What is arthritis in the knee?

Arthritis in the knee or knee osteoarthritis is a condition of wear and tear of the knee joint cartilage over a long period of time. It affects 20-40% of people over the age of 60 who experience knee pain. However, aging is not the only cause of this condition.

The degree of degeneration of the knee cartilage and the discomfort a person experiences from this condition depends on a person’s lifestyle. Reduced pain and the prevention of surgical knee replacement can be achieved with a healthy lifestyle. 

Types and Causes of Knee Arthrosis

• Primary osteoarthritis

• It is the wear and tear of cartilage within the knee joint beyond the point that the body itself can repair. It has no distinct cause, although it is mostly related to aging, and some research suggests there may be a genetic link.
• However, lifestyle factors can play a significant part in the development of knee arthritis and can influence the degree of its severity. Risk factors include a lack of physical activity.
• Secondary osteoarthritis

• It is the degeneration of the knee joint that comes about from a predisposing condition that causes damage to the joint cartilage.
• Factors include trauma to the knee from a sporting injury or accident, or from strong, repetitive loading of the knee, involved in certain occupations.  

Arthritis in the knee can occur on the inner side of the knee joint to cause a bowed knee deformity or genu varus. Osteoarthritis of the outer portion of the knee joint creates a knocked knee deformity or genu valgus. Such wearing of one side of the knee can be due to a misalignment of the joint, among other factors.

Development of Arthritis in Knee

A defect in the knee joint cartilage can be the beginning of arthritis in knee development. The wearing of the cartilage occurs gradually, which places more pressure on the bones that form the knee joint.

The inflammation caused by this wear and tear triggers a response in the bone to grow additional spurs of bone (osteophytes) at the edges of the knee joint. As the damage to the cartilage increases, the knee joint becomes less mobile and the joint space becomes smaller.

Eventually, the cartilage layer can wear away completely, eliminating the joint space and not protecting the knee against impact, resulting in stiffness and pain. 

Knee Arthritis Symptoms 

Degeneration of the cartilage within the knee joint is a gradual process and pain or discomfort is rarely felt in the early stages. Due to the slow onset of symptoms experienced, it is common for osteoarthritis to go undetected for a long period of time.

An initial symptom of the condition presents as pain in the knee with movements after an extended period of rest. As the condition progresses, any loading or movement can cause pain within the knee.

Other common signs of arthritis in the knee are:

• pain in the knee when walking on uneven terrain or going upstairs,
• crunching sounds with the movement of the knee,
• discomfort in the knee when carrying heavy objects and increased sensitivity in the knee during wet or cold weather. 

It is common for a sufferer to only seek medical attention once symptoms of the condition become apparent, which is why it is often only diagnosed in a more advanced state. As the condition progresses, symptoms of pain and stiffness increase. 

Arthritis knee treatment

Diagnosis 

• A typical medical examination of the knee will involve viewing the person’s walking pattern, palpating the joint to inspect for swelling and sensitivity, and testing for joint range of motion.
• If the practitioner suspects arthritis of the knee joint, an X-ray will be recommended. The extent of the degeneration of the joint and the space remaining between the articulating leg bones will be examined in the image.
• More specific images can be obtained with an MRI scan to examine for any tendon, ligament or meniscus damage. 

Physiotherapy

• Conservative therapy, such as physiotherapy and the usage of medical knee supports, is recommended for knee osteoarthritis to reduce pain and discomfort, improve general mobility and slow the progression of the condition.
• Further recommendations to improve symptoms and slow the course of the condition include reducing excess body weight, avoiding activities that place a heavy load on the knees and avoid walking on uneven terrain. These strategies are more effective the earlier they are implemented. 
• Knee replacement surgery is an option for advanced stages of osteoarthritis, once conservative therapeutic measures have been exhausted.

