Chances are that you know somebody who has suffered a knee ligament injury in the past. However, if you’ve never been in this position, you may not fully understand what it feels like.
Generally speaking, there are five things that accompany this type of injury:
— Pain that is both severe and sudden
— A snap or loud pop at the time of the injury
— Swelling that occurs within the first 12 to 24 hours after the injury
— A feeling that the joint is loose
— The inability to put any pressure on the knee without pain or discomfort
If you experience any of these signs, there is a good chance you have suffered a knee ligament injury. This can include something as serious as an ACL tear.
Even though you know something is wrong, you won’t know exactly what the injury is until you receive a professional diagnosis. Your medical team can use a variety of tools, such as an MRI and X-ray, to confirm the injury and damage.
From there, you can discuss your treatment options. In the most severe cases, such as a ligament tear, surgery may be necessary.
If you suffer a knee ligament injury on the job, such as the result of a slip and fall accident, receive immediate medical treatment. Along with this, don’t wait to report the incident to your employer.
If you learn that you won’t be able to work for an extended period of time, you will want to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. This way, you can receive compensation until you’re able to return to your job.
Source: Web MD, “What Are Knee Ligament Injuries?,” accessed April 07, 2017
