Knee Injury

Q: I twisted my knee badly with a slip on the ice a few weeks ago and it seems to be taking forever to heal - is there anything I can do to speed up my recovery?

A: The best course of treatment for an injury to the knee joint caused by a twisting force depends upon the exact nature of the damage sustained. This can vary tremendously from a simple sprain to an internal ligamentous or cartilage tear.

In principle the initial treatment involves: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE).

Rest - rest for the first 24 to 48 hours to prevent any further injury.

Ice - cool the knee by using an ice pack or a packet of frozen peas.

Compression - which must be firm but not too tight and must not be allowed to affect the blood circulation.

Elevation - of the joint for several days in order to avoid dependent swelling.

For simple sprains I use a product called ‘Traumheel’ cream and Traumheel drops. Apply the cream twice daily to the site of injury, it is excellent for brining down swelling and bruising. The drops are supportive for strains, sprains, pulled ligaments and tendons.

The symptoms of an external supporting or collateral ligament sprain would normally be expected to settle within four weeks of the injury. Even following this length of time, it is possible to experience pain on weight bearing and twisting the knee. The Traumheel I find tends to accelerate the healing process, especially when using it both externally as well as taking the drops orally.

At ICIM Medics we use CTI (computerised thermographic imaging) and ultrasound examination to evaluate the injury. Following this assessment we tend to implement Neuromuscular Therapy where injuries are prolonging and/or Osteopathy or Acupuncture as required. Two or more weeks rehabilitation may be necessary before the recommencement of sports training.

Any on-going swelling or giving way of the joint might indicate the need for further investigation to exclude a torn cartilage, possibly requiring surgical repair, the injury assessment conducted at ICIM can help with this evaluation and direct you accordingly.

For further information please visit the ICIM Medics on www.icimmedics.com or tel. 045 844 819.