Knee Supports: Ligament Injuries
There are many knee supports which may assist with knee injuries, caused by either:
- a sprain - overstretching one or more ligaments through twisting or wrenching
- a strain - a tendon or muscle is overstretched
- a torn meniscus
- bleeding in your knee OR
- LIGAMENT DAMAGE
Knee ligaments connect one bone to another within the joint, providing stability and flexibility to the joint.
Ligaments found in the knee include the medial collateral ligament, the anterior cruciate ligament, the posterior cruciate ligament and the lateral collateral ligament.
To reduce the risk of damaging knee ligaments certain precautions can be taken, including:
- undertaking regular exercise to maintain a good level of fitness and muscle tone around the joint, reducing the direct stress on the ligaments, starting gently and slowly increasing the intensity
- warming up for five to ten minutes prior to exercising, stretching out muscles after the warm up period and cooling down steadily following exercise.
Should an injury occur to the knee, initial first aid should following the RICE procedure:
- Rest the injury, slowly reintroducing movement as the pain allows
- Ice packs can be used to reduce swelling and bruising
- Compression on the joint to support the injury and help decrease swelling
- Elevate the knee to allow fluid to drain
Consult a Doctor to find out the extent of the ligament damage and follow a strengthening programme recommended by your physiotherapist.
Exercise Treatment Programme: Support4Physio offer a range of knee support and ice pack products which will assist your exercise treatment programme for knee ligament damage, including the LP: Hinged Knee Stabiliser, the Reusable Fabric Ice Pack and the Instant Ice Pack.
For more information visit KNEE SUPPORTS & HOT/COLD THERAPY
Disclaimer: Professional independent medical advice should be taken before acting on any of the information given in this article.
