Knee Pain After An Auto Accident Injury

Being in a car accident can cause injuries throughout the body, including the knees. Knee pain is a common complaint after auto collisions, even if the knees did not directly hit anything during the crash. Shingle Creek Medical Group understands the causes of knee pain and how to treat it can help auto accident victims find relief.

Causes of Knee Pain After a Car Accident

There are several ways that car accidents can cause knee injuries and pain:

Direct Impact

If the knees hit the dashboard, steering wheel or any other part of the interior during a crash, it can lead to bruising, ligament tears, broken bones and other trauma directly to the knee. This type of injury will likely cause immediate pain and swelling.

Whiplash

The sudden acceleration-deceleration forces involved in accidents, even low speed collisions, can cause whiplash. This is when the head jerks violently back and forth, causing overstretching injuries to soft tissues in the neck and upper back. Whiplash injuries can refer pain to the knees.

Foot Injuries

If the ankles or feet are injured during the accident, it can change gait mechanics and put more stress on the knees. Limping or favoring one leg can cause knee pain.

Postural Changes

Car accident victims often develop poor posture as injured muscles tighten up. Slouching, slumped shoulders and forward head position cause misalignment and abnormal forces on the knees, leading to pain.

Inflammation

The trauma of a collision triggers inflammatory processes throughout the body. Inflammation in the bursae, tendons and other knee tissues can cause pain, stiffness and swelling.

Treating Knee Pain After an Accident

Here are some effective treatments for knee pain caused by auto injuries:

• Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate knee pain. Take breaks as needed.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to the sore knee for 15-20 minutes several times per day to reduce inflammation.
• Compression: Wear an elastic knee brace or bandage to provide compression and support.
• Elevation: Keep the injured knee elevated above heart level as much as possible to minimize swelling.
• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen can relieve knee pain. Stronger prescription medications may be needed for severe pain.
• Physical Therapy: Specific knee and leg strengthening exercises can improve function and reduce compensatory stresses.
• Knee Brace: Braces, sleeves and taping techniques provide extra knee support and stability for protection.
• Injections: Cortisone injections into the knee may relieve severe pain caused by inflammation.
• Surgery: For serious knee injuries like ligament tears or fractures, surgery may be necessary.

Preventing Future Knee Injuries

There are things accident victims can do during recovery and beyond to prevent future knee problems:

• Maintain proper posture and core strength to take pressure off the knees.
• Lose weight if overweight, to reduce knee joint stresses.
• Choose low-impact exercises and activities that are gentle on the knees.
• Wear supportive footwear with good cushioning.
• Use good body mechanics and proper lifting techniques.
• Listen to pain signals and avoid overdoing activities that aggravate the knees.
• Build leg and knee strength and flexibility with regular exercise.
• Use knee braces or supports if needed for strenuous activities.
• Consider supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
• Get prompt treatment for any new knee injuries to prevent worsening.