Most knee injuries are similar in that they cause pain, inflammation and swelling, but knee injuries have different causes, levels of severity and suitable treatments.
Keep reading to learn how to identify each common knee injury and the treatments for each condition, including knee stem cell recovery treatment.
Fractured Patella: Breaking Down Kneecap Injuries
A fractured patella, also known as a broken kneecap, can be painful and take a long time to heal. Fractured patellas range from hairline fractures to comminuted patella fractures, where the bone is fractured in three or more places.
A direct blow to the kneecap is the typical cause of a fractured patella. This could be through playing sports or contact with a hard surface. Someone who fractures their patella will have pain, bruising, and swelling and will be unable to stand.
A cast or splint can treat minor fractures. In more serious cases, pins and screws may be needed to hold pieces of the patella in place. Alternative therapies like stem cell therapy can help repair damaged cartilage tissues. It takes three to six months to recover from a fractured patella.
Knee Dislocation: An Uncommon Yet Significant Event
A knee circulation occurs when the thigh bone loses contact with the shin bone, pushing the knee out of place. This rare type of injury usually occurs during high-energy impacts, such as a car accident. A knee dislocation causes pain, swelling, an inability to walk and a visible deformity.
A knee dislocation can be serious because it may injure the artery, cutting off blood supply to the lower leg.
Doctors check for blood pressure in the lower leg to ensure an artery is not damaged. Then, they manipulate the joint back into place and use a splint or rod frame to support the knee during recovery.
Bursitis: The Inflammation Challenge
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues of the body. The bursa is located next to the tendons of the knee, as well as other major joints like the shoulders and hips.
Knee bursitis results in pain, localized swelling, and limited motion of the knee. Causes of knee bursitis include:
- Inadequate stretching before exercise
- Being overweight
- Tight hamstrings
- Arthritis
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Sometimes, pain medication and rest are enough. However, if an infection is involved, antibiotics may be necessary.
Since arthritis can cause bursitis, stem cells for arthritis treatment can be an effective treatment. Stem cells for osteoarthritis modulate the immune system, reduce inflammation in joints and regenerate damaged tissues in the knee bursa.
Tendonitis: Patellar Troubles
Tendonitis of the knee, or patellar tendonitis, is inflammation in the tendon that connects the shinbone and the kneecap. It usually occurs when the tendons are under continuous strain, for example, when running or jumping often.
Tendonitis of the knee is characterized by pain and inflammation and usually requires only rest to heal. The injury can become more severe each time it occurs. Wearing a knee brace for three to six weeks may be necessary for severe tendonitis.
For tendonitis of the knee stem cell recovery treatment may be a suitable therapy. Stem cells are non-invasive, reduce inflammation and promote the growth of new cells in damaged tissues.
Knee Ligament Injuries: A Game-Changer
Knee ligaments are connective tissue that holds the knee together. When the knee experiences a trauma the ligament may be stretched or torn. Pain is not always involved, but the knee may buckle when standing.
Depending on the severity of the ligament injury, treatment may range from muscle-strengthening exercises to a knee brace or even surgery.
Consider Stem Cell Therapy for Enhanced Recovery
Stem cell clinics like Swiss Medica use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat musculoskeletal issues such as knee injuries. MSCs are ethically sourced and are free from side effects such as immune rejection.
MSCs relieve inflammation, decrease swelling and pain, and allow healing to begin. Knee injuries are difficult to heal because the muscle tissue has been severely damaged. MSCs work at the site of damaged tissue, stimulating the growth of capillary networks to improve cartilage tissues.
In conclusion
Every knee injury has a suitable treatment method. For injuries like knee tendonitis, simple treatment methods such as pain medication and adequate rest are usually enough. A fractured patella may require surgery, as well as rods and screws, to facilitate long-term healing.
Stem cell therapy is an emerging treatment for knee injuries, including stem cells for osteoarthritis. Stem cells migrate to damaged knee tissues and reduce inflammation, pain and swelling. Stem cells also differentiate to promote the growth of cartilage, improving the overall function of the knee.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
