Knee & Ankle

An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear. Ligaments are tough, elastic bands of tissue that connect bones to each other and stabilize the joints. Ankle sprains typically result from a sudden twist, turn, or roll of the foot, often happening during physical activities, but can also occur during everyday movements.

Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, especially when bearing weight on the affected foot, swelling, bruising, restricted range of motion, and a popping sensation at the time of injury. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and, if necessary, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to rule out bone fractures and assess the extent of the ligament injury.

The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the human body, playing a crucial role in movement and weight-bearing. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia), with the kneecap (patella) situated at the front of the joint, providing protection and leverage. The fibula, a smaller bone alongside the tibia, and the femur also form part of the knee joint but to a lesser extent.

Within the knee, two critical types of cartilage facilitate smooth movement: articular cartilage covers the ends of the femur, tibia, and back of the patella, reducing friction and absorbing shock, while menisci—two C-shaped pieces of tough, rubbery cartilage—act as shock absorbers between the femur and tibia.

Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries, particularly among athletes. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tough, rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia) in each knee. Its primary function is to cushion the joint and distribute body weight evenly across the knee, reducing friction during movement.

A patella fracture, or a broken kneecap, is a serious injury that occurs when the small, round bone covering the knee joint, known as the patella, cracks or breaks. The patella plays a crucial role in knee mechanics, acting as a shield for the knee joint and as a fulcrum to increase the leverage of the thigh muscles that extend the leg. Due to its position at the front of the knee, the patella is vulnerable to injury from direct blows or falls onto the knee, as well as from sudden contractions of the quadriceps muscle, which can lead to a fracture if the force is too great.

Symptoms of a patella fracture include intense pain in the knee, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or straightening the leg. In some cases, the knee may also appear deformed due to displacement of the broken bone pieces.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), often referred to as “Runner’s Knee,” is a prevalent condition characterized by pain around or behind the patella (kneecap), where it articulates with the femur (thigh bone) at the patellofemoral joint. This syndrome is especially common among athletes, young adults, and individuals engaged in activities that involve extensive knee bending, such as running, squatting, and cycling.

The pain associated with PFPS typically arises from increased stress on the patellofemoral joint, leading to irritation of the patellar cartilage or the surrounding soft tissues. This condition doesn’t necessarily stem from a specific injury but often results from a combination of factors that contribute to abnormal tracking or increased pressure between the patella and femur. Such factors include muscular imbalances or weakness (particularly in the quadriceps and hip muscles), poor alignment of the legs, overuse, and inadequate footwear or training techniques.

Patellar tendinitis, commonly known as “Jumper’s Knee,” is a condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the patellar tendon, the robust cord of tissue that connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shinbone). This condition is prevalent among athletes who engage in sports requiring frequent jumping and explosive leg movements, such as basketball, volleyball, track and field, and soccer, hence the moniker.

The primary symptom of patellar tendinitis is pain, particularly at the base of the patella, which is exacerbated by physical activity and relieved by rest. The pain may initially present only after physical activity but can progress to interfere with daily activities if the condition is not adequately addressed. Other symptoms might include swelling, tenderness to the touch at the patellar tendon, and a feeling of weakness or instability in the knee.