Knee injuries are common among athletes and people who experience trauma or joint wear, significantly affecting mobility and quality of life.
At Clínica San Román, they are approached in a comprehensive manner with an accurate diagnosis and advanced treatments, personalized according to the injury.
This approach ranges from conservative techniques such as physiotherapy and rest, to minimally invasive interventions such as infiltrations and, in severe cases, surgery.
This article explores how the clinic treats knee injuries such as ligament injuries, meniscus injuries and joint wear and tear.
Common Knee Injuries: Causes and Symptoms
The most common injuries include:
- Ligament injuries: The cruciate ligaments (especially the ACL) and collaterals are essential for knee stability.
Injuries to these can occur during sports activities or falls, causing instability, swelling and pain. - Meniscus injuries: The menisci, which act as shock absorbers in the knee, can be damaged by sharp turns or repetitive movements, leading to inflammation, pain and limited mobility.
- Chondromalacia patellae: This wear and tear of the patellar cartilage causes pain when flexing or extending the knee, especially when climbing stairs or after long periods of rest.
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include sharp pain, crunching, swelling and difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
Some patients also experience joint stiffness and locking.
Diagnosis: The Key to Effective Treatment
The diagnosis of knee injuries is essential to select the appropriate treatment.
At Clínica San Román, the diagnostic process includes:
- Clinical evaluation: Thorough physical examination to assess stability, range of motion and presence of swelling.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans to visualize soft tissues and bone structure.
Treatment Options: From Conservative to Advanced
Once the injury is diagnosed, the treatment is personalized according to the patient’s needs.
At Clínica San Román, various approaches are applied:
Conservative treatments
- Physical therapy: Muscle strengthening to improve stability and prevent future injuries and reduce pain.
- Rest and pain management: RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation) to control pain and swelling.
- Supports and orthoses: Knee braces or bandages to stabilize the joint and reduce the load during recovery.
Intra-articular injections
For patients with chronic pain, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections are used, reducing inflammation and providing temporary relief.
Hyaluronic acid improves lubrication in cases of osteoarthritis.
Surgical interventions
- Knee arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedure to repair ligaments, meniscus or cartilage through small incisions.
- Ligament reconstruction: Surgery to restore stability in cases of severe injuries such as ACL injuries.
- Partial or total knee replacement: For severe cases of joint wear and tear, knee arthroplasty is a viable option to restore function.
Rehabilitation: The Road to Full Recovery
The rehabilitation process is key after any intervention.
At Clínica San Román, rehabilitation programs include muscle strengthening exercises, pain control and range of motion improvement.
Injury Prevention: A Comprehensive Approach
In addition to treating injuries, the clinic promotes prevention through education and training.
Maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening knee muscles are essential to prevent future injuries.
Conclusion: Customized Treatments for Better Outcome
Knee injuries can be debilitating, but Clínica San Román offers a comprehensive approach, with both conservative and advanced techniques.
Thanks to accurate diagnosis and personalized treatments, patients can expect a full recovery and a safe return to daily activities.
For more information, visit Clínica San Román and start your treatment for a life without pain.
