Injuries to the Knee

A. Ligament Injuries – four major ligaments that protect the knee can be torn in isolation or combination, can occur from a straight and direct force or a rotation force

1. Audible “pop” when the injury occurs
2. Joint feels unstable and weak
3. Swelling and stiffness within the knee
4. Point tenderness at the site of injury
5. Decreased strength
6. Decreased range of motion
7. Increased pain with weight-bearing activity
8. Knee may lock and be unable to move

B. Meniscal (Cartilage) Injuries – usually occurs from a twisting motion

1. Swelling that gradual occurs 48-72 hours after the injury
2. Joint line pain
3. Loss of motion; locking sensation
4. Popping and clicking within the joint with movement
5. Pain with squatting

C. Bursitis – usually occurs from direct trauma

1. Localized swelling within the knee
2. Point tenderness
3. Joint stiffness

D. Patella Fracture

1. Joint hemorrhage and effusion
2. Deformity
3. Loss of motion
4. Point tenderness

E. Chondromalacia Patella – degenerative process that results in a softening of the cartilage

1. Gradual pain from behind or beneath the knee cap
2. Pain with bending the knee
3. Grating or grinding sound when bending the knee
4. Pain with prolonged sitting

F. Patellar Tendinitis – also called “Jumper’s Knee”

1. Pain and point tenderness below the patella
2. Swelling below the patella
3. Pain when extending the knee during activity

G. Osgood-Schlatter Disease - very common in young children

1. Aggravated by running, jumping or kneeling
2. Pain during extension on the front of the patella
3. Swelling over the patella tendon

 
H. Dislocated Patella – do not ever attempt to reduce or “put back” a dislocated patella

1. Complete loss of function in the knee
2. Patella is in an abnormal position
3. Swelling around the knee joint

I. Patellofemoral Pain

1. Pain in the anterior aspect of the knee
2. Pain with walking, running, climbing stairs
3. Grinding or grating sound when bending the knee