Common Knee Conditions Athletes Should Be Aware Of

Athletes are one of the professions that require intense physical use, with a high risk of collisions and accidents during sports activities. For professional athletes, injuries can directly impact their career, potentially being severe enough to prevent them from playing the sport again. However, even those who do not play sports professionally but regularly enjoy physical activity are at just as much risk. The knee is one of the most commonly injured body parts and is at high risk of severe injuries. Therefore, all sports enthusiasts should take special care to protect their knees.

 

5 Common Knee Conditions Caused by Sports

      Since nearly every sport involves knee movement-such as jumping, running, and frequently changing direction and speed-the risk of knee injuries is high. There are various forms of knee injuries, and the following are the 5 most common knee conditions frequently found in athletes and those who regularly participate in sports:

 

1.Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

 

 

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury

     The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a key role in stabilizing the knee by preventing excessive sliding or twisting of the joint. An ACL injury often occurs due to severe twisting or heavy impact that causes the knee to rotate forcefully, leading to a tear. This type of injury may also be accompanied by damage to the meniscus, cartilage, or other ligaments surrounding the knee, such as the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial (inner) knee ligaments, and lateral (outer) knee ligaments.

Symptoms
     In the early stages, patients with a torn ACL often experience significant knee pain, making it difficult to bear weight on the affected leg. In some cases, patients may still be able to walk, but they will experience intense pain and swelling. Other common symptoms include knee instability, such as a feeling of the knee "giving way" or "popping" during certain movements.

Diagnosis and Treatment
     To confirm an ACL tear, a doctor will perform a thorough assessment, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and X-rays to rule out bone fractures. An MRI may be ordered to provide further confirmation of the ACL injury and to check for any associated damage to other structures in the knee.

     For non-athletes with an isolated ACL tear (no additional injuries), conservative treatment without surgery may be possible. This includes rest, pain medication, and physical therapy to help reduce swelling and improve knee function. However, for athletes or those who need to return to high levels of knee activity, surgery is usually required.

Surgical Treatment
     The most common surgical approach for ACL reconstruction involves arthroscopy, where a new ACL is created using a tendon from the patient’s own body. Common tendons used include the hamstring tendon, patellar tendon (bone-patellar tendon-bone), or quadriceps tendon. The surgery typically takes about 1-2 hours.

Post-Surgery Care
     After ACL reconstruction, patients may need crutches for 1-2 weeks to assist with walking. Full weight-bearing walking usually becomes possible after this period. For the first three months post-surgery, the focus will be on knee extension, straightening the knee, and muscle strengthening to prevent muscle atrophy. Between 3-5 months, rehabilitation will emphasize regaining muscle strength through activities like jogging, cycling, and swimming. By months 5-6, patients can start jumping and engaging in light sports after receiving approval from their surgeon.

     The overall recovery period before returning to sports is typically around 8-10 months, depending on the patient's progress and physician’s assessment.

 

2.Torn Meniscus

 

 

Torn Meniscus

The meniscus in the knee functions as a shock absorber, distributing the forces that occur within the knee joint. It has a crescent shape and is located between the two bones of the knee joint-on the inner and outer sides. A meniscus tear typically happens due to knee twisting, impact, or excessive force applied to the knee. Patients with a torn meniscus often experience knee swelling and pain, especially along the joint line. Additionally, a meniscus tear may occur in conjunction with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or cartilage damage in the knee.

Treatment Methods
     Doctors will diagnose the condition through a medical history review, physical examination, and often recommend an MRI to assess the tear's characteristics. If the tear is larger than 8-10 millimeters, surgery is generally required, as large tears are unlikely to heal on their own. Without surgery, a torn meniscus may lead to knee osteoarthritis and additional knee injuries. Currently, meniscus repair surgery is commonly done using arthroscopy, where a small camera and surgical tools are inserted into the knee to stitch the torn meniscus. If the tear is too severe or the meniscus is irreparable, the damaged portion may be removed to prevent further friction or locking within the knee joint.

Post-Surgery Care
     After surgery, patients will undergo muscle strengthening and knee extension exercises. Crutches are usually needed for 4-6 weeks, after which weight-bearing becomes possible. Around 3 months after surgery, patients may start jogging, cycling, or swimming. Athletes may return to sports about 4-6 months post-surgery. If there is also an ACL injury, the recovery time may be longer, as it requires additional care for the ACL tear.

 

3.Injured Knee Cartilage

 

 

Injured Knee Cartilage

     Knee cartilage injuries are typically found in two types: the first is caused by direct impact that results in fractures, leading to pain and swelling in the knee area after the injury. The second type occurs when the cartilage breaks off on its own without any clear traumatic injury, a condition known as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). This condition is often seen in athletes and may also occur in younger individuals, typically between the ages of 10-20, with symptoms such as pain, swelling, or knee locking.

Treatment Methods
     Doctors will conduct a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and MRI to confirm the diagnosis. If the injury is mild, with only minor cartilage damage, it can typically be treated with medication and rest, avoiding knee activity for about 4-6 weeks. However, for severe injuries, where larger pieces of cartilage are damaged or dislodged, surgical intervention may be necessary.

