The knee can be a problem area for sporty people. A glance at the British Journal of Sports Medicine’s report shows that the knee is all too easily injured during sporting pursuits. So here’s a blog about the five important things to remember in the aftermath of a knee injury.
Stop activity
This may seem obvious, but if you experience severe pain or swelling around the knee joint, or hear a “pop” or a “crack”, stop whatever activity you’re doing. If you’re disciplined and highly motivated in your workout routine or sporting pursuit, you may be tempted to push on through pain, but it’s vital to listen to your body and immediately address anything wrong.
Immediate first aid
Your actions in the hours and days immediately following a knee injury can have a huge bearing on your long-term recovery. The P.R.I.C.E acronym is a commonly used mnemonic to guide anyone who’s suffered joint injury.
Protect. Make sure to temporarily protect the area from any further injury, by limiting its use and avoiding impact. After seeking medical advice, your doctor might recommend a brace, splint, or crutches.
Rest. Immediately following an injury, you should avoid putting weight or undue stress on the affected area. Once you’ve started to heal, it’s equally important to know when to start moving it again to prevent the joint stiffening and muscles weakening.
Ice. Following a severe knee injury, bleeding may occur in the joint, as well as an increase in synovial fluid, a liquid that lubricates your joints. This can cause swelling, which the application of ice can reduce by slowing the build-up of blood and fluid. Be sure to use it safely, in a covered ice pack, and never if you have reduced sensation or high blood pressure, as this can result in further injury.
Compression. This which helps to reduce swelling. You can compress with a bandage, but be sure to do so with medical guidance.
Elevation. Lying down and raising your leg with the support of pillows helps to drain excess fluid away from the injury. Supporting underneath the knee is usually most effective.
Seek medical assistance
Some more minor knee injuries can be treated at home, but those resulting in severe trauma should be referred to medical experts. In the short term, depending upon the severity of the injury and the pain involved, it may be necessary to visit an emergency care facility.
Get a good diagnosis
Determining exactly what kind of injury you have is essential in pinpointing the best course of treatment. Medical treatments differ according to the type and severity of the injury and the medical needs of the individual. It’s best to seek advice from a trusted professional.
Get the best treatment
Depending upon the nature of your injury, there are a variety of treatments available to aid in your recovery. Some of these can involve physiotherapy and others are surgical. Should it come to the point where you require surgical intervention, you can’t do better than turn to some of the most trusted knee replacement surgery specialists in London. Hospitals such as Highgate Hospital in London offer a range of expert orthopaedic assessments and surgeries, including total knee replacement.
