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Whether we like it or not, some of us will experience some sort of knee pain. These can range from minor to serious injuries that, without treatment, can affect the way we live.
Some people may have even been hurt on the job or in an accident.
But how much is a knee injury worth?
This is a question that many people ask when they are injured.
In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of what to expect on a knee injury claim. We’ll also dive into the different types of knee injuries, their symptoms, and treatment options you may utilize.
Types of Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are among the most common types of injuries, particularly for athletes. To review, the knee is a complex joint, made up of the thigh bone (femur), the shin bone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella).
It’s held together by ligaments, which connect the bones and provide stability to the joint. And there are two main or crucial knee ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Knee injuries occur at the same frequency whether it is your right knee or your left knee. Now, let’s take a look at common knee injuries.
- Torn Meniscus. The meniscus in your knee is a crescent-shaped disc of cartilage that cushions the joint. It can be torn by a sudden twisting motion or by gradual wear and tear. You begin to immediately feel its effects by having the inability to move your knee or worsening cracks in your joint.
Symptoms of a meniscus tear include pain, swelling, and difficulty or pain when moving the joint, making it one of the most serious injuries around the knees.
- Knee Fracture. Another common knee injury is a fracture. A fracture can occur if the kneecap is hit hard or if there is a fall on the knee. It also means that there is a break in the continuity of your bone.
This can be a complete or incomplete break. An incomplete break is a crack while a complete break means the bone has been completely separated into two or more pieces. Symptoms of a fracture include severe pain, swelling, and bruising.
- ACL tear. ACL tears are common but also can be a severe knee injury, especially among athletes. The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a key ligament that stabilizes the knee joint.
A tear can occur when the ACL is stretched beyond its limits or when it is suddenly twisted. ACL tears often cause pain and swelling in the knee and can make it difficult to walk or put weight on the leg. In many cases, surgery is necessary to repair the ACL.
- Patellar tendinitis. This is a condition that results when the connective tissue between the kneecap and the shinbone becomes irritated and inflamed. The condition is most commonly seen in people who engage in sports or other activities that put repetitive stress on the knee, such as running, basketball, and soccer.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the knee, particularly when climbing stairs or after sitting for long periods.
Assessing the Severity of Knee Injuries
There are a few different ways that doctors can assess the severity of a knee injury. The first is by looking at the symptoms. If you have severe pain or difficulty walking, for example, your injury is likely to be more serious than if you only have mild pain and stiffness.
Another way that doctors can assess the severity of a knee injury is by completing various imaging tests, such as an MRI or X-ray. These tests can show how much damage has been done to the ligaments, bones, or cartilage.
Finally, doctors may also look at how long it takes for the symptoms to improve. If you have a minor injury, you may start to feel better within a few days or weeks. But if you have a more severe injury, it may take months or even years to fully recover.
Common Causes of Knee Injuries
Auto Accident
Aside from sports incidents, car or motor vehicle accidents are one of the common causes of knee injuries. When two vehicles collide, the force of the impact can cause serious knee injuries. This is especially true if one of the vehicles is larger than the other.
These accidents can occur when a car hits a pedestrian or when a motorcyclist collides with a car. In both cases, the force of the impact can damage the knees.
Workplace Accidents
Another common cause of knee injuries is workplace accidents. These accidents can occur in any type of workplace, but they are most common in construction sites, factories, and warehouses.
Workplace accidents can involve a variety of different factors, such as falling from a height or being hit by a heavy object. In some cases, the knee injury may be the result of a repetitive motion, such as lifting heavy objects or standing for long periods.
Falls
Ever slipped in school before? If you did, you might recall how embarrassing it was— and how you began to suddenly feel pain around your knees. Falls are common and happen mostly to older people who have weaker bones. However, anyone can suffer a knee injury resulting from a fall accident.
How Much is a Knee Injury Worth
When you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s natural to demand compensation for your damages. But how do you know how much your personal injury case is worth? If you’re dealing with a knee injury case, the answer may not be as straightforward as you think.
For example, the severity of your knee injury will play a role in determining the value of your claim. And if you’ve suffered a serious knee injury that requires surgery or long-term rehabilitative care, your claim will likely be worth more than if you’ve suffered a minor knee injury that heals quickly.
