Sports-Related Knee Injuries
Common Injuries from sport or physical activity that affect knee stability, strength, and performance
Sports-related knee injuries are common, especially among individuals participating in high-impact activities like football, basketball, running, skiing, and soccer. The knee joint is complex and plays a crucial role in mobility, making it susceptible to injury due to sudden movements, impact, or repetitive stress.
Dr Antony Liddell specialises in diagnosing and treating a wide range of sports-related knee injuries, helping athletes return to activity with optimal knee function and stability.
COMMON TYPES OF SPORTS-RELATED KNEE INJURIES
Sports activities place significant stress on the knee joint, making it vulnerable to a range of injuries. These injuries can occur suddenly due to trauma or gradually from repetitive use, and they often affect athletes involved in high-impact sports like football, basketball, and tennis. Below, we discuss the most common types of knee injuries related to sports, including ligament tears, tendonitis, and cartilage damage. Each injury requires a specific treatment approach to restore function and return you to activity safely.
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears: ACL injuries are among the most serious and common knee injuries seen in sports. They typically occur during sudden changes in direction, rapid stops, or landing from a jump incorrectly. ACL tears can lead to knee instability and often require surgical intervention, especially for athletes aiming to return to high-impact sports. Dr Liddell provides both surgical and non-surgical options depending on the severity of the injury.
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries: The MCL is located on the inner side of the knee and helps stabilise the joint. MCL injuries are common in contact sports like rugby or football, where the knee can be hit from the side. While many MCL injuries heal with non-surgical treatment, severe tears may require surgery to restore stability.
- Meniscal Tears: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between your thigh and shin bones. Meniscal tears often occur during activities that involve twisting or pivoting the knee, such as in tennis or basketball. Depending on the size and location of the tear, treatment options range from rest and physiotherapy to surgical repair or meniscectomy.
- Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee): Patellar tendonitis occurs when the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shinbone becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive jumping or running activities. This injury is common in sports like volleyball and basketball and may be treated with rest, physiotherapy, and specific strengthening exercises.
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): ITBS is a condition caused by irritation of the iliotibial band, which runs along the outer thigh and knee. Common among runners and cyclists, ITBS results in pain on the outside of the knee and can be managed with a combination of stretching, strengthening, and activity modification.
CAUSES OF SPORTS-RELATED KNEE INJURIES
Sports-Related Knee Injuries often result from:
- Sudden Direction Changes: Movements such as pivoting or cutting can place significant stress on the knee joint, leading to ligament tears.
- Direct Impact: Contact sports frequently involve blows to the knee, causing ligament injuries like ACL or MCL tears.
- Repetitive Stress: Overuse of the knee joint, especially in activities like long-distance running, can cause conditions such as patellar tendonitis or cartilage wear.
- Poor Technique: Inadequate technique during sports activities, including improper landing or insufficient warm-up, can increase the risk of injury.
SYMPTOMS OF SPORTS-RELATED KNEE INJURIES
Depending on the specific injury, symptoms may include:
- Pain: Immediate or gradual pain around the knee, particularly during or after activity.
- Swelling: Swelling may occur immediately after the injury or develop within a few hours.
- Instability: A feeling that the knee is giving way or cannot support your weight, common in ligament injuries.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee fully.
- Popping Sensation: Many athletes report hearing or feeling a “pop” at the time of an ACL injury.
DIAGNOSIS OF SPORTS-RELATED KNEE INJURIES
Accurate diagnosis of sports-related knee injuries is essential for effective treatment and recovery. Dr Liddell begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination to understand the circumstances of the injury, the type of sport involved, and the specific symptoms you are experiencing. This initial assessment includes evaluating your knee’s range of motion, stability, and alignment, as well as checking for any swelling, tenderness, or signs of ligament damage.
Specialised physical tests, such as the Lachman test for ACL injuries or the McMurray test for meniscal tears, may be used to pinpoint the nature of the injury. These tests help Dr Liddell assess the stability of the knee and identify possible areas of damage based on your response to specific movements.
Imaging studies are often required, including:
- X-Rays to rule out fractures.
- MRI Scans to examine the soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, and to confirm the extent of the injury.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR SPORTS-RELATED KNEE INJURIES
Treatment for knee injuries varies depending on the type and severity of the injury. Dr Liddell offers both conservative and surgical options, personalised to each patient’s needs and recovery goals.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and Physiotherapy: For many mild to moderate injuries, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with a tailored physiotherapy program, can help restore strength and flexibility.
- Bracing and Immobilisation: In cases of ligament or tendon injuries, bracing may be required to support the knee and allow healing.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling.
Surgical Treatments
For severe injuries, especially those involving torn ligaments or cartilage, surgery may be necessary:
- ACL Reconstruction: For complete ACL tears, reconstructive surgery using a graft from your own tissue or a donor is often required. LEARN MORE
- Meniscal Repair: In cases of meniscal tears, Dr Liddell may perform arthroscopic surgery to trim or repair the damaged cartilage. LEARN MORE
- MCL Reconstruction: If the MCL is severely torn, surgery may be needed to repair the ligament and restore stability to the knee joint. LEARN MORE
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a critical aspect of recovery from a sports-related knee injury. Dr Liddell and his team of physiotherapists will guide you through a comprehensive rehabilitation program aimed at:
- Restoring knee strength and flexibility.
- Improving joint stability.
- Gradually returning to sport-specific activities.
Most athletes can return to their sport after completing a well-structured rehabilitation program, though recovery times vary depending on the injury and treatment approach.
PREVENTING SPORTS-RELATED KNEE INJURIES
While it may not always be possible to prevent knee injuries, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Strength Training: Regular exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings.
- Proper Warm-Up: Always warm up before physical activity to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
- Good Technique: Ensure you’re using the correct techniques during sports activities to avoid unnecessary stress on the knee.
If you’ve sustained a knee injury during sports or are experiencing ongoing knee pain, Dr Antony Liddell offers a personalised approach to diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on helping you return to your sport safely and effectively.