to overstretch, creating a strain or tear. High-contact sports, such as football, hockey, and soccer, see these types of injuries very often.
   
   The good news is that the majority of MCL injuries heal successfully without surgery and patients typically make a full recovery. However, there are some MCL injuries that do require surgical intervention. Therefore, it is imperative that anyone with an MCL injury see their local Rothman Orthopaedic Institute knee doctor promptly.

4. Meniscal Tear
   There are two, wedge-shaped pieces of fibrocartilage located between the femur and tibia; these are the meniscus. They act as shock absorbers by cushioning the joint and providing stability. Menisci can tear in many different ways. Common types of tears are bucket handle, flap, radial, and degenerative.
   
   In order for a knee doctor to determine which type of tear it is, she or he will take note of the way it looks and exactly where the tear has occurred. A meniscal tear from sports is usually caused by rapid movement, such as twisting, pivoting, squatting, or changing directions and from being tackled.

If you think you have experienced a sports or recreational-related knee injury, don’t hesitate to seek care! The experts at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute are ready to guide your recovery process. To schedule an appointment with one of our knee specialists in Gramercy Park, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.