Sports-Related Knee Injury Symptoms and Treatment Options

Reviewed by SIO’s board-certified orthopedic specialist, Dr. Debellis.

The knee is a large, complex joint that is essential for physical activity. Regardless of what sport athletes play, their knees have to be in prime condition to compete. Given the knee’s size, complexity, and location, it is very vulnerable to injury. Common injuries include a variety of dislocations, sprains, tears, and even fractures. 

While the knee is a common source of injuries for athletes, many knee injuries are very treatable. Depending on the severity of the injury, the recovery process may include noninvasive or invasive measures. 

Read on to learn about the most common knee injuries in sports, how to prevent them, and where to get treatment for a knee injury. 

Common Knee Injuries in Sports–Symptoms and Treatments

The knee is made up of many different tissues that work together to provide stability and flexion. A combination of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons all have to work in unison for the knee to function properly. However, if one of those components gets hurt, the entire knee suffers. Here are some of the most common sports-related knee injuries:

Knee Ligament Injuries

Ligaments are rugged bands of connective tissue that support and control movement. When you injure a ligament in the knee, it will often cause knee instability and limited movement. There are four main types of ligament injuries in the knee:

• ACL Injury: The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is in the center of the knee and controls both forward movement and rotation of the shin. Sudden stops or changes in direction may cause an ACL injury.
• PCL Injury: The PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) is also in the center of the knee but controls the backward movement of the shin. While it is a very strong ligament, it can still stretch or tear because of a violent impact.
• LCL Injury: (Lateral Collateral Ligament) is a thin band of tissue that runs along the outside of the knee. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the smaller shin bone (fibula) and helps stabilize the knee joint. The LCL can often get injured in activities that require twisting.
  
• MCL Injury: The MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) stabilizes the outer knee. Athletes may sprain their MCL after receiving a forceful blow to the outer side of the knee.

If athletes sprain a ligament, treatment does not usually require surgery. However, for injuries where athletes tear one or moretheir ligaments, surgery is the only way to make a full recovery.

Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that effectively acts as a shock absorber for the knee. Meniscus tears are relatively common knee injuries in sports and are often caused by sudden twists or trauma. Common symptoms of a meniscus tear include: 

• Pain in the inside, outside, or back of the knee
• Locking or clicking sensations in the knee
• Swelling
• Reduced range of motion

Depending on the severity of the meniscus tear, athletes may be able to recover without surgery. However, they may require surgical treatment in some cases.

Thankfully, meniscus tears are relatively avoidable with the proper strengthening routine. Visit an sports medicine orthopedic specialist or physical therapist to learn how to strengthen the surrounding muscles and preventhead off a meniscus tears. 

Knee Bursitis

Knee bursae are sacs of fluid in the knee that help prevent the various tissues and bones in the knee from scraping together. Common causes of knee bursitis include traumatic blows and repetitive motions causing friction in the knee joint that results in symptoms such as:

Effectively, bursitis causes friction in the knee joint that results in symptoms like:

• Inflammation
• Pain when kneeling
• Discomfort after not moving the joint for a while
• A sharp pain followed by an aching pain
• Unusual warmth around the knee
• Decreased range of motion

Most cases of knee bursitis require minimal medical treatment. However, bursitis is easily mistaken for other knee problems, such as Arthritis, tendonitis, and stress fractures; visit an orthopedic doctor trained in sports medicine to have your knee injury properly diagnosed and treated.

Knee Dislocations

A knee dislocation occurs when the femur and tibia no longer connect at the knee joint. In other words, one of the bones has been forced out of place. Knee dislocations often occur when a twisting motion is paired with a foot planted on the ground. Common symptoms of a dislocated knee include:

• Severe pain
• Visible knee deformity
• Loss of sensation below the knee
• Rapid swelling
• Loose kneecap

Dislocations are serious injuries that, depending on their severity, may require relocation or surgery. 

Patellar Fractures

The patella, or kneecap, can fracture under extreme circumstances. Often the result of a significant blow or trauma, the patella fractures if the stress is too much to handle. Patellar fractures are severe injuries that require immediate medical attention. Common symptoms of patellar fractures include:

• Noticeable defect in the kneecap
• Sudden and intense pain at the front of the knee
• Severe swelling
• Inability to move foot or shin

In certain cases of patellar fractures, athletes may not need surgical intervention to repair their knees. In those cases, a cast or splint will be enough to immobilize the knee and prevent movement while the pieces heal. 

However, if the patella pieces are displaced, surgical intervention is required. Even a minor patellar fracture can eventually turn into a chronic, long-lasting knee condition without proper treatment. Therefore, it is always better to seek the help of an orthopedic specialist rather than try and hope for the best at home. 

Receive Expert Sports-Related Knee Injury Treatment at SIO

Knee injuries in sports are exceedingly common, and finding the right doctor is essential to diagnosing and treating knee injuries before they end your athletic career. 

At South Island Orthopedics, we are committed to providing athletes with the treatment they need to get back on the field as soon as possible. Our team of highly trained orthopedic doctors, surgeons, and physical therapists offers the latest in both surgical and non-surgical treatments to get you back to playing the sports you love.

For expert diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of sports-related knee injuries, trust the board-certified orthopedic specialists at SIO. Contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our Long Island, NY clinic locations, offering state-of-the-art care and personalized rehabilitation plans to get you back in the game.