Contents
The largest number of injuries concerns the knee joint, which is the largest joint in the human body. It is extremely important for our everyday functioning – it is responsible for the movements of the lower limbs as well as the entire musculoskeletal system. Their injury is associated with a significant limitation of the mobility of the whole body. Why is it so important to care for their condition?
Where do joint injuries come from?
Their formation is influenced by our daily life – physical activity or lack of it. Increasingly fashionable sports, jogging or being overweight affect the condition of our joints – especially the knee joints, which are overburdened. It should be remembered that disregarding the slightest signs of joint problems can turn into a serious injury. If we do sports, we should make sure that it is appropriately matched to the condition of the muscles and our capabilities. Strenuous training is not good for the joints.
What injuries are most common?
- dislocation of the kneecap – manifests itself with pain, enlarged outline of the knee, which was caused by a hematoma; there is also limited mobility of the joint due to the displacement of the patella
- cruciate ligament damage – during this injury, a characteristic crack is heard; we can also notice a hematoma and a feeling of knee instability, the so-called running knee
- destruction of articular cartilage, others knee chondromalacia — the cause may be untreated minor injuries, being overweight or overloading the joints. Symptoms include shooting in the knee, insecurity of the knee joint when it is loaded, crackling in the knee, pain in the front of the knee joint (especially when squatting)
- tearing of the meniscus – can be caused by a single injury such as a blow to the side of the knee; it can also be the result of minor injuries over a long period of time. Symptoms are the so-called knee block – unable to straighten or bend the knee
First aid – what does it look like?
The first step should be to immobilize the knee (the entire lower limb). The next step should be a quick visit to the doctor.
How to prevent
If we are overweight, the first step in the fight against knee joint injuries should be a diet that will relieve our joints. If you have any problems with knee pain, you should see a doctor immediately. Pain is a sign of an injury and a problem that could result in an injury. For people who exercise, it is important to warm up, which prepares the joints and muscles for exercise. It also helps to avoid injuries.
How to heal?
Treatment of knee joint injuries can be divided into pharmacological and natural.Pharmacological:
- agents for the preparation of anti-oedematous solutions
- topical ointments and gels
- oral tablets with analgesic, anti-swelling and anti-inflammatory effects
Natural:
- plantain leaf poultice
- ice packs
- comfrey compresses
- spraying with cold water
- cabbage leaf wraps
- compresses with a solution of water and vinegar