Knee Brace for Arthritis

Exercise is a proven therapeutic measure for knee osteoarthritis, however, it can exacerbate knee pain. To break this cycle and improve rehabilitation, medical supports and braces can be worn by a person with arthritis in the knee during exercise in order to reap its benefits. 

It is helpful to relieve the knee of irritation, even in mild and moderate stages of osteoarthritis. The GenuTrain OA knee brace unloads and alleviates pain in the knee joint during movement. With this brace, the individual is able to adjust the amount of unloading and stabilization they require during different types of activities. 

In the more advanced stages of osteoarthritis, the SecuTec OA is an orthosis that works to distribute the load in the knee joint to significantly lessen the pain with movement. It is unique as a brace, as it does not act directly on the knee joint but on the lower leg, to avoid placing added pressure on the already sensitive knee.

The SecuTec OA can be customized to fit any degree of both genu varus and genu valgus knee alignments, allowing for comfortable everyday use. It is a valuable tool in bringing pain relief and assisting in mobility to give sufferers of knee osteoarthritis a better quality of life. 

JUMPER’S KNEE: PAIN IN THE LOWER KNEE PART

Pain in the knee at the lower part of the front is sometimes brought on by jumping or sudden start/stop motions and changes in direction and can be due to an irritation of the patellar tendon, known as patellar tendinitis or jumper’s knee.

Overloading of the quadriceps or patellar tendon can cause it to become inflamed at the lower point of the kneecap. Daily activities or occupations that involve keeping the knees bent for extended periods of time can also cause irritation of the tendon.

If this tendon is under persistent stress, it is likely to cause a partial or complete tear of the tendon. Multiple treatment options are available for patellar tendonitis, including varying therapies and medical support braces (orthoses).

CAUSES OF PATELLAR TENDINITIS

The patellar tendon extends down from the kneecap and attaches into the upper part of the shin bone. It keeps the knee cap in place and is involved in knee movement no matter the direction. Some activities that are more likely to cause irritation and/or injury in such an area include:

• Repetitive movements that overload the knee joint, such as thorough exercise or activities that require continuous knee flexion, can cause the patellar tendon to become inflamed. 
• People who are unable to fully straighten their knee or those born with congenital ligament weakness are more susceptible to developing patellar tendinitis.

PATELLAR TENDONITIS SYMPTOMS

Patellofemoral pain most commonly only affects one knee, with only 20-30% of cases affecting both knees. It has several main symptoms to be wary of, including

• An inflammation of sharp pain just below the knee cap, especially after running.
• Swelling in the knee, usually in the lower part below the patellar.
• Sometimes redness and irritation on the skin can occur.

DIAGNOSIS OF PATELLAR TENDONITIS

Patellar tendinitis is suspected when a person complains of pain at the front of the knee and describes a history of working with a bent knee or doing regular exercise involving jumping or sudden movements.

• A medical practitioner will examine the knee and determine if pressing on the lower margin of the kneecap elicits pain. A positive finding can be an indication that the patellar tendon is inflamed.
• Pain when the knee is straightened against resistance on the lower leg is another positive indication of patellar tendon involvement. Visible signs of swelling or redness around the knee joint are rare with this condition.
• Diagnosis of patellar tendinitis is usually made using ultrasound, comparing images of both knees to determine the degree of damage to the affected knee.
• MRI or X-ray imaging can be used to eliminate other possible diagnoses or to view the tendon and surrounding tissues if the knee is to undergo surgery.

PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME

It is important to note that pain at the front of the knee can be due to patellar tendonitis or patellofemoral pain syndrome. Both differ somewhat in their cause and presentation and may need to be treated differently. A qualified medical practitioner will be able to distinguish between the two and give a clear diagnosis. 

TREATMENT OF PATELLAR TENDONITIS OR THE JUMPER’S KNEE

Patellar Tendinitis is most commonly caused by excessive use of the tendon, and in many cases, the most effective remedy is resting the knee.

