The human body is a marvelously designed machine. Bones add structure and muscles add strength, enabling the body to do amazing things. Joints such as knees, shoulders, hips and fingers, allow the body to change positions. Tendons allow the joints to bend and stretch. According to New Orleans orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Meyer advises that joint and tendon injuries can be quite painful and hinder mobility.
Pain or injury to the knee is almost always problematic, and while a shoulder or wrist injury can be indulged a bit, a knee injury is challenging because mobility becomes an issue.
The general athletic population is now older than it used to be. This is a good thing, but people need to remember when starting a new athletic activity to start slow, and stretch properly to avoid irritating the tendons around the knee and other joints.
Your New Orleans orthopedic surgeon reports that the injury that garners the most attention is the torn ACL of the knee. This serious knee injury is often the result of non-contact pivoting or getting hit hard in the side of the knee. Skiing, soccer, basketball and car accidents contribute to this injury, which often results in immediate swelling of the entire knee.
Another common knee injury is meniscal tears. This C-shaped cartilage ring in the knee performs as a shock absorber and sometimes when the knee is twisted in a bend and turn action, it causes small tears or rips to the meniscus that results in a pinching or stabbing kind of pain.
This injury also feels like the knee is catching or locking, and swelling may not occur until the next day.
According to your New Orleans orthopedic surgeon, knees can also be damaged by arthritis, which can cause swelling and inflammation. In arthritis, the meniscus and articular cartilage that covers the ends of the leg bones and the backside of the kneecap deteriorates, clumps and starts to wear down. This leaves bone rubbing on bone and can be painful.
Try to stay away from activities that cause pain, and use ice and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and inflammation. If pain is severe enough to affect your daily activities, it may be time to consult New Orleans orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Meyer.