Knee Injury Recovery

Knee injuries are damage that can affect the tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage or cushioning sacs (bursae) of the knee. Recovery from these injuries may involve a number of different treatment options.

P.R.I.C.E.

• Recovery from many knee injuries may begin with the self-care protocol known as P.R.I.C.E, according to the Mayo Clinic. Steps in this protocol include protection of the knee joint, rest, immobilization, use of a compression bandage and elevation of the injured knee.

Physical Therapy

• Knee injury recovery may require physical therapy to stabilize the knee joint, reports the Mayo Clinic. Initially, therapy may center on regaining a normal range of motion, while later therapy typically involves exercises to strengthen the knee, hips and ankle.

Exercises

• UpToDate for Patients lists specific exercises to strengthen the knee that include hip abduction, hip adduction, straight leg raises and quarter squats. Stretching exercises include quadriceps stretches and hamstring stretches.

Underlying Causes

• Recovery from knee injuries may also involve addressing underlying causes of knee pain, notes the Mayo Clinic. These causes may include conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

Surgery

• The Mayo Clinic reports that some knee injuries may require surgical repair before recovery can begin. Surgical options include repair of damaged surfaces and partial or total knee replacement.