Sports & Recreational Centre

THE KNEE INJURIES 

The knee is hinge joint, situated between the thigh bone, (Femur) and shin bones (tibia and fibula). The end of the femur rests in the shallow cup of the tibia, cushioned by a thick layer of cartilage.

 At the front of the knee joint, the knee cap or patella sits in a groove at the lower end of the femur. The joint is further bolstered on each side by additional cartilages, which sit in between the knee joint. The bones are held in place by tough bands of connective tissue called ligaments.

 The entire joint is enclosed inside a tough capsule lined with a membrane and filled with lubricating synovial fluid. Extra capsules of fluid, known as bursae, offer extra cushioning. Contraction of the muscles on the front of the thigh (Quadriceps) straighhens the leg, while contraction of the muscles on the back of the thigh (the hamstrings) allows the leg to bend at the knee. Common knee injuries include ligament, tendon and cartilage tears and patello-femoral pain syndrome.

First Aid for Knee Injuries in the First 48 to 72 Hours

Suggestions for first aid treatment of an injured knee include: