Sporting wounds/All on the knee

Sporting wounds/All on the knee

The knee is largest of our articulations. It is made up many parts which all can be injured in all kinds of sports. The knee connects the lower part of the femur (the bone of the thigh) to the upper part of the tibia (the bone which goes from the knee to the foot). Several ligaments – bands of an elastic solid fabric which connect a bone to another – connect these two bones, maintain them in place and control the movements of the articulation. The kneecap (patella) slips into a groove with the extremity of the femur; it protects the knee and has an action leverage near the various muscles of the leg. The cartilage with the extremities of the bones of the leg plays the part of a cushion shock absorber.

Distorsions – an elongation or a tear of ligament – are frequent traumatisms of the knee; the former cross ligament (LCA) is generally damaged. The wound occurs for example when you change direction quickly, or when you twist the leg and fall, or when you slow down at the time of a race, or with the reception of a jump. In general, a torn ligament handicaps you immediately; you feel or you hear “pop” and the knee seems to release you. Even if they, should be seen a doctor are not painful immediately. An surgical operation could be necessary.

A pain with the knee can also settle gradually, consequence of an overuse of the articulation. It is the case of the “painful fémoro-patellar syndrome”, caused by the compressing of the kneecap against the sides of the groove, at people who run much. The pain, whether it is acute or deaf, is felt in front of the knee. To squat themselves or go down from the staircases often exacerbates it, and you have a feeling of squeaking or a click in the articulation. A specialist in sporting medicine can help you to rebalance the kneecap and to prevent the pain thanks to an adapted drive, stretchings, and exercises of reinforcement.