Slipping and falling is a common occurrence that often leads to injuries that are very minor. In fact, they may not lead to injury at all. However, when injuries do occur after a slip and fall, it is often to the knee. A slip and fall can cause you to twist your knee unnaturally or you may actually land on your knee after falling, causing considerable damage. This could mean you are unable to work and may face mounting medical bills. While each knee injury is unique, there are four types of knee injuries that are common after you slip and fall, requiring you to miss work and seek extensive medical treatment.
Bone Fractures
Your kneecap, known as the patella, is designed to protect your knee joint while also connecting the muscles at the front of your thigh to your tibia or shinbone. Although kneecap fractures only make up about one percent of all fractures, they can be extremely serious. If the bone is not displaced, you may be required to wear a cast or brace to keep your knee straight. You will be unable to put any weight on your leg until the bone heals which can take six to eight weeks. If the bone is displaced, you may need surgery. Because the muscles connected to the kneecap are very strong, they can easily pull the broken bones apart. After surgery, you may be required to undergo physical therapy and it could take several months before you are able to put weight on your leg. In addition, you are more likely to develop arthritis after breaking your patella and you could experience chronic pain or muscle weakness long after the injury.
Muscle or Tendon Sprains
It is not unusual for a slip and fall to result in a muscle or tendon sprain. This injury occurs when ligaments are stretched beyond their capabilities. Although the ligament is stressed, it does not tear, which leads to pain, stiffness, bruising and swelling. The treatment for a sprain is rest, ice, compression and elevation. In the case of severe sprains, braces may be necessary to immobilize the knee while it heals.
Torn Ligaments
During a slip and fall, you may actually tear ligaments in the knee. One common tear is to the meniscus, especially when you twist the knee while your foot remains stationary. Some tears may heal on their own, but if the tear is significant, you may require surgery. During surgery, cartilage in the knee must be removed which may lead to permanent damage to the knee. Meniscus tears can be extremely painful, leading to swelling and limited movement of the knee.
ACL Injuries
When your knee bends backwards unnaturally, you could damage your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). If you slip and fall, or twist your knee unnaturally, a popping sound in the knee normally means that you have damaged your ACL. This type of injury is extremely painful and movement in the knee is severely limited. Most ACL injuries require surgery and extensive recovery time.
If you or a loved one has injured your knee and you believe the injury was caused due to premises neglect or the carelessness of someone else, contact the personal injury lawyers at Lundy Law today to learn what rights you may have. You can arrange for your initial, no obligation consultation by completing the easy form on our website or calling us at 1-800-Lundy Law.