The knee joint should be supported (with a brace or strapping/bandaging), and exercise should be stopped for six to twelve weeks, depending on the degree of severity of the condition. Exercise can then slowly be reintroduced once the knee has rested for long enough to allow for healing.

• PRESCRIBED MEDICATION

Therapeutic measures for patellar tendinitis may include medication prescribed by a doctor. Such medication is used to provide pain relief and to reduce inflammation but should only be used for a short period of time to avoid side effects such as gastric issues and related renal issues.

• PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapy can be effective in treating patellar tendinitis using therapeutic techniques and rehabilitative stretches and exercises.

• MEDICAL SUPPORT BRACES

Medical support braces (orthoses) have been shown to be very useful in supporting the patellar tendon to provide relief of symptoms, and are often used alongside treatment by a physiotherapist. 

• SURGERY

Surgery is rarely performed for this condition unless all other treatment measures have been exhausted and symptoms persist.

PATELLAR TENDON STRAP AND BRACES

Bauerfeind provides several medical support braces (orthoses) specifically for patellar tendinitis, which have been clinically proven to be an effective measure against such a condition.

GENUPOINT KNEE STRAP

The GenuPoint targets the patella tendon specifically to relieve pressure during physical activity and provide symptom relief. Its slim design means it’s easy to put on and fits comfortably around the knee.

Made using a soft, light-weight material that is flexible and will not slip, the encased pressure pad can be adjusted to fit the wearer’s anatomy for optimal comfort.

GENUTRAIN P3 KNEE BRACE

The GenuTrain P3 knee brace is flexible to allow for a safe range of kneecap movement with physical activity to support the healing of the patellar tendon. It allows the wearer to have more freedom to continue with movements of daily life while reducing symptoms and avoiding further damage to the knee.

Using an inbuilt medial strap and special patellar tracking system, alongside extensive gel inserts, it provides the best support you can get for your patellar region.

Knee Joint Pain: Causes Chronic Cases of Knee Pain

The knee joint is one of the largest and most crucial joints in our body. It is a complex structure that facilitates our daily movements, including bending and walking. 

Knee joint pain can arise from a variety of causes and is critical to address in the initial stages. Pain can severely restrict movement and is often a sign of related underlying complications.

Most people associate knee pain with a sharp painful sensation on the inside of the knee cap. This can occur due to repeated wear and tear of the knee joint or from sporting injuries.

With sufficient support and protection, minor cases heal by themselves. However, in some cases of severe injury or degeneration, more invasive surgical measures may be necessary if conservative treatment options have been exhausted.

Continuous wear and tear of the knee joint can lead to chronic cases of knee pain like arthritis, which can be severely debilitating to one’s daily functional ability.

Causes and Symptoms of Knee Pain

The knee joint plays an instrumental role in weight-bearing and all our lower body movements. Although the knee joint is resilient, there are factors that can lead to damage and long-term wear and tear. Some of these factors include:

• Knee bruising or trauma, including sporting injuries and accidents.
• Patients with arthritis have joint degradation and inflammation, which can lead to severe knee joint pain and discomfort.
• Autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders have been known to have an association with the development of joint pain.
• Overstretching the knee: Practicing poor proprioception can lead to stretching the knee beyond its natural range of motion, which can damage the knee joint. For example, abrupt and uncontrolled rotation of the knee joint during exercise may damage the meniscus.
• Long term chronic degeneration can lead to arthrosis of the knee joint itself. 

Chronic Knee Pain

Most acute cases of pain in the knee are resolved by sufficient support through wearing a medical knee brace and sufficient physiotherapy. In chronic cases of knee pain, however, there are severe underlying symptoms associated. 

For example, in arthritis, the protective cartilage between the two leg bones could be severely compromised, which results in direct contact between the bones. This constant rubbing of the two bones can lead to severe long-term pain and chronic discomfort. 

