Knee injuries can be extremely painful and difficult to cope with. On top of the physical pain that these types of injuries may present. These injuries can also make it impossible for an injury victim to return to work for extended periods of time. They can impede even basic mobility. In cases of serious injury, treating knee injuries may require costly medical treatment, including surgery and lengthy rehabilitation periods.
Fortunately, not all knee injuries require treatment as serious as this. In fact, there are various treatment options that individuals who have been the victim of a knee injury. They may benefit from helping reduce pain and return full functionality to the affected knee(s). In all cases, however, the appropriateness of any potential knee injury treatment course should be evaluated by a physician to prevent injury recurrence or further tissue damage.
The following is a brief explanation of some of the most common treatments for knee injuries:
Home Care: In some cases, knee injuries may be minor enough to require nothing more than at-home care. In this circumstance, the recommended treatment course may include preventing future knee injuries (possibly by placing a protective device over the knee to provide stability). Resting to allow recovery, icing the knee for 20-30 minutes periodically throughout the day. Applying compression to reduce swelling and elevating the knee to help reduce swelling and alleviate fluid buildup. Pain relieving and anti-inflammatory medications may also be recommended to help ease symptoms.
Fluid Removal: Sometimes, knee injuries result in excess buildup of fluid in the knee. This may require the removal of fluid by a qualified medical professional. This outpatient procedure doesn’t typically have serious consequences for patient mobility after a day or two. Removing the fluid several times before the problem is resolved may be necessary.
Synvisc Injections: For patients with arthritis in their knees, synvisc injections can help to relieve pain and other symptoms temporarily. Synvisc injections, usually administered over three weeks, provide patients with one of the natural elements present in knee joint fluid to help reduce pain and inflammation. Though the benefits of synvisc injections typically do not last longer than a period of six months.
Patellar Relocation and Splinting: If the patella, more commonly known as the kneecap, becomes dislocated, it must be moved back into place by a doctor and splinted, often for periods over three weeks, to restore full functionality to the knee. Additionally, the knee may be examined for signs of fracture.f
Arthroscopic Surgery: Some knee injuries may be so serious that they require surgery to remove damaged tissue or repair torn tissue. This surgery can help fully resolve serious knee injuries and restore a patient’s mobility.
Knee replacement surgery may improve your quality of life.
Knee Replacement Surgery: For the most serious knee injuries, knee joint replacement may be necessary. During knee replacement surgical procedures, damaged cartilage and bone are removed. And an artificial joint, typically made from metal alloys and plastics, is inserted in its place. Knee replacement surgery can help to improve a patient’s quality of life.
At
Hach & Rose, LLP, our dedicated legal professionals understand how difficult recovering from a knee injury can be. This is particularly true if significant medical intervention is necessary to alleviate the problem.
Contact our
personal injury attorneys today by calling us at
212-779-0057 to speak with a qualified legal staff member and learn more about what we can do to help you pursue the
compensation you need for any injury-related expenses you have incurred.