Knee injuries are one of the most common reasons people seek physical therapy. They can range from minor tweaks that resolve in a few days to significant ligament or meniscus injuries that require surgical intervention.
What to Do Immediately After Injury
If you've just injured your knee, the first step is to stop the activity that caused the pain. Don't try to push through it. Apply ice to reduce swelling, and avoid bearing weight if it's painful to do so.
Common Types of Knee Injuries
- Ligament injuries — ACL, MCL, LCL tears
- Meniscus tears — often from twisting movements
- Patellar tendonitis — overuse injury from jumping or running
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome — general knee pain around the kneecap
When to Seek Professional Help
You should seek evaluation if you experience any of the following:
- A popping sound at the time of injury
- Significant swelling within 24 hours
- Inability to bear weight
- Your knee feels unstable or gives out
- Pain that doesn't improve after a few days of rest
A thorough physical therapy evaluation can help determine the severity of your injury and whether you need imaging or a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.
— Dr. Caleb