23/06/2020
How best to recover from a knee injury
What makes up the knee?
To determine how we recover from a knee injury, we must first understand what makes the knee what it is.
The knee is made up of 4 main ligaments Posterior, anterior cruciate, lateral, and medial collateral ligaments. These work to stabilize the joint against the excessive side to side and rotational movements the hip and ankle provide the body during day to day activities. We then have the kneecap (patella) which is mostly is supported by the quadriceps muscles (front thigh muscles) particularly the vastus medialis and lateralis muscles but the others apply tension to the patella tendon necessary to maintain the stability of the knee cap.
Then there are the cartilaginous structures namely the meniscus which (acts as a suction cup for the femur to allow it rest and move freely) and the articular cartilage which ultimately forms the knee joint and adds further freedom of movement to the different parts.
What can go wrong?
Well as we can see all these various parts specific functions are all aimed at preventing excessive movement of which both the ankle and the hip provides.
The knee joint works, similar to that of a door so if we were to use a door as an example.
If I were to move the door up, down and then twist it on its hinges damage would occur, however, unlike a door the knee joint has ligaments to prevent such movements. So, when one ligament is strained this leads us (the therapists) to determine the possible cause of injury.
This also leads me to consult the hip and ankle for possible faults in their function to determine the diagnosis and best-used treatment methods. So, the good footwear, proper glute strength and a proper range of movement in both are crucial at preventing knee injury.
What is the best treatment method?
Well, this can depend on the latter stages of recovery, but in the early stages, the acronym r.i.c.e (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) can work wonders at preventing further injury and speeding up the healing process. Unfortunately, unless we're in lockdown rest is a difficult precious commodity so preventing normal action through strapping of the knee and/or crutches is the best cause of action.
In the latter stages of rehabilitation (once swelling and pain have significantly decreased or gone) then improving flexibility in the hip, ankle, and around the knee joint are advisable before strengthening work should take place. Remembering all the notes from the therapist on the exact cause of the injury for the specific exercises to provide strength and normal function of the entire lower limb.
Can we come back better than ever?
Well yes but many facts play a role in this:
• How quickly treatment took place
• Weather rehabilitation stages adhered too
• The types of the corrective program taken on and
• The severity of the disfunction before the injury.
So, prior to taking on a rehabilitation program the aim should be improved performance of the body in every stage of the process rather than just recovery from that specific injury you happen to have right now.
This I find is a major stumbling block for many program administered in everyday society and the main reason most people become injury prone post injury.