Car accidents result in different injuries to the victims. Injuries range from simple bruises and burns to severe injuries of the soft tissue and ligaments. Typically, injuries after motor vehicle accidents include knee injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and herniated discs. Treatment of soft tissue injuries can be complicated and last longer than others, requiring long-term treatment.
Common types of knee injuries
Many car crash victims sustain knee injuries because of the sudden external blow on the knee. There are several common types of knee accidents that can occur. Anterior cruciate ligament or ACL injury occurs when a person falls from a height, making a loud popping sound and hurts the knees. Based on the severity of the injury, the physician can recommend surgery. Posterior cruciate ligament or PCL injury occurs when a person hits the dashboard of the car. This type of injury is also known as the dashboard knee.
This injury affects the ligament that connects the shinbone or tibia to the thigh bone or the femur. The medial collateral injury or the MCL injury occurs when the knee hits some solid object inside the car. The medial collateral ligament also connects the tibia to the femur. The meniscus injury hurts the discs that prevent friction between the knee bones and provide stability to the knee while walking. Symptoms of the injury are manifested in the form of severe pain, swelling, instability, and locking in the knee.
Possible outcomes of a knee injury
The possible outcomes of a knee injury depend on the age, the seriousness of the injury, and the current physical condition of the person. Minor injuries may heal after initial treatment and some time, while others may require long-term treatment and take longer to heal. However, it is the doctor who will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your injury. For minor injuries, they usually suggest RICE (which includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation) or physiotherapy for a few weeks and months. In case of severe injuries, surgery may be recommended and recovery may take several months or years to recover completely. For example, joint diseases like osteoarthritis caused due to the breakdown of joint cartilage or underlying bone fractures, may not get cured completely. Treatment with compounds like turmeric can provide some relief from the pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis.
In the video below you see the treatment of a patient after a car accident with our unique technology in both Scarborough (Toronto) and Woodbridge (Vaughan).
Knee Meniscus Tear Injury
Car accidents can often result in many types of injuries to the driver and passengers. Neck and back injuries are the most common injuries. Knee injuries are less common but can be serious and may need surgery and rehabilitation. They also take a longer time to recover.
Are you looking for physiotherapy or a Chiropractor? If Yes, then visit Simply Align Rehab Physio in Scarborough/Toronto or Woodbridge/Vaughan or you can always call or text us for your Physiotherapy or Chiropractor needs in Toronto at (416) 438-3230 or For Physiotherapy or Chiropractor need in Vaughan (Woodbridge) at (905) 638-9840.
We offer a range of treatments for pain relief that include: Physiotherapy, Massage, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, psychotherapy, and foot care services. Our services include tools and techniques for our patients to function optimally and live pain and worry free. We use advanced healing and pain relief technology in form of physical therapy modalities to address almost all musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions.
Common Knee Injuries
The knee has a complex structure and consists of several bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that help maintain balance and movement. The femur, fibula, tibia, and patella bones are part of the knee joint. All these different parts have to work together properly to make the knee move smoothly. The inner part of the knee consists of two parts of cartilage, known as menisci. The two menisci are located on top of the tibia and act as shock absorbers. The knee is surrounded by fluid-filled sacs called bursas. They cushion the knee when it moves. Car accidents can cause trauma or acute injury to the knee that can have a permanent impact on the victim. A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries caused due to car crashes. In this condition, the forceful twisting or hyper-flexing of the knee joint occurs, leading to the trauma of the knee. This then causes swelling, pain, popping because of which the knee is unable to support one’s weight.
Typically knee trauma is treated with physiotherapy that strengthens and stabilizes the muscles of the knee. If the condition does not improve, surgery may be needed. Surgery often depends on the location and extent of injury to the knee. For example, like any fracture, a knee fracture can occur at the top, middle, or bottom of the knee. It can also occur in more than one part of the knee. Injuries to the knee can be caused due to a direct blow and their signs are swelling, bruising, or inability to walk or straighten one’s leg.
Knee injuries due to car crashes are serious and can affect you in many ways. You may need weeks or months to recover and still not be capable of doing the same work as before the accident. It can also lead to loss of wages or earning capacity. When the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL of the knee joint tears away, it is known as Torn ACL. This is a debilitating and very painful condition. Rehabilitation or therapy may take 3 to 6 months, depending on the extent of the injury. If surgery is needed, it may take 6 to 9 months. A tear or sprain of the medial collateral ligament connecting the thighbone to the lower leg is known as MCL Tear. Its symptoms are pain, stiffness, and swelling. This injury is usually treated without surgery unless the ligament is torn and cannot heal.
Symptoms of knee injury may take some time before they surface. If you experience any signs of a knee injury after an accident, you need to consult a physician. Seek medical advice right away.
