Knee Injuries at DRHC Dubai Sports Injury Clinic

Knee injuries are common in athletes and active individuals, especially those involved in high-impact sports like football, basketball, skiing, and running. The knee is a complex joint that bears a significant amount of stress during physical activities. Due to this complexity, various parts of the knee, including ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones, can be injured. Whether the injury occurs from a sudden twist, direct impact, or overuse, proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for effective recovery and to prevent long-term damage. At DRHC Dubai, our experienced orthopedic team specializes in treating a wide range of knee injuries to help you get back to your sport and daily activities.

Common Knee Injuries in Sports:

1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears:
   The ACL is one of the main ligaments that stabilizes the knee. ACL tears are often caused by sudden directional changes, awkward landings, or direct trauma during contact sports. An ACL tear can cause significant pain, instability, and swelling, often requiring surgical intervention for full recovery.
2. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tears:
   The MCL is located on the inner side of the knee and is commonly injured by a forceful impact to the outer side of the knee. MCL injuries can range from mild sprains to complete tears, with treatment options including rest, bracing, and in severe cases, surgery.
3. Meniscus Tear:
   The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thighbone and shinbone. Tears can result from twisting or pivoting movements, especially in sports like soccer or basketball. Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, and difficulty bending or straightening the knee. Treatment varies from conservative therapy to surgical repair, depending on the severity of the tear.
4. Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee):
   This injury occurs when the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone becomes inflamed due to overuse. It’s commonly seen in sports involving jumping, such as basketball or volleyball. Treatment usually includes rest, physical therapy, and strengthening exercises.
5. Patellar Dislocation:
   A dislocated kneecap occurs when the patella (kneecap) moves out of its normal position, often due to a direct blow or sudden change in direction. This injury causes immediate pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. After the kneecap is repositioned, rehabilitation is critical to strengthen the surrounding muscles and prevent recurrence.
6. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS):
   ITBS occurs when the iliotibial band, a ligament that runs along the outside of the thigh, becomes tight and rubs against the knee. This condition is common among long-distance runners and cyclists. Treatment includes rest, stretching, and physical therapy to relieve pain and inflammation.
7. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries:
   PCL injuries are less common than ACL tears and typically result from a direct impact to the front of the knee, such as during a car accident or contact sports. These injuries often cause swelling, pain, and knee instability. Treatment can range from physical therapy to surgical reconstruction in severe cases.
8. Osteochondritis Dissecans:
   This condition involves the separation of a fragment of cartilage and underlying bone in the knee joint, often due to repetitive stress or trauma. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and locking of the knee. Treatment depends on the size of the fragment and may involve surgery to repair the damage.

Symptoms of Knee Injuries:

• Pain and swelling in the knee
• Stiffness or decreased range of motion
• Instability or the feeling that the knee may give out
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg
• Clicking, popping, or locking sensations in the knee
• Bruising or tenderness around the knee joint

Diagnosis of Knee Injuries:

At DRHC Dubai, our orthopedic specialists provide a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose knee injuries. A detailed physical examination is conducted, during which your doctor will assess the stability, strength, and range of motion in your knee. Depending on the suspected injury, the following diagnostic tests may be used:

• X-rays: To assess bone structure and rule out fractures or dislocations.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To evaluate soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage for damage.
• Ultrasound: To check for tendon or ligament injuries and evaluate real-time movement in the joint.
• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that allows the doctor to view the inside of the knee using a small camera.

Treatment Options for Knee Injuries:

Treatment for knee injuries depends on the type and severity of the condition. At DRHC Dubai, we offer both conservative and surgical treatment options, customized to each patient’s needs:

• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (Rice): Initial treatment for many knee injuries involves rest, applying ice to reduce swelling, compression with a bandage, and elevating the leg to improve circulation.
• Physical Therapy: A key component of knee injury recovery, physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving flexibility, and restoring range of motion.
• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to alleviate severe pain.
• Knee Bracing: Wearing a knee brace can provide extra support and stability, especially after ligament injuries like ACL or MCL tears.
• Surgical Options: For severe or complex injuries, surgery may be necessary. Common procedures include:
  • Arthroscopic surgery: A minimally invasive approach to repair torn ligaments or remove damaged cartilage.
  • Ligament reconstruction: ACL or PCL tears may require reconstruction using grafts to restore knee stability.
  • Meniscus repair: Torn meniscus cartilage can be repaired or removed, depending on the type and location of the tear.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Rehabilitation plays a critical role in the recovery process after a knee injury. At DRHC Dubai, our rehabilitation programs are designed to help patients regain strength, improve flexibility, and restore function to the knee. Recovery times vary based on the severity of the injury, but with proper treatment and rehabilitation, most patients can return to their activities and sports in a few weeks to months.

Why Choose DRHC Dubai for Knee Injury Treatment?

At DRHC Dubai, we provide comprehensive care for sports-related knee injuries, offering state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options. Our team of experienced orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and rehabilitation experts work together to develop personalized treatment plans that ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Whether you require conservative management or advanced surgical care, we are dedicated to helping you recover quickly and safely, allowing you to return to your active lifestyle with confidence.

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If you’ve experienced a knee injury or are dealing with chronic knee pain, contact DRHC Dubai today to schedule an appointment with one of our knee specialists. Call +97142798200