With such an active population, knee injuries are extremely prevalent in Colorado. The Colorado High Country yields some of the highest rates of knee injuries in the state, making communities like Eagle and Summit County a hub for some of the country's best orthopaedic care. It's not uncommon for our sports medicine specialists to see patients who have had knee pain for weeks (and sometimes longer) before seeking medical attention.
If you've injured your knee and are experiencing persisting symptoms and pain, it's imperative to make an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist in Colorado (and follow up with physical therapy). Untreated knee injuries can lead to an array of issues down the road, including an increased risk of future injuries, development of osteoarthritis, a potential need for joint replacement, and more.
Let's discuss the main symptoms of a torn ligament in the knee and when to see a Colorado knee specialist:
Instability of the knee
Stability of the leg is one of the first things we test when a patient comes in with a knee injury. The ligaments in your knee function to stabilize the joint. One of the most telling signs of a torn ACL is the inability to stand on the injured leg or walk normally, causing wobbling and buckling. Instability of the leg is the most telling sign of injury requiring further followup.
Popping of the knee
Popping, clicking, and cracking of the knee is often caused by tiny air bubbles in joint fluid, which is typically harmless. Sometimes, however, popping of the knee is a common symptom of one or multiple torn ligaments. When knee popping is accompanied by pain and swelling, you may have a torn meniscus or ACL.
Swelling of the knee
The majority of ligament tears in the knee result in swelling right after the injury. In some instances, swelling may occur later. If the swelling doesn't get better with ice and persists alongside other symptoms (pain, instability, popping, etc.), consult your knee specialist.
Inability to move normally
It's normal for your full range of motion to be slightly hindered after a challenging workout or a fall. It's important to distinguish between general soreness and joint pain. Knee injuries are typically accompanied by dull or sharp pains localized within the joint.
Avoiding medical facilities during the Coronavirus pandemic might seem like a wise choice, but ignoring orthopaedic injuries can have serious consequences. VSON is taking every precaution to keep our clinics and our Ortho Urgent Care center clean and COVID-free. We are continuing to screen patients for symptoms at the door, require masks, and clean between each visit. If you happen to incur injury, make an appointment with us right away.
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