Knee Injury care for athletes

At New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine (NYSSPM), we specialize in diagnosing and treating knee injuries commonly experienced by athletes. Our Queens-based clinic offers personalized, non-surgical solutions to help you recover swiftly and safely, enabling a return to your active lifestyle.

Athletes are susceptible to various knee injuries due to the physical demands of their sports. Understanding these injuries is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears: The ACL is a key ligament that stabilizes the knee joint. Tears often occur from sudden stops, changes in direction, or improper landings from jumps, common in sports like soccer, basketball, and football. Symptoms include a popping sensation, severe pain, swelling, and instability of the knee. 
• Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones. Tears can result from twisting or rotating the knee with weight bearing, frequently seen in sports like tennis, skiing, and soccer. Athletes may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty extending the knee fully. 
• Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee): This condition involves inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. It results from repetitive stress on the knee, common in sports requiring frequent jumping, such as basketball and volleyball. Symptoms include pain and tenderness at the base of the kneecap.
• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries: The MCL runs along the inner part of the knee and helps stabilize it. Injuries typically occur from direct blows to the outer knee, often in contact sports like football and hockey. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and instability of the knee. 
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee): This syndrome causes pain around the kneecap and is common in runners and cyclists. It results from overuse, muscle imbalances, or improper alignment. Athletes may experience a dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, worsened by activities like running, squatting, or climbing stairs. 

At NYSSPM, we offer a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatments tailored to address knee injuries, facilitating effective recovery and a prompt return to daily activities.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry):

Our physiatrists specialize in restoring function and mobility through personalized rehabilitation programs. For knee injuries, this includes:

• Comprehensive Evaluations: Conducting thorough assessments to identify the specific causes of pain, such as ligament tears, tendonitis, or cartilage damage.
• Customized Exercise Plans: Developing targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance joint stability, thereby supporting recovery and preventing future injuries.
• Pain Management Techniques: Utilizing modalities like heat therapy, manual therapy, and, when necessary, image-guided injections such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.
• Assistive Devices: Recommending braces or supports to stabilize the knee and facilitate healing, enabling patients to resume their activities safely.
  
  

Interventional Pain Management:

To alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, we employ advanced, minimally invasive techniques such as:

• Ultrasound-Guided Joint Injections: Delivering precise corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections into affected joints to decrease inflammation and enhance mobility.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Utilizing the patient's own platelets to promote healing in damaged tendons and ligaments, particularly beneficial for conditions like ACL injuries and patellar tendonitis.
• Nerve Blocks: Temporarily disrupting specific nerve pathways to provide relief from chronic pain, aiding in rehabilitation efforts.
  

Physical Therapy:

Our licensed physical therapists develop individualized exercise programs aimed at:

• Manual Therapy: Applying hands-on techniques to mobilize joints and soft tissues, reducing pain and improving function.
• Therapeutic Modalities: Utilizing treatments such as ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, and cryotherapy to facilitate tissue healing and pain relief.
  

By integrating these specialized treatments, NYSSPM is dedicated to helping patients recover from knee injuries, restoring their performance levels, and preventing future occurrences.

• Expertise in Sports Medicine: Our team has extensive experience treating athletes across various disciplines, understanding the unique demands of sports-related injuries.
• Comprehensive, Personalized Care: We provide individualized treatment plans that address your specific needs and goals, ensuring optimal recovery.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: Our Queens clinic is equipped with advanced technology to deliver the highest standard of care.
  

Don’t let a knee injury sideline you. 

Our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey back to peak performance. Request an appointment with New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine today to begin your personalized treatment plan.