Knee injuries, pain and recovery treatment
Discomfort in this joint that prevents the execution of actions as natural as jumping, descending a staircase, bending or simply walking. It is very important the recovery of these injuries, in its totality, to improve the quality of life and to resume the sport practice.
Anterior cruciate ligament
The most common knee injury is the sprain or tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It occurs most often during sports activities involving sudden changes of direction or rotational movements. Initial treatment may include rest, icing, compression and elevation of the knee (known as RICE), as well as physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles. In case of rupture, according to the professional medical assessment, ACL reconstruction surgery may be recommended, where a graft is used to replace the damaged ligament.
Medial collateral ligament
Another common ligament injury is the sprain or tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL). It usually occurs due to lateral impact forces to the knee, such as a blow or fall. Initial treatment involves RICE and physical therapy, but in severe cases may require MCL reconstruction surgery.
Posterior cruciate ligament
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain or tear is less common than ACL and MCL injuries. Initial treatment for an injured PCL is similar to that for other ligament injuries, but in some cases a surgical procedure may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligament.
Meniscopathy
Meniscopathy is a tear or injury to the meniscus, a C-shaped cartilage located between the femur and tibia. Treatment may vary depending on the severity of the tear. Physical therapy and the use of supportive devices, such as knee braces, may be sufficient. However, in more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to repair or partially remove the damaged meniscus.
Strain or tear
Strain or tear of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles is also common in the knee. Initial treatment includes RICE and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and improve knee stability. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the injured muscles.
Runner's knee
Known as iliotibial band friction syndrome. It is a common injury in runners and athletes that involves pain on the outside of the knee. Treatment for this injury includes rest, physical therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises. Changes in running technique and the use of some support elements may also be recommended.
Osteoarthritis
A degenerative condition in the knee, in which the cartilage that lines the joint wears down over time. Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee may include pain control medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes such as weight loss and low-impact physical activity. Also, the use of orthopedic devices, such as knee braces or splints. In severe and debilitating cases, knee replacement surgery may be necessary.
Our therapeutic options
In all cases, depending on the severity of the condition, the acute or chronic nature of the condition, the patient’s baseline condition and medical, toxic or allergic history, whether or not the patient is scheduled for a surgical correction or has already undergone one, and the time elapsed since it was performed, therapeutic options can be proposed to complement conventional treatments, favoring an earlier and more efficient recovery and rehabilitation, with less sequelae and providing tools to generate in many cases, a regenerative effect that may eventually stop or reverse chronic degenerative and inflammatory conditions.
Among these therapeutic options we have the use of platelet-derived growth factors, known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which in our case, we enrich with exosomes that are factors produced by stem cells to generate much of its action. Also the use alone or in combination of exosomes, the application of ozone (O3), hyaluronic acid, local anesthetics for the realization of blocks, drugs such as traumeel or zeel t and of course the use of stem cells. These can be used alone or in combination with intravenous infusions of vitamins, minerals and others, depending on the patient’s condition and desire.
Tools such as hyperbaric oxygenation therapy (hyperbaric chamber), infrared sauna and frequency specific microcurrent (FSM) are also available.
All these strategies, depending on the case, could be performed with an ultrasound- guided application, thus improving the precision in the application and therefore its effectiveness and reducing the possibility of adverse effects and/or complications.