The severity of knee pain can increase and become worse over time. Early diagnosis is essential and highly recommended for an effective treatment plan. 

Knee Pain Diagnosis

A typical diagnosis begins with a physical examination of the knee. A range of mobility tests is used by the physical to ascertain the root of the cause. For example, a physician can physically check if the pain is on the inside of the knee or in front of the knee and then decide on an appropriate course of treatment. 

Sophisticated imaging technology, including Ultrasound, X-rays, MRI’s and CT scans, is commonly used to get a clear idea of the extent of trauma or degeneration within the knee joint. If the cause of the pain is not in the joint itself, more invasive surgical examinations may be necessary.

Treatment from Knee Joint Pain

Treatment for knee joint pain depends entirely on the cause and diagnosis. Most acute cases of pain can be addressed by:

• Cooling

Applying an ice pack is highly effective in managing edema caused by the injury. It soothes the joint and provides instant temporary relief to the patient.

• Prescription Painkillers

Prescribed painkillers, like Ibuprofen, can help patients manage the pain and discomfort, whilst also providing some relief.

• Medical Knee Braces

Contrary to other treatments, complete immobilization might not be in the patient’s best interests as it may aggravate the pain further. Long term immobilization can lead to chronic degeneration of the joint. Thus, it is highly recommended to provide sufficient support and protection to the compromised joint with medical knee braces.

• Prescribed Physiotherapy

Rehabilitation is very important to ensure complete healing. Prescribed physiotherapy, with the use of knee braces, will help strengthen the joint and alleviate the pain, whilst reducing the risk of further damage.

Hydrotherapy and remedial massage can significantly reduce the discomfort in the joint and help manage pain.

• Surgical Intervention

Depending on the severity of the condition, like in the cases of arthrosis or damage to the meniscus, surgical interventions may be necessary.

What is the best knee brace for knee pain relief?

During the recovery process, it is highly recommended to wear medical knee support which can stabilize the knee joint.

Bauerfeind’s GenuTrain Knee brace protects and stabilizes the knee joint. It features an omega-shaped gel pad that surrounds the knee cap. This gel pad has integrated massaging points which help to alleviate pain and pressure in the structures of the patella tendon and meniscus.

The GenuTrain Knee Brace is also engineered from a breathable knitted fabric, making it comfortable to be worn over long periods of time whilst also compressing at a medical-grade.

Unhappy Triad: 3 Combination of Partial Injuries

The knee joint is a complex structure made of cartilage, bones and ligaments. It connects the femur bone to the tibia and fibula bones, allowing for complex movements like walking, jumping and running.

Abnormal twisting motions beyond the knee’s natural limits can result in trauma to three crucial parts of the knee joint, namely

• the medial collateral ligament (MCL),
• the medial meniscus (inner cartilage) and
• the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

This combination of partial injuries involving the three components is often referred to as the “Unhappy Triad”. A patient suffering from this condition typically has severely restricted movement and experiences a lot of pain and discomfort. 

Causes of The Unhappy Triad Injury

A triad injury is a combination of the following three partial injuries:

• An ACL trauma involving a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament.
• A medial collateral ligament tear
• Damage to the inner meniscus (inner cartilage)

The knee joint is quite resilient, and an unhappy triad is fairly uncommon in daily life. It is most commonly associated with an accident or sporting injury.

Intense contact sports, like football or rugby, and sports involving sudden changes in movement under stress, like skiing or martial arts, are at particular risk of injuries involving the three components within the knee joint.

Unhappy Triad Injury Symptoms

Specific symptoms can vary, depending on the extent of trauma to different parts of the knee joint. However, in most cases, typical symptoms include:

• A loud popping sound that comes from the tearing of ligaments within the joint.
• Extreme sharp pain and associated inflammation.
• Restricted movement including the ability to bend or stretch the knee.

