Knee Injury Treatment
The goal of treatment is to
reduce inflammation of the synovium and thickening of the
plicae. The doctor usually prescribes medicine such as ibuprofen
to reduce inflammation. The patient is also advised to reduce
activity, apply ice and an elastic bandage to the knee, and
do strengthening exercises. A cortisone injection into the
plica folds helps about half of those treated. If treatment
fails to relieve symptoms within 3 months, the doctor may
recommend arthroscopic or open surgery to remove the plicae.
What Kinds of Doctors Treat Knee Problems?
Extensive injuries and diseases of the knees are usually
treated by an orthopaedic surgeon, a doctor who has been trained
in the nonsurgical and surgical treatment of bones, joints,
and soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Patients seeking nonsurgical treatment of arthritis of the
knee may also consult a rheumatologist (a doctor specializing
in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and related disorders).
How Can People Prevent Knee Problems?
Some knee problems, such as those resulting from an accident,
can't be foreseen or prevented. However, a person can prevent
many knee problems by following these suggestions:
Before exercising or participating in sports, warm up by
walking or riding a stationary bicycle, then do stretches.
Stretching the muscles in the front of the thigh (quadriceps)
and back of the thigh (hamstrings) reduces tension on the
tendons and relieves pressure on the knee during activity.
Strengthen the leg muscles by doing specific exercises (for
example, by walking up stairs or hills, or by riding a stationary
bicycle). A supervised workout with weights is another way
to strengthen the leg muscles that support the knee.
Avoid sudden changes in the intensity of exercise. Increase
the force or duration of activity gradually.
Wear shoes that both fit properly and are in good condition
to help maintain balance and leg alignment when walking or
running. Knee problems can be caused by flat feet or overpronated
feet (feet that roll inward). People can often reduce some
of these problems by wearing special shoe inserts (orthotics).
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee. Obesity
increases the risk of degenerative (wearing) conditions such
as osteoarthritis of the knee.
What Types of Exercise Are Most Suitable for Someone With
Knee Problems?
Three types of exercise are best for people with arthritis:
Range-of-motion exercises help maintain normal joint movement
and relieve stiffness. This type of exercise helps maintain
or increase flexibility.
Strengthening exercises help keep or increase muscle strength.
Strong muscles help support and protect joints affected
by arthritis.
Aerobic or endurance exercises improve function of the
heart and circulation and help control weight. Weight control
can be important to people who have arthritis because extra
weight puts pressure on many joints. Some studies show that
aerobic exercise can reduce inflammation in some joints.
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