Common Knee Injuries and Treatment Clay Greeson, MD Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital Orthopaedic Surgeon
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hether you’re a professional athlete or just playing a game of pick up in the backyard, it’s important to know how to prevent knee injuries. But, if you do get injured, you need to know the treatment options available to you. What are some common knee sports injuries for any age group? Injuries can be as complex as a knee dislocation with multiple torn ligaments, or as common as a meniscus tear. These injuries can occur at any age and to the recreational or professional athlete. What are some tips to prevent these types of injuries? We encourage all athletes to remain active and conditioned. A daily regimen of exercise will help keep your joints flexible and muscles strong. Stretching before activity is also essential in preventing injuries. To be safe, it’s critical to have realistic expectations and train for your sport. What are treatment options for these injuries? Mild arthritis and degenerative meniscus tears may be treated using rest, ice and compression or maybe antiinflammatory medication. However, if a patient has an acute injury with a swollen, painful knee or instability during activity, the injury may require surgery to reconstruct the ligament or the cartilage. Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital provides a wide range of minimally invasive treatment options if reconstructive surgery is needed.
Injuries can occur at any age and be as complex as a knee dislocation with multiple torn ligaments, or as common as a meniscus tear. I have knee arthritis and I am having recurrent pain and swelling, which limits my daily exercise regimen and ability to play golf. There are many treatment options for moderate to severe arthritis including cartilage restoration procedures, as well as partial and total knee replacement. We provide a comprehensive array of options for knee osteoarthritis and can help customize a personal plan to meet each patient’s activity and lifestyle goals. To make an appointment with Dr. Greeson, call 772-794-1444. For more information about orthopaedic services available at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, visit ccirh.org/ortho.
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