Mohammed Shami Declared Unfit For BGT Due To Swelling In The Injured Knee: Diagnosis And Management Of Knee Injury

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been officially ruled out of the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia. This announcement comes due to minor swelling in his left knee. The news was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). 

Among athletes, knee injuries are common and can significantly impact an individual’s mobility and quality of life. Accurate diagnosis and effective management are crucial for optimal recovery so that they can perform better on the ground. 

Diagnosis Of Knee Injury

Knee injuries may be prevalent in both athletic and non-athletic populations, and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Diagnosis of knee injuries, a study published on PubMed, shares that it includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests when necessary.

The first step in diagnosing a knee injury is obtaining a detailed medical history.

• Mechanism of injury: How the injury occurred, including details about any falls, twisting motions, or direct impacts.

• Symptoms: Information about pain location, intensity, swelling, and any audible sounds during the injury.

• Previous Injuries: Any history of knee problems or surgeries that may affect the current condition.

Followed by the medical history, a thorough physical examination is crucial for assessing knee injuries. 

• Inspect the knee for signs of swelling, tenderness, warmth, and bruising.

• Assess the range of motion by checking how far the patient can move their leg in various directions.

• Evaluate joint stability through tests that assess the integrity of ligaments.. 

In most cases, imaging tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis or to assess the severity of an injury. 

• X-rays: Often the first imaging test performed to identify fractures or degenerative changes in the joint. It can help rule out bone-related issues that might contribute to knee pain

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, crucial for diagnosing ligament tears (e.g., ACL) and meniscal damage. 

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: Offers cross-sectional images to identify fractures and complex injuries.

• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves for real-time imaging of soft tissues, effective for assessing dynamic conditions during movement.

Management Of Knee Injury

Conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis, another study published on PubMed, shows that it involves a combination of conservative and surgical approaches. The management is tailored to the specific type and severity of the injury that individuals go through. 

Conservative treatment is often the first line of defence for knee injuries and some of the key components include the following. 

• Strengthening and Aerobic Exercises

If conservative treatments fail to alleviate symptoms or if there is significant structural damage to the knee, surgical options may be considered for individuals. 

• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat various knee conditions, such as meniscal tears or loose bodies.

• Ligament Reconstruction: Procedures like ACL reconstruction are performed to restore stability to the knee.

• Osteotomy: This surgery involves reshaping bones to relieve pressure on the knee joint.

What Is The Treatment Of Knee Injury?

Injuries to the knee can often be managed effectively without surgery. Some of them are mentioned below. 

• Rest and Physical Therapy: Rest is important for recovery and it can help you learn exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knees, reducing strain.

• Choose the Right Shoes: Avoid high heels or flat shoes that lack support, as they can strain your knees. Instead, wear shoes with good cushioning and support to lessen the impact on your knees.

• Use Braces or Sleeves: If certain movements cause knee pain, consider using knee braces or sleeves for added stability, especially during activities that may put stress on your knees.

• Explore Regenerative Treatments: Treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can help your body heal naturally by reducing inflammation and pain.

If pain is severe and doesn’t improve, doctors may suggest minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopy or even knee replacement. Individuals can also consider other procedures like arthroscopy or even knee replacement. However, it is always advised to consult a professional if having major issues.