Neck and back injuries are often the first concerns after a motor vehicle collision (MVC), but the knees are another common injury. During a collision, the knees may strike the dashboard, center console, or door, or they may be injured by the force transmitted through the legs while pressing on the brake pedal. Even when there is no direct impact, the sudden forces of a collision can strain the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints of the knee.

Key Insight:

Knee pain following a motor vehicle accident can result from a variety of injuries, including ligament sprains, meniscus tears, bone bruises, tendon injuries, patellofemoral pain, and joint inflammation. In higher-energy collisions, dashboard impact may also injure the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), one of the major stabilizing ligaments of the knee.

Research supports early evaluation and conservative treatment for many musculoskeletal knee injuries. Depending on the diagnosis treatment may include, in addition to chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, therapeutic exercise, activity modification, and rehabilitation to help reduce pain, restore mobility, improve strength, and return patients to their normal daily activities.

Every treatment plan is individualized based on the patient's symptoms, accident history, physical examination, health history, and recovery goals. The objective is to reduce pain, restore normal movement, and help patients safely return to work, recreation, and everyday activities while ensuring that more serious injuries are appropriately identified and managed.

If you've developed knee pain after a motor vehicle accident, don't assume it will resolve on its own. An early evaluation can help determine the cause of your symptoms and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

Interested in learning whether chiropractic care and rehabilitation may help your recovery after a motor vehicle accident? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your personalized care plan.

Contact Us:

Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• Stiell IG, Wells GA, Hoag RH, et al. Implementation of the Ottawa Knee Rule for the Use of Radiography in Acute Knee Injuries. Available through PubMed.

• Logerstedt DS, Scalzitti DA, Bennell KL, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline for Knee Pain and Mobility Impairments. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. Available through PubMed.

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Acute Isolated Meniscal Pathology. Available through PubMed.

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries. Available through PubMed.