Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Knee Cartilage Injury

http://www.communigate.co.uk/oxford/unionstreet/php3JEsylDamage to cartilage in the knee at the top of the lower leg bone (tibia). Knee-cartilage injuries frequently accompany dislocations of the kneecap or ligament sprains in the knee. This is sometimes a vaguely diagnosed knee injury that resists conservative treatment.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

  • Cartilage at the top of the tibia that normally cushions force to the knee.
  • Knee joint.
  • Ligaments that lend stability to the knee.
  • Soft tissue that includes nerves, synovial membranes, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels, lymph vessels and bursae of the knee joint.

Causes

  • Direct blow to the knee.
  • Prolonged overuse of an injured knee.
  • Twisting or violent muscle contraction.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Pain and tenderness in the knee, especially when bearing weight.
  • Locking of the knee joint.
  • "Giving way" of the knee.
  • "Water" on the knee (sometimes).

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental

During the postoperative phase:

  • Walk on crutches until your surgeon instructs otherwise.
  • After the cast is removed, use an electric heating pad , heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve incisional pain.
  • Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
  • Wrap the injured knee with an elasticized bandage between treatments.
  • Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.
  • On follow-up visits, your surgeon may aspirate fluid that has accumulated in the knee joint.

MEDICATION

  • For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription medicines such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Your doctor may prescribe stronger medicine for pain, if needed.

Home Diet

During recovery ,eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Prevention Tips
  • Engage in vigorous presport strengthening and conditioning.
  • Avoid concrete or asphalt surfaces and other rigid surfaces for continuous conditioning exercises.
  • Warm up adequately before practice or competition.
  • Tape the knee before practice or competition if you have had a previous knee injury.

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