     The surgical approaches depend on the size and location of the cartilage injury, and they may include:

 - Arthroscopy with microfracture, where tiny holes are drilled into the bone beneath the cartilage to stimulate healing and repair.

 - Scaffold implantation, where a structure is placed to help the cartilage regenerate.

 - Osteochondral transplantation, where cartilage from another less-used area of the knee is transplanted to replace the damaged cartilage.

      In cases where knee cartilage damage is caused by OCD, treatment is similar to other cartilage injuries. After diagnosis, the severity, size, and location of the damage will be assessed, and surgery may be considered. For less severe cases, such as small fractures, screws may be used to secure the cartilage in place to prevent further damage. More severe cases might require arthroscopic surgery or other procedures to help the cartilage regenerate.

Post-Surgery Care
      After surgery, patients typically need to use crutches for 4-6 weeks and perform knee extension exercises. After 3 months, muscle strengthening exercises can begin, and light knee activity can be gradually introduced. Full return to sports is generally possible around 4-6 months after surgery.

 

4. Jumper's Knee (Patellar Tendonitis)

 

 

Jumper's Knee (Patellar Tendonitis)

     Jumper's knee is a common condition found in athletes or individuals who engage in sports requiring frequent jumping or springing movements, such as basketball players, football players, track athletes, badminton players, and tennis players. The condition involves chronic pain and inflammation around the patellar tendon. Those with Jumper's Knee typically experience pain in the front of the knee, specifically around the tendon, or sometimes above the patella. The pain may also radiate to the kneecap. The inflammation of the patellar tendon can be either acute or chronic.

Treatment Methods
Initial treatment begins with a thorough diagnosis through medical history, physical examination, and potentially an X-ray of the knee. Treatment often includes:

 - Medication: Taking pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling.

 - Physical Therapy: A key part of recovery, focusing on strengthening exercises and stretches for the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and iliotibial band (ITB), to relieve stress on the patellar tendon.

 - Activity Modification: Adjusting activity levels and exercises to avoid exacerbating the condition while still maintaining mobility and strength.

Patients typically recover from Jumper’s Knee and return to sports once they have completely healed and no longer experience pain. The recovery period usually lasts between 2-4 weeks, but this may vary depending on the severity of the injury.

 

5.Patellar Instability (Loose Patella)

 

 

Patellar Instability (Loose Patella)

Patellar instability, or a loose patella, is not only common in athletes but also in individuals who have issues with loose ligaments. It is often seen in people who have previously dislocated their patella or those who are naturally prone to ligament laxity. Patients with this condition typically experience pain in the front of the knee and may have a history of the patella dislocating outward and being repositioned with treatment.

Treatment Methods

Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and often an X-ray of the knee. In some cases, an MRI may be needed to assess the extent of the injury and associated damage.

There are two main treatment approaches:

 - Non-Surgical Treatment

The doctor will assess the risk of the patella dislocating again. If the knee's bone structure is relatively normal and the patient does not engage in high-impact activities, the treatment will typically focus on strengthening the quadriceps, specifically the VMO (Vastus Medialis Oblique) muscle, which helps stabilize the knee. Strengthening exercises, such as cycling or squats, can improve muscle strength and tighten the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), reducing the risk of the patella dislocating again.

 - Surgical Treatment

For patients with frequent patellar dislocations or athletes who rely heavily on their knees, surgery may be necessary. The procedure typically involves MPFL reconstruction, which is similar to ACL reconstruction but focuses on creating a new ligament inside the knee. This surgery involves using a tendon from the patient's own body, such as from the hamstring or quadriceps, to create a new MPFL. In cases where there are structural bone issues around the knee, an osteotomy may be performed to realign the bones.

Post-Surgery Care

After surgery, patients can begin weight-bearing immediately if there is no pain but may need to wear a knee brace to prevent bending the knee too much during the first month. After one month, patients will start rehabilitation to improve knee flexion and gradually return to light activities. Full recovery and return to sports typically occur within 4-6 months after surgery.

 

How to Prevent and Care for Your Knees to Avoid Knee Injuries in Sports

     As long as you continue playing sports regularly or as a profession, the risk of knee injuries remains present. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of injury by properly training your body and muscles, as well as maintaining a positive mental state. If your body, muscles, and mind are not prepared, your agility in sports will be affected, increasing the likelihood of collisions and accidents. Additionally, it's important to play in appropriate environments, such as sports fields that meet standards and are not slippery or uneven. Playing on inadequate surfaces increases the risk of knee injuries.

      Knee problems among athletes and sports enthusiasts are common, and it's crucial for everyone involved in sports to understand these conditions. This knowledge allows individuals to better care for themselves and to recognize abnormal symptoms early. If you notice any unusual symptoms, do not ignore them or continue playing sports despite the discomfort, as it may lead to further damage and require long-term treatment. Ignoring knee injuries can disrupt your life and career in sports.

     It’s important to remember that knee issues often occur in combination with multiple conditions, such as an ACL tear along with a torn meniscus or damaged cartilage. The longer you delay treatment, the more severe the injury becomes. Consulting a doctor for diagnosis and treatment planning is the best course of action to ensure you have strong knees and a good quality of life, allowing you to return to your activities without further complications.

 

Source : KDMS Hospital

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team