CHRONIC CASE:

In chronic cases, the entire knee could be compromised. There is a severe loss of stability and the joint can often buckle under pressure. This is often referred to as the “giving away phenomenon”. Bruising and bleeding may occur in some cases.

A patient suffering from Unhappy Triad experiences severe pain and discomfort. The joint should be promptly immobilised and elevated. Immediate medical assessment is highly recommended.

Diagnosis of Unhappy Triad Injury

A complete medical examination, conducted by a professional orthopedist, is the best course of action in the case of severe trauma to the knee.

1. The physician begins with a complete history of the circumstances of the accident and injury.
2. Sophisticated imaging technology, including X-rays and MRI’s, can be used to detect the full extent of the injury to individual parts of the knee joint.
3. It is crucial to understand and make distinct the three partial injuries to formulate the most efficient treatment path. Consult your physiotherapist, doctor or a Bauerfeind representative for medical knee braces for treating unhappy triad injury. 

Unhappy Triad Injury Treatment

In cases of Unhappy Triad or combination trauma, treatment is difficult due to the complexity of the injury. Most cases involve some form of surgical intervention. 

MCL Trauma treatment

Cooling

Treatment for MCL injuries is mostly conservative. Applying an ice pack, immediately after trauma, is highly effective in managing swelling and edema. It soothes the joint and can provide relief to the patient.

Prescription Painkillers

Patients experience pain and discomfort due to the combination of trauma. Prescribed painkillers, like Ibuprofen, can help manage the pain and provide some relief. Importantly, painkillers only temporarily treat the pain without addressing the underlying condition. In addition, tolerance may occur where the effectiveness of the drugs decrease as well as other potential side effects.

Prescribed Physiotherapy

Rehabilitation is very important in ensuring complete healing. Prescribed physiotherapy, in conjunction with the usage of knee braces, will help strengthen the joint and alleviate knee pain as well as prevent further injury. Hydrotherapy and remedial massage can also significantly reduce discomfort in the joint and help manage pain.

Meniscal Damage ACL Tear treatment

Surgical Intervention

Tears in the ACL and inner meniscus do not usually heal on their own and require surgical intervention to ensure complete healing. The operation minimally invasive and only requires a small incision to be made, allowing surgeons to sew up the ruptured ligament and cartilage or replace them both entirely. There is minimal risk of infection in an Unhappy Triad operation and is often in the patient’s best interest for the best treatment outcome. 

Medical Knee Braces

Contrary to other treatments, complete immobilization of the knee joint might not be very effective in treating an Unhappy Triad injury as it may, in fact, aggravate the pain further. Long term immobilization can lead to chronic degeneration of the joint.

It is crucial to encourage targeted muscle building to the muscles around the knee joint to facilitate healing. As such the use of a specific medical knee brace is highly recommended as it provides support and protection to the compromised joint without immobilizing. 

Chronic Cases and Complications

In addition to structural instability caused due to the trauma, there is also a significant risk of functional instability of the knee joint. In chronic cases involving long term degeneration, there is an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis, which could lead to serious complications.

If the cartilage is compromised in the long run, excessive wear and tear could result in degradation of the knee joint. This leads to the bones in the joint rubbing against each other during movement. A patient with osteoarthritis experiences considerable pain and severely restricted movement. Unfortunately, most cases of functional instability from an unhappy triad trauma require some form of surgical intervention to ensure long term health and function.

Use of Braces for Unhappy Triad injury

The use of a knee brace is a very effective measure of protection and prevention against abnormal movements of the knee.

However, when it comes to the recovery process from an Unhappy Triad injury, a Bauerfeind knee brace like the SecuTec Genu and SofTec Genu can be instrumental in reducing pain and stabilizing the joint by influencing the bio-mechanics* of the joint and ultimately improving physical performance**. These braces help provide stabilization during conservative and post-operative phases of treatment. 

