As a knee injury doctor can explain, the knee is an incredibly fragile part of the body – even though we use it for just about everything. Because our knees get so much hard use, they also suffer the most: Knee pain can be traced to a variety of causes, from aging to dietary choices.

So what are some of the most common causes of knee injuries, and what can you do to regain your mobility if a knee injury has you in pain and barely able to stand on your own? Read on to learn more about what can be causing your knee pain, and what a knee injury doctor can do to help.

The Most Common Knee Injuries

Fractures: The kneecap is a bone like any other – except it’s floating in a very vulnerable location. It’s possible to fracture your kneecap, and it happens frequently. A fractured kneecap can cause intense pain, and can also prevent you from fully straightening your leg, let alone walk. There are many possible causes for a fractured kneecap: Did you land on it too hard recently? Did your knee hit your dashboard in a car accident? Whatever the cause, a knee injury doctor can help you develop a recovery plan.

ACL injury: The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is a long ligament that connects your shinbone to your thighbone. It threads its way beneath the kneecap and through the knee joint to facilitate movement, and it is vulnerable to tearing – especially if you play sports. Even if you’re not a super athletic person, it’s possible to injure your ACL due to sudden changes in direction, and once you’ve heard that distinctive “pop” you’ll know you’re in for a lengthy recovery time. 

Loose body: There could be many causes for a loose body, but they all have one thing in common: Pain. A loose body is a painful fragment of your own knee joint that’s somehow been knocked loose. It could be a sliver of bone or a piece of cartilage; it could be lodged in the joint or floating around, in a different spot every day. In any case, you can expect your knee to become swollen and difficult to move.

Gout: Gout is well known as a painful condition that affects your big toe, but it can affect your knee as well. If your body build up too much uric acid, this acid can form painful crystals that circulate and affect different parts of your body: It may even feel like your knee is on fire. If your gout is causing knee pain, the skin around your knee might feel hot and swollen, as well. Gout traces its cause back to dietary choices, and impacts those who enjoy rich foods and alcohol – so if you’re a red meat lover, you might be at added risk of gout.

Contact a Knee Injury Doctor Today

There are many other causes of knee injury, and the above examples are not a complete list by any means. When you have a serious knee injury, you know that you need help to regain your mobility, and that’s where a knee injury doctor can help. Reach out to one today to begin your recovery.