Do You Need Knee Injury Treatment from a Sports Medicine Specialist?

Unsure When to See a Knee Doctor? Here’s How You Know.

Whether you run, bike, lift weights, or compete in any other athletic activity, you are probably well aware of the risk of injuries. Regardless of the type of exercise you participate in, injuries can happen to everyone. If you are a highly-competitive athlete, you may be tempted to play or push through pain that arises, especially if it is only mild. But if a real injury exists, this can result in more damage. So, how do you know when you need Sports Medicine treatment in Ridgewood?

The Sports Medicine specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute aim to educate athletes on when to see a doctor for pain, specifically for sports knee injuries. Below are a few common knee injuries that our Sports Medicine doctors diagnose and treat. If you suspect you have one of the injuries below, seek the expert opinion of a medical professional.

Possible Causes of Knee Pain in Athletes

• Ligament injuries
  The knee is comprised of four ligaments: the anterior cruciate (ACL), posterior cruciate (PCL), medial collateral (MCL), and lateral collateral (LCL). The knee joint depends on the functionality and health of these ligaments for stability. The treatment of a ligament injury depends on the severity of the tear. For example, most MCL injuries are successfully treated without surgery; however, severe cases do require a surgical procedure. An evaluation from a Sports Medicine specialist will determine the exact type of treatment necessary for your individual case.

• Cartilage injuries
  Sports injuries that impact the knees can damage the articular lining cartilage in the knee. Cartilage damage does not always appear in an x-ray, although it may be visible on an MRI. A common cartilage injury is the presence of loose bodies, fragments of cartilage that float inside the knee joint and potentially cause pain or loss of motion.
  
  Rothman Orthopaedic Institute now offers Platelet Rich Plasma injections for the treatment of early diffuse cartilage injuries. Ask one of our specialists if these options are applicable to your case.

• Meniscal Tears
  The meniscus is made up of fibrocartilage, a shock-absorbing substance that protects the cartilage in the knee. A meniscal tear typically occurs during sports play, although it can result from a bad fall or even from getting up from a squatted position. The location of the tear will determine what type of treatment a doctor suggests.

• Patellar Tendonitis
  Tendonitis refers to the inflammation of the tendons, usually due to overuse. Patellar tendonitis impacts the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. This condition commonly affects athletes who must jump in their sports and it can lead to patellar tendon tears.

Knee Pain: When to Seek Sports Medicine Treatment in Ridgewood

It is not always easy to differentiate between soreness and pain. Regardless, any discomforting symptoms are signals from your body that either something is wrong or you need to rest. Below are three signs you should see a Sports Medicine specialist for knee pain.

1. The pain is associated with discoloration, inflammation, or other symptoms. Even if what you feel is mild, be aware of these other indications of a medical condition.

2. Your symptoms worsen when you do certain activities. If putting pressure on your knees through walking or running increases your pain, or, contrarily, if sitting or laying idly for a period of time causes discomfort, keep track of this and tell your doctor at your next appointment.

3. Rest and conservative treatments have failed to provide relief. Has taking a break from exercising still not improved your condition? You may require a more advanced treatment administered by a professional.

The physicians and surgeons at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute know that sports injuries are challenging to deal with on your own. Let us help you by answering your injury questions and finding treatments that work best for you.

For more information about knee injuries, or to schedule an appointment for Sports Medicine treatment in Ridgewood, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.