What causes knee injuries?
There are two main causes of knee injury: acute trauma, such as from a sudden blow to the knee, and overuse or misuse phenomena, such as from repeated jumping or twisting. Acute trauma can occur in a healthy knee or in a knee that has an underlying problem. Acute Trauma Bruise The most common acute trauma injury and the most simple to manage is the bruise. A bruise is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions and asking the patient if he or she has had a blow to the knee. The physician looks for focal tenderness, darkening of the skin (ecchymosis), and otherwise normal exams. An X-ray may be needed to rule out other injuries. The bruise is treated by applying ice and the patient’s gradual return to motion and activity. Dislocated knee cap A dislocated knee cap (patella) is the second most common acute trauma knee injury. The knee cap is designed to slide up and down in a groove on the front of the thigh bone (femur) as the knee extends and flexes. When the knee is nearly fully extended,
