Knee Injuries

At our Urgent Care Clinic, we know how a knee injury can impact your daily activities and overall mobility. Whether you’re dealing with a minor strain or a more severe injury, timely and effective treatment is crucial for a quick recovery. Let us walk you through the essentials of knee injuries, from initial care to comprehensive evaluation and treatment options available at our clinic.

Types of Knee Injuries

Knee injuries can affect various components of the knee joint, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Here’s a breakdown of common knee injuries:

– Knee Strains: These involve overstretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons surrounding the knee. They often result from sudden movements or excessive stress placed on the knee.

– Knee Sprains: Sprains occur when the ligaments that stabilise the knee are stretched or torn. This typically happens when the knee is twisted or bent beyond its normal range of motion.

– Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a cartilage structure that cushions the knee joint. Tears can result from abrupt twisting actions or gradual wear and tear.

– Ligament Injuries: Injuries to knee ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL), are often due to high-impact activities or trauma.

Immediate Care for Knee Injuries

Effective first aid can help manage pain and swelling after a knee injury. Follow these steps:

– Rest: Limit movement and avoid putting weight on the injured knee.

– Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to reduce swelling and numb the pain.

– Compression: Use a compression bandage to support the knee and control swelling.

– Elevation: Keep the injured knee elevated above heart level to minimize swelling.

Assessment and Treatment

If you’ve suffered a knee injury, our experienced nurse practioner at Shire Doctors and Dentists is here to help. We offer a range of diagnostic and treatment services tailored to your specific needs:

– Physical Examination: Our care providers will perform a detailed examination of your knee, looking for signs of swelling, bruising, and tenderness.

– Imaging Tests: Depending on the injury’s severity, we may use X-rays or other imaging techniques to evaluate the extent of damage to your knee.

– Treatment Options: Treatment may involve rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with pain management. For more severe injuries, we may recommend physical therapy or the use of a knee brace or splint to aid recovery.

– Ongoing Care: We provide continuous support and follow-up care to ensure your knee heals properly. Our goal is to restore your full function and mobility as quickly and safely as possible.

Don’t let a knee injury slow you down. Visit Shire Doctors and Dentists in Caringbah for expert diagnosis and personalised treatment to get you back on track.