When playing sports in particular, knee injuries often result from a bending or twisting motion combined with significant external force, leading to higher than normal stresses on the joint. A direct blow to the front or side of the knee – as might occur in a football tackle – can cause a similar result, often resulting in dislocation, fractures, or ligamentous damage to the knee.
Other knee injuries may result from repeated stress, such as those sustained in running, jumping, and other high-impact exercises. Training to develop a correct technique and warming up thoroughly before exercise are critical in preventing this.
Knee injuries can also happen as we age with wear and tear. Arthritis, in particular, develops when the knee’s cartilage wears away and leaves the rough ends of the bone to rub against each other. This can cause debilitating pain in some people, and affects a proportionately greater number of older Australians.
Dr George Awwad is a knee surgeon based in Adelaide and is able to assist in a range of knee conditions, treatments and surgeries in one of his Adelaide locations.
