Knee Injury

Knee injuries are one of the most common types of injuries that people experience, affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels.

Whether caused by sports, accidents, or wear and tear over time, knee injuries can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life.

Here are key figures on knee injuries:

At Sutliff & Stout, we understand how debilitating a knee injury can be—whether it’s the result of an accident or a workplace injury.

Contact us if you’re struggling with medical bills or need legal advice on filing a claim to recover your losses.

What Is a Knee Injury?

A knee injury refers to any damage or trauma to the structures that make up the knee joint. This could involve the bones, cartilage, ligaments, or tendons that support the knee’s movement.

The knee is a complex joint that supports most of your body weight and helps you perform daily tasks such as walking, bending, and climbing stairs.

When injured, this joint can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving.

Types of Knee Injuries

There are many types of knee injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common types include:

• Ligament injuries: These injuries affect the ACL, MCL, or other ligaments that support the knee. ACL injuries are particularly common in athletes and can often require surgical repair.
• Meniscus tears: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions your knee joint. A tear can result from twisting or direct impact, causing pain and swelling.
• Patellar injuries: This includes dislocation or fractures of the kneecap, which can make it difficult to straighten the leg or put weight on it.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains and strains of the muscles and tendons around the knee are also common, especially after physical exertion or accidents.

Understanding the type of injury you have is critical for determining the best course of treatment.

Symptoms of Knee Injuries

Recognizing the symptoms of a knee injury early can help prevent further damage. Common symptoms include:

• Pain: This could range from mild discomfort to sharp, stabbing pain.
• Swelling: Inflammation around the knee joint can make it difficult to move.
• Instability: A feeling that your knee might give way when you try to stand or walk.
• Stiffness: Reduced range of motion, making it difficult to fully bend or straighten your leg.
• Popping or clicking: You might hear or feel these sounds when you move your knee, which could indicate a torn ligament or cartilage.

If you notice any of these symptoms after an accident or a sudden movement, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately to avoid long-term damage.

Causes of Knee Injuries

Knee injuries can result from various causes, often depending on the activity level or accident involved. Some common causes include:

• Sports injuries: High-impact sports like football, basketball, and skiing often lead to ligament tears or meniscus injuries.
• Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents, falls, or workplace accidents can cause severe knee trauma, including fractures and crushing injuries.
• Wear and tear: Over time, repeated use of the knee can lead to degeneration of the cartilage and joints, which may result in conditions like osteoarthritis.

In some cases, pre-existing conditions, like weak muscles or poor knee alignment, can make you more susceptible to injury.

When to Seek Medical Help

It’s crucial to know when to seek medical help for a knee injury. While some injuries heal on their own with rest, others may require professional care. You should seek medical attention if:

• The knee injury causes severe pain that does not improve with rest.
• You are unable to bear weight on your knee.
• There is visible deformity in the knee, such as swelling or an unnatural position.
• You experience locking or inability to straighten your leg fully.
• Pain persists for more than a few days, even with rest and ice.

Delaying treatment can lead to more severe complications, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Diagnosis of Knee Injuries

Accurately diagnosing a knee injury is essential to developing an effective treatment plan.

The complexity of the knee joint requires a careful assessment, often involving multiple diagnostic methods to pinpoint the exact injury.

Whether the injury is a simple sprain or something more severe like a torn ligament, a proper diagnosis ensures that the appropriate treatment is provided, reducing the risk of long-term damage.

Physical Examination

A physical examination is usually the first step in diagnosing a knee injury.

During this exam, the doctor will assess your range of motion, look for signs of swelling, and check for any tenderness or instability in the knee.

They may manipulate the joint in various ways to evaluate the integrity of the ligaments, cartilage, and bones.

For instance, the Lachman test is commonly used to assess ACL injuries by gently pulling on the lower leg to test the stability of the ligament.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans are frequently used to get a closer look at the knee’s internal structures.

An X-ray can reveal broken bones or fractures, while an MRI provides a detailed image of the soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.

For instance, MRI is critical in diagnosing an ACL tear or meniscus injury.

CT scans can offer a more comprehensive view when more precise imaging is required, especially in cases of complicated fractures or multiple injuries.

Arthroscopy

In some cases, a more invasive procedure like arthroscopy may be necessary to diagnose a knee injury.

Arthroscopy involves inserting a small camera into the knee joint, allowing the doctor to directly visualize the damage.

This procedure is often used when imaging tests alone are insufficient to determine the full extent of an injury.

Arthroscopy not only aids in diagnosis but can also be used to treat certain injuries during the same procedure, such as trimming a torn meniscus or repairing ligaments.

Gait Analysis

For those with chronic knee injuries, a gait analysis might be performed to assess how the injury affects walking or running.

This test involves observing and recording your walking pattern to see if there are any abnormalities caused by the injury, such as limping or altered movement.

Gait analysis helps identify any compensation mechanisms your body may develop due to pain or instability, which could lead to further injury if not addressed.

Insurance and Statute of Limitations for Knee Injuries

When it comes to knee injuries, understanding your insurance coverage and the legal deadlines for filing claims is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Whether the injury occurred at work, during a car accident, or due to a slip and fall, the way insurance policies handle these injuries can differ.

Additionally, the statute of limitations for filing a claim varies by state, and failing to meet these deadlines could prevent you from recovering damages.

Health Insurance Coverage for Knee Injuries

Most health insurance plans cover the treatment of knee injuries, including diagnostic tests such as MRIs, X-rays, and any necessary surgeries.

However, the amount of coverage and out-of-pocket expenses can vary significantly depending on your policy.

Some plans may have high deductibles or require prior authorization for expensive treatments like surgery or physical therapy.

If the injury occurred at work, workers’ compensation insurance typically covers the costs of medical treatment and lost wages. It’s important to understand what your insurance covers to avoid unexpected medical bills.

If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence—such as a car accident or slip and fall—you might also be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.

In such cases, you can file a claim for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to time off work.

Statute of Limitations for Knee Injury Claims

The statute of limitations is the legal deadline by which you must file a personal injury claim.

This time frame varies depending on the state where the injury occurred and the type of claim being filed.

For most personal injury claims, including those involving knee injuries, the statute of limitations is typically between two and four years.

However, there are exceptions for specific cases, such as catastrophic injuries or injuries that result in permanent disability, like quadriplegia or nerve damage.

Get Legal Help for Your Knee Injury

If you’ve suffered a knee injury due to an accident or someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the financial burden alone.

Sutliff & Stout is here to help you seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call (713) 405-1263 today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.