Bauerfeind’s SecuTec Genu Knee Brace provides maximum stability to the knee joint, which is necessary following an Unhappy Triad injury. This light-weight yet sturdy knee brace externally stabilizes the knee and unloads the pressure off the knee joint, allowing for healing. Flexion and extension knee movements can easily be limited on the SecuTec Genu through a small point of fastening on the side hinges. Thanks to the brace’s ability to limit movement, it is very suitable for all stages of the recovery process.

If swelling is also a consequence of an Unhappy Triad injury, Bauerfeind’s SofTec Genu provides immediate care and unloads the pressure off the knee joint. This knee brace is comfortable enough to be worn all day and features a special access zip, providing the patient easier access to put on and take off. Featuring medical-grade compression, the SofTec Genu also promotes blood flow and helps to reduce any swelling present around the knee joint. 

* Berschin G, Schneider V, Sommer H M; Axis Kongruency and Axis Migration on Knee Orthosis – Results of Kinematic Investigation; Medizinische Orthop.dische Technik, Vol. 3, 2003

** Reer R, Nagel V, Paul B, Edelmann H, Braumann K-M, Die Anwendung .u.erer Kniegelenkstabilisatoren – Einflussnahme auf mechanische Stabilisierung und k.rperliche Leistungsf.higkeit [The use of external knee joint stabilizers – influencing mechanical stabilization and physical performance]; Sportverletzung/Sportschaden, Vol. 15: 62–67 (2001)

Irritation in the Patellar Tendon: Causes Damage to Tendon

What causes irritation and damage to the patellar tendon?

The patella also called the kneecap, is the convex bone that sits in front of the knee joint. The patellar tendon connects the patella bone to the tibia. It facilitates movement and allows us to perform daily movements like walking, jumping and running.

Repeated excessive stress on the patellar tendon through rigorous physical activities can cause the tendon to become inflamed. The resulting irritation and pressure on the tendon can lead to long term pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Patellar Tendonitis

Patellar tendon pain syndrome is a direct result of excessive stress on the knee joint. This sensation is fairly common in athletes and people in jobs with long sitting hours. A physical examination helps doctors assess the severity of the trauma.

• Imaging Tests

External swelling or redness of the knee joint are rarely visible. Instead, doctors rely on sophisticated technology like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and X-Ray imaging to diagnose the condition.

• Doctor and Physiotherapist

In most cases, one side of the tendon is affected but in 20-30% of cases, both sides may be affected and may require additional care. Practitioners often compare both knees of a patient to gain a better understanding of the extent of the condition

• Symptoms

In mild cases, a patient usually experiences pain in the lower leg under any stress. A patient might also experience a “pulling” or “tightening” sensation in the knee joint.

Immediate medical treatment is highly recommended to manage the long term risks of degeneration and chronic pain. Excessive wear and tear of the kneecap can lead to a loss in strength of the thigh muscle and further restrict one’s mobility.

Treatment from Irritation in the Patellar Tendon

Treatment for kneecap pain is mostly conservative i.e. non-surgical. Full recovery from the condition is possible following a complete treatment plan with sufficient rest and the use of medical knee support.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Patellar Irritation 

• Reduce Painful Activity 

Relaxation and relief from all external stress is the first step in all cases of patellar tendon pain syndrome. The tendon should be left to rest, and a knee brace should be used to provide ample support and restrict movement and pressure on the knee joint. 

 *Note- Ample recovery time is recommended, even if the pain symptoms subside, to ensure complete healing. Any stressful activities like bending the knee, walking, sports should be immediately suspended.

• Rehabilitation And Physiotherapy

The patellar tendon is strong and resilient. Prescribed rehabilitation, like hydrotherapy and remedial massage, can help boost blood circulation and facilitate healing.

Regulated physiotherapy is a proven effective treatment path. The exercises can help promote the reorganization of the tendon and facilitate recovery.

Encouraging healthy proprioception and strengthening of the tendon aids to prevent long term degeneration of the knee joint and further injury.

