Baseball and Knee Injuries

Spring is almost here and the thoughts of many are turning to baseball. A popular sport among both girls and boys, along with softball, baseball is a great way to bring together a group of friends for an afternoon of watching or playing the sport. However, individuals who choose to play baseball need to be aware of common knee injuries that occur with this game. These injuries are the result of sudden directional changes and running and are either of the acute type or due to overuse. With the right information, a person can know how to prevent these injuries and, if one occurs, how to go about treating knee pain.

Ligament Injuries

Any time a person starts or stops suddenly or must abruptly change direction, the ligaments are put at risk. In most cases, a player injures either the anterior cruciate or medial collateral ligament, but others could be damaged also. When a ligament is injured, the player may hear a popping sound but not feel any pain. An MRI might be needed to determine the extent of the tear and surgery is required in some cases to locate a partial tear.

Tendonitis or Ruptured Tendons

When a tendon is overused, it may become inflamed or irritated and this condition is known as tendonitis. Players often notice their knee is tender when it meets the shinbone right below the kneecap. If a tendon ruptures or tears, it is often due to a collision of some sort or a sudden movement. Either condition should be diagnosed by a doctor.

Meniscus or Cartilage Injuries

A tear in the cartilage of the knee likely involves a meniscus tear. These are the small pieces of cartilage that provide a cushion between the thigh and shin bones. Two menisci are present, one on the outer part of the knee and another on the inner. This cartilage may be damaged when the player pivots, twists, decelerates or is involved in a sudden impact.

To determine where the knee injury lies and how best to treat it, the player should seek medical attention right away. This helps to minimize the damage to the knee, which is of great help in reducing the recovery time. Follow all instructions of the doctor, including wearing knee sleeves and braces, to get back out on the field as quickly as possible. Furthermore, be sure to take preventative steps in the future to prevent other injuries. Those who do so find they enjoy the sport more.