Knees are definitely a vulnerable soft target of injury for runners and climbers. I remember going jogging in the morning, tripping and falling terribly on the ground, bruising my knees. The knee joints have a tendency to get injured, especially in the case of athletes. Presenting 5 crucial lessons from sports and adventures that got me hurt, bruised as well as encouraged to take careful measures during a serious knee injury.

Take a Break

The first thing one has to do after getting badly hurt is to pause the ongoing activity and take a break. You should not take this step for granted because it may seem simple but it is important. If you hear a crackling and sputtering sound in your knees during a sports activity, you simply must stop the ongoing adventure immediately before it becomes a frightening misadventure.  I am a determined and disciplined outdoor person who loves the workouts, mountaineering and the host of such activities. Howsoever motivated I may feel to push through my body despite the injury, I realize the need to address the wounds instantaneously. I recommend a similar amount of precaution and care for you as well.

First Aid Comes First

The carelessness of extreme friction and force applied on knee joints can cost you their health and lead to damage. The next step post-injury is recovery. However, it depends on the severity of the wound to assess whether the recovery is going to take a longer or shorter period to heal completely. Ever heard of the P.R.I.C.E acronym? Well, it is a popular acronym that acts as mnemonic to unleash the fundamentals of the proper treatment of knee injuries.

Protect: Restrict any use of the injured area and protect it from suffering further impacts. Visit a doctor who will do a thorough analysis of the bruises and wounds, which may result in a recommendation of splint, brace or crutches.

Rest: Avoid putting stress or weight on the wounds after getting an injury. Evaluate the condition, whether your joints are stiff or muscles are weak, in this case you should avoid moving too early. If your joints are muscles have started healing, the change can be felt in the swiftness and strength of your movements and muscles.

Ice: There may be bleeding in the joint after a severe injury. This may increase synovial liquid that lubricates our six types of joints. As a result, swelling may occur that can be reduced with the help of ice application which decelerates the congestion of fluid and blood. Use a covered ice-cubes pack. Avoid using it in case of high blood pressure or low sensation, as it can accelerate injury.

Compression: Compression is a technique used to reduce swelling. A bandage can be used to compress but only under medical supervision.

Elevation. Raise the level of your legs upwards while lying down with the help of pillows, as this will drain excessive fluid from the injury. Providing support under the knee proves to be quite helpful in quick treatment.

Medical Expertise

Serious injuries need to be examined and treated by medical professionals with qualified expertise and may need to be taken for emergency care in case of traumatic injuries. However, minor injuries can be treated with the help of first aid at home.

Diagnose the Problem

It is important to analyze the type of injury to determine the suitable treatment according to the medical needs of the patient. Again, I would pinpoint the need to seek medical treatment from a trusted medical expert.

Best Medical Treatment

There are a variety of treatments available which are designed to cure various injuries and to help in recovery. A few injuries in the joints may require physiotherapy, while others could be surgical.