| The knee is a complicated joint consisting of the tibia | | | | may be a popping or creaking sound or a grinding |
| (lower leg bone), the femur (thigh bone), the patella | | | | sensation when the knee is straightening. Knee |
| (knee cap), as well as cartilage and ligaments. There | | | | injuries can range from minor sprains to serious |
| are also bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, that reduce friction | | | | cartilage tears and ligament damage. |
| for smooth movement and act as shock absorbers. | | | | To avoid further damage, if you experience any of |
| Knee pain can result from injury or inflammation of | | | | these symptoms of knee injury, immediately begin |
| any of these joint components. Knee injuries are | | | | the RICER regimen: Rest, Ice, Compression, |
| among the most common sports injuries. Those most | | | | Elevation, and Referral to a sports medicine specialist |
| often affected by knee injuries are football and | | | | or orthopedist. It is important to make an |
| soccer players, runners, bicyclists, tennis players, | | | | appointment for an evaluation as soon as possible. |
| martial artists, and others who consistently place | | | | Non-surgical treatment including physical therapy, |
| extreme stress on the knee joints. | | | | supportive knee braces, treatment with |
| The symptoms of a knee injury include pain when | | | | anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids, or a combination |
| walking or bending the knee, often worsening when | | | | are always the first options, with surgery being the |
| performing certain movements such as running or | | | | last for consideration. The earlier the evaluation and |
| climbing stairs. There is often swelling, redness, or | | | | treatment, the greater the chance for a full |
| tenderness with a loss of flexibility or inability to | | | | recovery, so don't put it off. |
| extend or straighten the knee completely. There | | | | |