Insurance companies will typically assign a value to your case based on your medical bills and lost wages. However, this doesn’t take into account the pain and suffering you’ve experienced or the long-term effects of your injury.
As a result, the insurance company will initially offer much less than what your case is worth. And, of course, if you decide to take legal action, a personal injury lawyer will also look at all of these factors to determine what kind of settlement or verdict you may be entitled to.
In the end, it’s impossible to say exactly how much your knee injury is worth without knowing all the details of your case. But if you’ve been injured and are looking to get compensated, it’s important to seek out legal advice or a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure that you get the full value of your claim.
Try to look for attorneys offering a free consultation regarding your workers’ compensation claim.
Healing the Knee
Despite the presence of severe injuries in the knees, there is hope. There are many ways to heal and restore your previous knee function.
But what’s the best way to heal the knee? Well, it involves the application of multiple remedies.
Applying ice, doing physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery, and knee replacement surgery are just a few medical treatments you can choose. Each medical care has its own set of risks and benefits, so it’s important to speak with a doctor to determine which treatment is best for you.
Ice Your Knees
One of the simplest and most effective ways to treat a knee injury is to apply ice. Ice helps to reduce swelling and pain. It also numbs the area, making it feel better.
To use ice, wrap it in a towel and apply it to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time. Do this several times a day for the first few days after the injury.
Get Lots of Rest
Rest your knees as much as you can after an injury. This means avoiding activities that put stress on your joints. Avoid running or playing sports at the moment and wait for the go-signal of your physical therapist.
Instead, focus on activities that do not put pressure on your knees, such as swimming or biking. You should also take breaks throughout the day to allow your knees and body to rest.
Get Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another common treatment for knee injuries. Physical therapists can help to strengthen the muscles around your injured knee. This can help to support your knee and prevent future injuries.
Physical therapy can also help to reduce pain and swelling. Most people will need to go to physical therapy two or three times a week for several months.
Do note that physical therapy can be very time-consuming and may not be covered by insurance.
Elevate the Knees
Elevating your knees can also help to reduce pain and swelling. To do this, prop up your legs on a pillow when you are sitting or lying down. This will help to reduce the pressure on your knees and allow them to heal.
When elevating your knees make sure to do so at the level of, or above, your heart. This will ensure that you are getting the access fluid out of your affected limb.
Take Medication
Many different medications can be used to treat knee injuries. For example, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
If these medications do not work, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication.
Wear a Knee Brace
Wearing a knee brace can also help to support your injured knee. Knee braces are available in many different sizes and styles.
You should speak with your doctor to determine which type of knee brace is best for you.
Try Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
If you’re suffering from severe injuries to your knee, go for arthroscopic surgery. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that repairs torn ligaments and/or cartilage. It’s typically performed as outpatient surgery with a shorter recovery time than traditional open surgery by an orthopedic knee surgeon.
You can also have a complete knee replacement surgery. It’s a major operation that should only be considered when other treatment options have failed. It involves replacing the damaged parts of the knee with artificial implants.
A total knee replacement is a very effective procedure for treating knee pain, and many patients can enjoy a significant reduction in pain after surgery. If you’re tired of living with knee pain, see an orthopedic surgeon today and find out if a total knee replacement is right for you
No matter which treatment you choose, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take steps to protect your knee from further injury.
Be Patient
Knee injuries can be debilitating, and they often require surgery and consistent medical treatment. The surgery itself is only the beginning of a long process of recovery. It can be difficult to be patient when you are in pain and want nothing more than to be able to move freely again.
The average worker with a knee injury may miss up to two months of work, which could lead to a loss in income and benefits.
In some cases, the injured worker may never return to their previous job. A knee injury can also result in increased medical expenses and an inability to work for an extended period. There will be days when it feels like you are never going to get better and that the pain will never go away.
But again, it’s important to maintain your hope. Every day you’ll get stronger, and each small step forward will bring you closer to your goal. Just keep moving forward, even on the days when it feels impossible.
Remember that knee surgery or knee injury is only temporary, and soon you will be back to living your life without restrictions.