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Medical treatments for musculoskeletal disorders of the knee
Notes. It is important to see a doctor if you have knee pain. The longer the treatment is delayed, the harder it will be. Accurate diagnosis allows prompt treatment and prevents symptoms from worsening. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs alone does not slow down the worsening of the injury and is insufficient for healing. A good medical follow-up is necessary. |
Acute phase
The duration of the acute phase of injury varied. She is around 7 to 10 days. It begins with a sharp inflammation phase that lasts 48 to 72 hours, during which it is essential to relieve pain and inflammation as quickly as possible. Subsequently, the inflammation is still present, but less pronounced. The injury remains fragile and the tissues are more easily irritated than usual.
Here are a few tips :
Medical treatments for musculoskeletal disorders of the knee: understand it all in 2 min
- To put the knee au repos relative by avoiding the movements that led to the lesion. This is an essential component of treatment. However, prolonged inactivity can stiffen the joint, in addition to reducing the muscle strength essential for knee stability. The knee should never be put to complete rest, let alone immobilized.
- Apply ice on the knee for 10 to 12 minutes, every 1 or 2 hours for the first 2 or 3 days. Thereafter, reduce the frequency to 3 or 4 times a day. There is no need to apply cold compresses or “magic bags” because they are not cold enough and will heat up in a few minutes. Continue ice application for as long as symptoms persist.
Tips and warnings for applying cold Can be applied directly to the skin of ice cubes contained in a plastic bag, or put them in a towel thin and wet. There are also sachets of gel soft refrigerants sold in pharmacies that can be useful. However, when using these products, they should not be placed directly on the skin, as there is a risk of frostbite. A bag of frozen green peas (or corn kernels), already in plastic wrap, is a practical and economical solution, since it molds well to the body and can be applied directly to the skin. |
pharmaceuticals. During this phase, the doctor may occasionally suggest medication analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Atasol® or others), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or others) available over the counter, as well as naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®) or diclofenac (Voltaren®), obtained by prescription. Anti-inflammatory drugs should not be taken for more than 2 or 3 days. If the symptoms are serious, the doctor will recommend that you see a physiotherapist.
Rehabilitation phase
The treatment of most musculoskeletal disorders of the knee is based on physical exercises at home. The main purpose of the exercises is to stretch the iliotibial band (for the syndrome of the same name) and to strengthen the quadriceps by insisting on the trajectory of the patella (for the patellofemoral syndrome). The rehabilitation program includes exercises ofstretching, enhancement and proprioception. Obtain information from a physiotherapist, a sports trainer or his doctor.
For these two syndromes, the treatments physiotherapy are reserved for more severe cases that do not respond to the home exercise program. Physiotherapy can reduce inflammation, prevent ankylosis or restore lost mobility. The physiotherapist will also make sure that the alignment of the lower limbs is adequate and help to make the corrections if necessary. Afterwards, when the inflammation has subsided, the focus will be on the muscle building, while continuing to work on the mobility of the joint. For optimal results, the person must actively participate in their treatment by reproducing the exercises taught at home.
The laying of a bandage is of little use in the vast majority of knee. In addition, for patellofemoral syndrome, the bandage is strongly discouraged because it creates additional pressure on the patella, which can only exacerbate the symptoms. |
Return to normal activities
Normal activity (the movements that caused the injury) is resumed gradually, when you have recovered your full range of motion and the pain has stopped. Continuing to exercise at home after resuming normal activities helps prevent relapses. If the knee pain is due to professional overuse, the return to work must be done in consultation with the occupational physician. Adapting the workstation or the environment is often beneficial in preventing the recurrence of pain.
surgery
Surgery is seldom necessary and is used less and less because of the disappointing long-term results.
Caution. Incomplete rehabilitation or returning to normal activities too quickly slows down the healing process and increases the risk of recurrence. Adherence to treatment – relative rest, ice, analgesic medications, home exercise – results in a full return to previous abilities in the majority of people. |