Sports Injury Treatment (Knee)
Specialized care for knee injuries in athletes and active individuals
What are Knee Sports Injuries?
Knee sports injuries are among the most common athletic injuries, affecting athletes in contact sports, cutting sports, and endurance activities. These injuries can range from acute ligament tears to overuse conditions that develop over time. Our sports medicine specialists provide comprehensive treatment to get athletes back to peak performance safely and effectively.
Common Athletic Injury: Knee injuries account for 25% of all sports injuries, with ACL tears affecting over 200,000 athletes annually in the United States.
Common Knee Sports Injuries
Athletes commonly experience various knee injuries:
- ACL Tears: Complete or partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament
- Meniscus Tears: Damage to the knee's shock-absorbing cartilage
- MCL Injuries: Tears of the medial collateral ligament from contact
- PCL Injuries: Posterior cruciate ligament tears from direct impact
- Patellofemoral Pain: Runner's knee from overuse and malalignment
- Patellar Tendonitis: Jumper's knee from repetitive jumping activities
- ITB Syndrome: Iliotibial band friction syndrome in runners
- Cartilage Injuries: Damage to joint cartilage from trauma or overuse
Treatment Approaches
Conservative Treatment
Physical therapy, bracing, and activity modification for minor injuries and overuse conditions.
Surgical Intervention
Arthroscopic and open procedures for ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, and complex injuries.
Performance Rehabilitation
Sport-specific therapy and return-to-play protocols for optimal athletic performance.
Treatment Process
Injury Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation including sport-specific testing, advanced imaging, and biomechanical analysis.
Treatment Planning
Personalized treatment plan considering sport demands, competition schedule, and athlete goals.
Active Treatment
Conservative therapy or surgical intervention based on injury severity and athlete needs.
Return to Sport
Gradual return-to-play protocol with sport-specific training and injury prevention.
Return to Sport Timeline
Recovery timelines vary by injury and treatment:
- Conservative treatment: 2-8 weeks for minor injuries
- ACL reconstruction: 6-9 months for safe return to competition
- Meniscus repair: 3-4 months for full activity
- Meniscus removal: 4-6 weeks for return to sport
- MCL repair: 2-3 months depending on severity
- Sport-specific training: Final phase before competition clearance
Get Back in the Game
Don't let a knee injury end your athletic career. Our sports medicine specialists understand the unique demands of your sport and will help you return to peak performance.
Sports medicine specialists available. Expedited appointments for athletes.