• Prescribed Painkillers

Such as Ibuprofen or Panadol can be used to help alleviate pain and discomfort in patients. Pain, however, is a crucial indicator of the injury.

Painkillers merely mask the pain without addressing the underlying condition. Long term use of painkillers has side-effects and can be counter-productive.

• Medical Knee Braces

Complete healing and recovery are crucial, and it is highly recommended to provide ample support to the tendon through the use of a medical knee brace.

Knee braces provide:

• targeted compression to help boost circulation and
• reduce the possibility of effusions and edema. 

Wearing a Bauerfeind knee brace, like the GenuPoint or GenuTrain, can minimize your chances of injury by providing enhanced stability, proprioception and medical–grade compression. The support found in Bauerfeind’s braces is unmatched and can be instrumental in a speedy recovery.

Surgical Intervention

Operative surgery is considered when all conservative treatments have been exhausted, where symptoms are persistent and severe.

Arthroscopy can be conducted, where inflamed areas of the patellar tendon and surrounding tissue are removed. Surgery is risky and should be opted only as a last resort.

Stabilization through Orthoses to prevent patellar damage

Prevention of the condition covers a range of options. Awareness of the limitations of the knee joint and good proprioception goes a long way in managing the stress imposed on the knee. Medical knee braces are a valuable tool to both prevent and manage patellar tendon pain syndrome.

How does a patellar tendon strap treat patellar tendon irritation?

Bauerfeind offers premium German-engineered knee braces that are well researched and manufactured with materials (non-neoprene based) to the highest standards to provide the very best in comfort and support. 

The GenuPoint knee strap is anatomically shaped and fits perfectly around the knee. It features a thin massaging gel pad, consisting of 4 pressure points, which help soothe the patella tendon and relieve pain during movement. 

How does a medical knee brace treat patellar tendon pain?

The GenuTrain knee brace is a very suitable knee brace to be worn to recover from and protect against developing patella tendon pain syndrome.

This brace features an Omega+ gel pad, with integrated massage points, which help to:

• relieve pain and
• reduce inflammation in the tendon.

Medical grade compression is also engineered into the GenuTrain knee brace’s lightweight knit fabric to promote blood circulation within the knee joint.

What is Cruciate Ligament Tear?

The knee joint is a complex structure that facilitates mobility and allows for complex movements including walking, running and jumping. Anatomically, the knee consists of two cruciate ligaments: Anterior and Posterior cruciate ligaments. Together they allow the knee to stretch and contract, resulting in movement. Abnormal and excessive stress can lead to a cruciate ligament tear or even a complete rupture in some cases.

Contrary to popular belief, cruciate ligament injuries are fairly common. They are commonly associated with sporting accidents which involve excessive stress and sudden shifts in direction, comparable to movements in basketball and soccer. Strong external forces, like that in a road accident, can also result in a ligament tear or rupture.

A cruciate ligament injury can be very painful and can severely restrict a patient’s mobility. It is highly recommended that immediate medical treatment be sought, as such injuries tend to have major complications.

Diagnosis and Symptoms of the Cruciate Ligament Tear

Effective diagnosis begins with determining the severity of the injury as well as narrowing down the specific area affected.

Doctors perform the “Drawer test” to determine which of the ligaments in the knee is affected. Sophisticated imaging, like the use of an MRI or X-ray, is often used to assess the injury and study a patient’s symptoms.

A cruciate ligament tear occurs when the ligaments are stretched beyond their natural range of movement.

• In this case, a clear crack can be heard and a patient’s knee will swell up almost immediately.
• Patients will experience weakness and instability in the joint as well as significant pain, which intensifies under stress. 

Most mild cases can be resolved with ample rest and rehabilitation. 

However, there is long term degeneration of the ligament in chronic cases. The damage will stop the joint from stretching or bending, thereby severely restricting the mobility of the individual. More drastic measures such as surgical intervention may be required in severe ligament rupture cases.

