Knee injuries are very common no the job, even when your position does not require manual labor. A fall on an ice parking lot or a trip on the stairs can case knee injuries that may require significant treatment, including surgery and long-term rehabilitation. According the Pennsylvania knee injury attorneys at Lundy Law, if you suffer such an injury at work, you are entitled to workers’ compensation.
Types of Work-Related Knee Injuries
There are many different types of knee injuries, although some occur more often in the workplace than others. A fall can cause you to dislocate your kneecap or suffer a bone contusion. It is also possible to break bones in your knee, including the kneecap. You could tear your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or aggravate pre-existing conditions, such as runner’s knee or osteoarthritis of the three knee joint compartments. You could also develop tendonitis or tear, sprain or rip the meniscal cartilage in your knee.
Symptoms of Knee Injuries
Knee injuries may seem minor at first, but failure to receive treatment can cause further damage. Therefore, it is important to recognize some of the symptoms that may indicate a serious knee injury. Pain, grating, stiffness or swelling may indicate aggravation of degenerative disease in the joint compartments. Extreme pain in one or both knees may be related to a meniscal tear. The meniscus is C-shaped cartilage that provide padding for the knee while also assisting with balance, coordination, standing and motion. A tear can keep you out of work for weeks or months and severe cases may require surgery.
Seriousness of Meniscal Tears
A meniscal tear normally causes immediate, excruciating pain, followed by stiffness, swelling and a feeling that your knee is unstable when you stand. Because small tears can heal temporarily, you may not realize you have suffered a severe injury. You may notice on-and-off swelling, occasional stiffness and pain that indicates the meniscus is repeatedly tearing. If you feel popping or your knee locks, you may have actually broken knee cartilage. The only way to know how serious your injury may be is to seek medical attention. Ignoring a knee injury can lead to further damage that may be irreparable or may require total knee replacement surgery, according our Philadelphia knee injury attorneys.
If you or a loved one has suffered a knee injury at work, contact the Pennsylvania knee injury attorneys representing Philadelphia and the surrounding area at Lundy Law. They will help you get the compensation you deserve. You can arrange for an initial consultation by calling 1-800-Lundy Law or complete the simple form online.