Knee Injuries: Overview
The knee joint is considered one of the most complex and largest joints in the body. It connects the thighbone to the shinbone, supports the body's weight, and facilitates movement, allowing you to bend and straighten your leg. Because of this complexity, the knee is more susceptible to injury than many other joints. The most common knee injuries include tears in the ligaments, cartilage, and tendons, as well as dislocation or fracture of the kneecap.
The most common knee injuries include ligament injuries, meniscal injuries, knee tendinitis, knee bursitis, knee dislocation, and knee fractures. Causes vary widely: sports such as running, football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and skiing are common triggers, as are occupations requiring repetitive knee motion, including mining, construction, and carpet fitting.
Traumatic events such as a direct fall or collision can also cause knee injuries. Several preventive measures can help reduce the risk, and wearing supportive knee braces is one of them.
Common causes of knee injuries
What are the most common causes of knee injuries? Knee pain and injury usually come from one of three sources: physical injuries (ligament tears, meniscus tears, tendinitis, or fractures), mechanical problems (a dislocated kneecap, iliotibial band issues, or pain referred from the hip or foot), or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout being the most common types affecting the knee).
1. Injuries
Some injuries may cause knee pain and other problems. These include knee ligament injuries, a torn meniscus, knee bursitis, patellar tendinitis, and fractures.
2. Mechanical problems
Mechanical problems including a loose body in the joint, iliotibial band syndrome, a dislocated kneecap, and hip or foot pain can all contribute to knee injuries.
3. Arthritis
Over 100 types of arthritis have been identified. The types that most commonly affect the knee include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudogout, and septic arthritis.
Common risk factors for knee injuries
The following are common risk factors that contribute to knee injuries:
- Excess weight
- Lack of muscle strength or flexibility
- Certain sports or occupations
- Previous injuries
Common symptoms of knee injuries
Symptoms vary depending on the condition, but commonly include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
- Instability
- Weakness
- Crunching or popping sounds
- Inability to fully straighten the knee
What are the possible treatments for knee injuries?
Treatment depends on your specific condition, but the following are potential treatment plans suggested by healthcare professionals:
1. Medications
Depending on your condition, your healthcare provider may suggest medications to help manage pain, swelling, and other symptoms related to knee problems.
2. Therapy
The knee joint is surrounded by muscles that help keep it stable. A healthcare professional may suggest strengthening exercises or physical therapy tailored to your condition. This is particularly common for people who are physically active or involved in high-contact sports, as targeted exercises can help correct movement patterns and build good technique.
3. Injections
A variety of injections may be used to help manage knee injury symptoms:
- Corticosteroids: May help reduce arthritis symptoms and relieve pain, though they are not effective in every case.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Used to help reduce inflammation and support healing; some studies suggest it may help certain people managing osteoarthritis.
- Hyaluronic acid: Injected into the knee to help improve mobility and ease discomfort.
4. Surgery
More severe knee injuries may require surgery. Surgical options include:
- Arthroscopic surgery: A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera and instruments to repair or remove damaged cartilage, remove loose bodies, or reconstruct torn ligaments.
- Partial knee replacement: Only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced with plastic and metal components, typically with a quicker recovery than full replacement.
- Total knee replacement: Damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the kneecap, thighbone, and shinbone and replaced with artificial joint components.
- Osteotomy: Bone is removed from the shinbone or thighbone to realign the knee and relieve arthritis pain, which may delay the need for a full replacement.
How do knee braces help with knee pain?
Wearing a supportive knee brace can help in several ways:
- They support confidence: Knee braces help protect the joint from overuse and repetitive strain, which can help athletes feel more confident during high-contact sports and workouts.
- They help relieve knee pain: Braces provide the joint and surrounding muscles with compression and warmth, which may help ease discomfort and support recovery.
- They support the healing process: The compression provided by a knee brace may help support recovery following ligament injuries and other knee problems, alongside professional treatment.
How to choose a knee brace
Knee braces come in several types, each suited to different needs:
- Functional knee braces
- Rehabilitative knee braces
- Unloader knee braces
- Prophylactic knee braces
- Knee sleeves
Each type works differently depending on your needs, so it's worth speaking to your GP or a healthcare professional to help choose the right option for you.
Find the right knee support
Knee injuries are common among people involved in high-contact sports, as well as those in occupations requiring repetitive knee movement. Understanding the causes, risk factors, and symptoms above can help you take steps to reduce your risk. Wearing a supportive knee brace is one comfort measure that may help protect the joint and support you day to day.
Shop our Knee Support range or read our FAQ for sizing and fit guidance.