Treatment of the Cruciate Ligament Tear

Treatment of a cruciate ligament tear aims to relieve pain, stabilize the knee and restore performance and mobility of the joint. The severity of the tear (partial or complete rupture) dictates which course of treatment is carried out. Unlike other injuries, surgical intervention may be necessary depending on the severity of the injury.

Non-Surgical Treatment for ACL

• Immobilization

Complete immobilization and relief from all external stress is the first step in treating a cruciate ligament injury. The ligament should be rested, and ample support should be provided, through using a medical knee brace, to restrict the movement of the joint.

Suspension of the joint is also highly recommended. The application of cooling blankets and ice packs can be very helpful in managing any swelling or inflammation caused by the injury.

*Note- Ample recovery time is recommended, even if the pain symptoms subside, to ensure complete healing. Physiotherapy should follow once the pain has subsided, in order to regain strength and mobility.

• Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy

Prescribed rehabilitation, such as hydrotherapy and remedial massage, helps in boosting blood circulation and helps facilitate healing.

For example, regulated physiotherapy in the form of “targeted muscle building” has been proven to be an effective treatment path. These exercises can repair the ligament and facilitate recovery. 

• Prescribed Painkillers

Such as Ibuprofen or Panadol, can be used to alleviate pain and discomfort in patients. However, pain is a crucial indicator of the injury. Painkillers merely mask the pain without addressing the underlying condition. In addition, tolerance may occur where the effectiveness of the drugs decrease as well as other potential side effects.

Surgical Treatment

An operative procedure is fairly common when the anterior cruciate ligament is damaged. If a patient is physically very active, like athletes, the damaged ligament is too damaged and hence often operated on.

The surgery takes place about four to six weeks after the trauma and involves transplanting part of the patellar tendon or the hamstrings to replace the anterior cruciate ligament. It is highly recommended that patients are prescribed appropriate physiotherapy to recover effectively after surgery. 

 *Note: In some cases, meniscus cartilage might be damaged and are often sutured together during surgery.

Medical Knee Braces

Medical knee braces provide crucial support and help alleviate excess pressure off the joint. Braces play a crucial role in the recovery process in both acute and post-operative procedures.

Wearing a Bauerfeind knee support can minimize your chances of further or re-injury by providing enhanced stability, proprioception and medical-grade compression. 

Stabilization of the knee through Orthosis 

Cruciate ligament injuries are a direct result of physical trauma due to external forces or sudden abnormal movements in succession, like in sports activities. It is crucial to understand the natural limitations of the knee joint in order to prevent the occurrence of injury.

Proper exercise technique, and the correct proprioception in itself, can help prevent excess stress on the joints and ligaments, thus reducing the chances of a cruciate ligament tear or rupture.

How do Bauerfeind’s medical knee braces help in treating cruciate ligament tear?

Bauerfeind’s SofTec Genu is a knee brace that ultimately stabilizes and unloads stress off the knee joint without restricting your mobility. The brace features modifiable and ‘intelligent’ lateral and medial joints that provide optimal guidance to the knee by anatomically adjusting to each individual’s axis of rotation thus minimizing stress and alleviating pain. 

The SofTec Genu features medical-grade compression with an intertwined knee pad that has nodules built-in. Every movement activates the nodules thereby massaging the surrounding tissue, speeding up the healing process. It can also be used as an effective prevention measure (for example, it is highly effective if used while running or skiing). 

Bauerfeind’s SecuTec Genu features a hard frame that is light and durable. The frame externally stabilizes the knee joint as well as prevents unnecessary movement of the knee. This brace is suitable to be used in all stages of recovery from a cruciate ligament injury, as limitations on flexion and extension knee movements can be easily adjusted. 

Medical Knee Braces, like the SecuTec Genu and SofTec Genu, play a significant role in providing ample support as well as facilitating healing from a cruciate ligament tear.