Knee and Ankle Pain from Auto Accident Injuries
How Do Car Accidents Cause Knee and Ankle Injuries?
Automobile accidents can cause knee and ankle injuries in a variety of ways. Auto accidents are considered high energy accidents compared with slip and fall traumas which are relatively low energy accidents. Even collisions occurring under 30mph can have detrimental effects on the knees and ankles.
Although the knee and ankle have soft tissues that can absorb and distribute impact and resist forces, the forces in an automobile collision often occur instantly, unexpectedly, and overwhelm such structures. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Accident Sampling System reports that 33% of injuries sustained during automotive accidents are to the lower extremities.
The abrupt forces can cause the knees to collide with the dashboard damaging soft tissues and bony structures from the impact. Abruptly stepping on the break can cause injury to the ankle and foot. Passengers reflexively resisting forces from a head-on collision may also experience foot, ankle, and knee pain from bracing off the vehicle’s floor boards.
At Radius, we have helped victims of minor to severe automobile collisions recover. Our ability to effectively treat accident victims is based on applying clinical expertise in musculoskeletal diagnosis and care. If you have ever been the victim of an automobile accident and are experiencing discomfort, our office is here to help.
What Kinds of Knee and Ankle Injuries Are Caused by Automobile Accidents?
Automobile accidents can result in any number of injuries to the knees and ankles. Strains, sprains, fractures, and dislocations are some of the most commonly occurring injuries sustained during car accidents. If you have symptoms of such an injury or are unsure if your symptoms result from your accident, you can seek care and answers at Radius Clinic.
Our professionals provide expert analysis to pinpoint problems. Our careful examination and expertise lead us to a proper diagnosis, which is critical for recommending the correct course of treatment. Read on to learn more about the injuries mentioned above that can occur to the knee and ankle after a motor vehicle collision.
Strained or Sprained Ankle
During an automobile accident, the foot typically rests on the floor and can brace during the impact and step abruptly on the break. In this scenario, the ankle is subject to a tremendous amount of force, and strained tendons and sprained ligaments commonly result. Strains and sprains vary in severity.
Both indicate that the connective tissue has been damaged or stretched beyond normal limits and presents with pain, inflammation, and trouble moving the affected area. With proper medical attention and consistent rehabilitation, recovery is possible.
Torn Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel, and is very important for walking, running, athletic activity, and bearing weight. If it becomes torn in an automobile accident, surgery is required to reattach the muscle and tendon.
After a recovery period, the patient can begin to work with the tendon and muscle, slowly building strength and range of motion. It is critical to do this with the supervision of an expert in musculoskeletal rehabilitation to avoid reinjury.
Torn, Strained, or Sprained Knee (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL)
In an automobile accident, if the foot becomes planted on the floorboard while the body continues to move forward or sideways, the force can be directed into the knee, causing it to twist or shear. Depending on how the injury occurred, the strength of impact can damage different ligaments.
The ACL is the anterior cruciate ligament and helps the tibia (shin bone) resist sliding out in front of the thigh bone (femur). Conversely, the posterior cruciate ligament, the PCL, keeps the tibia from sliding out posteriorly or behind the femur. The ACL and PCL also mildly resist rotation at the knee. The MCL and LCL are the medial (M) and lateral (L) collateral ligaments (CL). They resist forces that push the knee inwards (medially) and outwards (laterally) and mild resistance of rotational forces.
When any of these ligaments are damaged, swelling, pain, and altered ranges of motion can occur. It may also be difficult to put weight on the affected leg. In some cases, the ligaments tear entirely, resulting in the patient needing surgical repair. Once the patient reaches a point where mild activity can begin he or she will often require a rehabilitative program to regain regular use. Recovery times vary based on the location and severity of the injury (e.g., MCL vs. ACL, fully torn or partially torn, etc.). The good news: With the right team of rehabilitation experts and a little dedication, recovery is possible.
Fractured Knee or Ankle
When a fracture occurs in a joint, like a knee or ankle, the procedures used to repair the broken bone can sometimes be invasive, such as surgical repair. Bones broken in these areas can result in concurrent damage or inflammation of connective tissue and can cause muscles to tighten or atrophy during healing. The professionals at Radius seek to apply solutions that minimize deterioration and atrophy arising from disuse while preparing you for further rehabilitation when the time comes.
Joints and bones are kept healthy with moderate movement and weight-bearing. Fractures require immobilization of the affected area for a time. So when the cast comes off, rehabilitation is helpful and often necessary. Appropriate exercises and resistance will enable the joint to become strong again while regaining flexibility and promoting healing through improved circulation.
Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is a piece of C-shaped cartilage that rests between the thigh and shin bones, acting as a shock absorber. The meniscus can become torn in an auto accident resulting in pain, stiffness, and a loss of motion. With the right amount of rest and therapeutic exercises, this injury can heal on its own. Sometimes the tear is severe enough to require surgery. At Radius, we can diagnose the severity of the tear and provide the guidance needed to strengthen your knee and promote the healing process.
The physical examination will vary based on the patient’s state but may include strength assessment, range of motion, reflexes, and other variables to determine where there may be an issue. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans help to identify or rule out problems providing further clarity on the extent, nature, and location of injuries. A qualified healthcare professional will combine these data with your medical history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Automobile accidents often cause injuries to multiple areas of the body, including the knee and ankle. At Radius, we have the experience and training necessary to diagnose complex injuries and generate a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. Diagnosis is the first step towards treatment. Once we understand the type and extent of your injuries, we can begin treatment. Treatment often consists of manual therapies and specific stretches and exercises provided at the right time in the right amount.
If you’ve been in an accident and have a knee or ankle injury, you don’t have to suffer from it. Proper treatment and guidance can get you back to living a pain free life. Let the experts at Radius give you the best possible chance at a complete recovery.
Radius Clinic is the Place to Go for Rehabilitation of Knee and Ankle Injuries in Northern California
If you live in the Northern California counties of Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, or El Dorado, Radius Clinic has two convenient locations in Grass Valley and Roseville to help you get the attention you need. Radius is a physical rehab and chiropractic clinic that employs certified experts in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. We treat victims of automobile accidents suffering from a variety of injuries.
We have helped countless patients recover from devastating injuries, many of whom regained 100% of their strength and mobility. We would love to do the same for you. Call or stop by our office for an initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you!
We have locations in Roseville and Grass Valley.