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Knee Overuse Injuries
As their name implies, knee overuse injuries develop as a result of frequent strain on the knee joint. Acute injuries like ankle sprains, on the other hand, occur suddenly. To gain a better understanding of knee overuse injuries, let’s review their symptoms and how they are treated.
What does a knee overuse injury feel like?
The answer to this question depends on what type of overuse injury you have. For example, some common knee overuse injuries include runner’s knee, bursitis, arthritis, and repetitive strain injuries (RSI). In general, though, many of these conditions involve pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, and reduced mobility.
Only a medical professional can determine what is to blame for your symptoms. If you have knee pain that lingers for a few days despite rest and other self-care measures, be sure to schedule an appointment with a physician. To help prevent future overuse injuries, try implementing gentle stretching into your daily routine.
How are knee overuse injuries treated?
Treatment for knee overuse injuries will vary according to the specific condition at hand. Broadly speaking, most treatment plans focus on addressing the underlying issues (a stress fracture, inflammation, etc.), reducing discomfort, and gradually improving mobility. Conservative approaches like rest, physical therapy, and bracing can often help patients return to the activities they enjoy. Less commonly, surgery may be necessary to correct more complex overuse injuries.
The board-certified physicians at Orthopaedic Specialists provide advanced care to patients with all types of knee overuse injuries. To schedule an appointment at one of our orthopedic centers in the Greater Pittsburgh Region, contact us today.