Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. Knee injuries may occur on the court, on the field and in everyday life. It is often difficult to prevent knee injuries. People should maintain a healthy weight, have a good fitness level, stay strong, and keep a flexible, stretchable body to help minimize the risk of knee injuries.
Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing treatments for knee injuries and various other procedures. Patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive latest and proven procedures from Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler.
Risk Factors
Some of the key risk factors in case of knee injuries include:
Imbalance of Muscles around the Knee
If the muscles that support and surround the knee are imbalanced, it can lead to knee injuries. If either the hamstring muscle group or the quadriceps becomes weak, the knee’s stability as well as its ability to withstand undue pressure is reduced.
Imbalance between Muscles of the Thigh
If the muscles within the quadriceps muscles of the thigh are imbalanced, it may cause the patella or the kneecap to track poorly. This can lead to an increased risk of patellar dislocation or patellofemoral syndrome.
Pregnancy
The risk of knee injury and pain increases in pregnant women because of the increased weight. The body’s center of gravity also shifts during pregnancy and certain hormonal changes may cause weakness in the ligaments and make them more lax.
Overweight and Obesity
When a person takes a step to walk or run, it requires the knee joint to absorb a substantial amount of force. Higher body weight multiplies the amount of force that the knee will have to sustain. Knee pain may occur in people who are significantly overweight because the excess weight will have to be constantly supported by the knee.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Bigler and Dr. Thomas receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for knee injury treatments.
When to Contact an Orthopedic Surgeon?
The patient should seek urgent medical attention if the knee injury reveals one or more of the following symptoms:
- Swelling in the knee is quick and pronounced
- The knee bones appear to be deformed
- The pain is unbearable
- The knee is unable to bear weight
- The sensation is lost beneath the injury site
- The ankle and foot turn cold and the pulse cannot be felt
Recurrent swelling and pain following a knee injury will also require urgent medical care. If the swollen knee joint becomes red or warm, or if the patient experiences fever, urgent medical attention is necessary because of the risk of infection. People with a weak immune system, children, and those who have had knee replacements should particularly look out for such symptoms.
The orthopedic surgeon may sometimes order x-rays of the knee to ascertain that there are no fractures in the bones. However, if no direct blow has taken place, the knee injury may be due to stress or overuse. In such a case, the x-ray may wait until a later stage.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394