Treatment and Management : Other Knee Injuries.

PLUS preventive measures.


Muscle Tendon Injuries : First aid and ibuprofen.
The mechanism of injury is either hyperextension, in which the hamstring muscles can be stretched or torn, or hyperflexion, in which the quadriceps muscle is injured. Rarely with a hyperflexion injury, the patellar or quadriceps tendon can be damaged. This injury is characterized by the inability to extend the knee and a defect that can be felt either above or below the patella. Surgery is required to repair this injury.

MCL and LCL Injuries : ligaments can be stretched or torn when the foot is planted and a sideways force is directed to the knee. This can cause significant pain and difficulty walking as the body tries to protect the knee, but there is usually little swelling within the knee. RICE are the mainstays of treatment.

Fractures : surgery will be required for repair, but if the bone is in good position, a knee immobilizer and watchful waiting may be all that is required.

Bursa Inflammation : Housemaid's knee is due to repetitive kneeling and crawling on the knees. The bursa or space between the skin and kneecap becomes inflamed and fills with fluid. It is a localized injury and does not involve the knee itself. Treatment includes padding the knee and using ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory medication.

Patellar Injuries : The kneecap sits within the tendon of the quadriceps muscle, in front of the femur, just above the knee joint. It is held in place by the muscles of the knee.


Prevention

Having strong and flexible quadriceps and hamstring muscles can prevent minor stresses to the knee from causing significant injury.
Proper footwear can also minimize the risk for knee injury.
Wearing shoes that are appropriate for the activity can lessen the risk of twisting that can stress the knee.

References :

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-injuries-treatment-overview
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/826792-treatment
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/knee_injury/page7_em.htm
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/knee_injury/page8_em.htm