‘Knee injury’ is an extremely general term for what could be any one of a wide range of conditions. But which can you treat yourself, and which should lead you to seek an expert diagnosis?
 

How do sports knee injuries occur?

They can occur in a number of ways. ACL tears are commonly caused by twisting movements and sudden changes of direction of the sort you might make on the football or rugby pitch or on the netball court. Other ligament injuries could be caused by twisting movements or through impact (a collision, for example, or falling hard onto the knee). Impact can also damage the kneecap. And for (usually) older athletes, wear and tear conditions such as osteoarthritis can progress to such an extent that it can stop them taking part in the sports they love.

> Read more on knee conditions and treatments
 

Which sports knee injuries need treating fast?

A simple sprain may not need specialist support, but sometimes it’s difficult to know what is a minor injury and what needs greater attention. A simple rule of thumb our Harrogate knee doctors employ is to ask whether there is swelling within an hour of the injury. If swelling occurs then there’s bleeding within the knee and that usually occurs for one of the following reasons:

1. You’ve fractured something
2. You’ve dislocated your kneecap (patella)
3. You’ve had a very large meniscal or cartilage tear
4. You’ve torn a ligament

Don’t be fooled by the fact that, in some instances, the swelling may reduce quite quickly. This is common with ligament injuries but, although the swelling and immediate pain may disappear, the instability will remain. Although you’ll be able to function day to day (walking and driving may not present a problem, for example), sport will be a different matter. Additionally, the longer the injury remains untreated, the greater the risk that you won’t be able to return to your sport at the same pre-injury level and the greater the risk of developing arthritis in the longer term.
 

How quickly should I see a sports knee injury specialist in Harrogate?

If you’ve experienced swelling within an hour of injury, contact us as soon as possible. The quicker the diagnosis, the quicker the treatment and the greater the likelihood you’ll be able to return to sport at the same level you were at before your injury. The longer the delay, the greater the challenge becomes.

> Discover more about our knee surgeons
 

Who do you treat?

Yorkshire Knee Clinic’s sports injury knee specialists treat every level of sporting proficiency. From casual walkers, runners, skiers and climbers to competitive triathletes and golfers to elite athletes and professional rugby players.

Let us help you return to the sport you love. Talk to Harrogate’s sporting knee injury specialists.