Car accidents are a leading cause of knee injuries. In fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, over 1 million Americans suffer from knee injuries each year due to car accidents. While most knee injuries from car accidents are minor, some can be serious. You should be aware of four types of knee injuries from car accidents.
Car Accidents In California
Every year, there are thousands of car accidents in California. In fact, according to the California Highway Patrol, there were over 190,000 car accidents in the state in 2017 alone. That’s an average of over 500 car accidents per day.
Car accidents can be caused by various factors, including speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving. They can also result from weather conditions or even animals crossing the road. No matter the cause, car accidents can have serious consequences, including injuries, damage to property, and even death.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s essential to know what to do next :
- Seek medical attention if you or anyone interested in the accident has been injured.
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver and file a police report.
- Be sure to contact an experienced car accident attorney.
Types of Knee Injuries In A Car Accident
- Knee Fracture
Car accidents are a leading cause of knee fractures. These fractures often occur when the knee hits the dashboard or steering wheel during a collision. Knee fractures can also arise from the force of the airbag deploying or from the seatbelt restraining the leg during a crash.
Several types of knee fractures can occur in a car accident. The most common type is a patellar fracture, which is a kneecap fracture. This can happen if the kneecap is hit directly or dislocated by the force of the impact. Other fractures that can occur include fractures of the femur, tibia, or patella tendon.
- Knee Sprain
A knee sprain is a common injury that can occur in a car accident. The knee is a complex joint with many ligaments and tendons stabilizing it. When these ligaments and tendons are stretched or torn, it can cause pain and instability in the knee.
A knee sprain can range from a mild injury that doesn’t require treatment to more severe damage that can require surgery. Treatment for a knee sprain will depend on the severity of the injury. You may need to rest and ice the knee for a mild sprain. You may need to see a doctor or orthopedic surgeon for a more severe sprain.
- Knee Joint Pain
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be experiencing knee joint pain. This pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including
– Damage to the bones or cartilage in the knee
– Damage to the ligaments or tendons that support the knee
– Damage to the muscles or nerves that surround the knee
If you’re experiencing knee joint pain after a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away. A doctor can help you determine the cause of your pain and recommend a treatment plan to help you heal.
- Delayed knee pain
Delayed knee pain is a common symptom after a car accident. It can occur immediately or days later and is often the result of damage to the knee’s ligaments, tendons, or cartilage. If you experience delayed knee pain following a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Delayed knee pain can be challenging to diagnose, so seeing a doctor specializing in car accident injuries is essential. They will be able to evaluate your knee and order the appropriate tests to determine the cause of your pain. Treatment for delayed knee pain may include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and surgery.
If you’re involved in a car accident, don’t wait to seek medical attention if you start to experience pain in your knees. Car accidents are a leading cause of knee injuries. If you have been in a car accident and are experiencing knee pain, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. At Garcia and Phan, we are dedicated to helping our patients recover from their injuries. Give us a call at 714-586-8298 to book a free initial consultation.
