Over the past 15 years, knee injuries have grown substantially among teen athletes. There are many different types, including muscle or tendon tears, as well as ACL ligament damage and dislocations. Another common knee injury is a stress fracture.
There are also many different approaches to treating knee stress fractures. Which one is best depends on myriad factors.
This article explains the basics of a stress fracture in the knee, along with the five main treatments. Keep reading to find out the distinct advantages of each, as well as any drawbacks. It will help you decide which approach may be right for you.
What Is a Stress Fracture?
A stress fracture is a very small crack in the bone caused by repetitive overuse. Unlike acute fractures, which result from a single traumatic event, stress fractures develop gradually as a result of repeated pressure or force.
Five Treatments for a Stress Fracture in the Knee
There are several different approaches to knee injury recovery from stress fractures. Here are the main ones to consider.
1. Rest and Activity Modification
One of the most important things someone with a stress fracture in the knee can do is to rest and allow the body’s natural healing abilities to kick in. This also helps limit the potential to exacerbate existing damage.
It is especially important to avoid strenuous activities, including ones requiring a lot of knee movement, like running. As an alternative, consider low-impact alternatives, such as cycling or swimming.
2. Inflammation Reduction
Ice therapy is a cheap and easy way to reduce swelling to injuries. Applying an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes, several times a day, can be extremely effective. It has the added benefit of alleviating pain associated with the injury.
Injured individuals can combine this with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. These treatments together can go a long toward alleviating swelling and allowing healing to initiate.
3. Immobilization
For severe knee stress fractures, it may be necessary to immobilize the knee. This usually involves a brace or splint.
The use of crutches may be incorporated to keep all pressure off the knee. This minimizes stress and allows healing to take place.
4. Surgery
If a stress fracture in the knee fails to heal following other treatments, surgery may be necessary. Common procedures include putting in internal fixations to stabilize the fracture. While sometimes necessary, surgeries are a more invasive option.
5. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may not be used for healing knee fractures, but it can be a valuable tool in knee stress fracture rehab. That is because strengthens muscles in the knee, which can reduce the risk of injuries in the future. It also can improve stability and flexibility while recovering from the injury.
Call Blackrock Orthopedics for Stress Fracture Management
Now that you know the top five treatments for a stress fracture in a knee, you will have a better idea of what options are available. An orthopedic specialist can recommend the best approach based on your unique injury, lifestyle, and overall health goals.
At Blackrock Orthopedics, fixing knees is our passion. We leverage a wide range of expertise and experience from various approaches to formulate a unique treatment regimen for every patient. Reach out to us to schedule a consultation for orthopedic treatment for knee injuries.
