KNEE INJURIES
After a car crash or accident, a knee injury can stop you in your tracks.
At OSIC, we help accident patients recover movement, strength, and comfort with personalized care, comprehensive evaluation, advanced imaging, and a targeted recovery plan.
Your knees carry you through every step, turn, and climb, but after an accident, even simple movements can be painful or impossible. Whether your knee feels unstable, painful, swollen, or just “off,” it’s important to find out what’s really going on.
At ORTHOPEDIC SPINE & INJURY CENTER (OSIC), our specialists focus on accident-related knee injuries — not athletic or overuse problems. We offer same-day evaluations, on-site imaging, and individualized treatment plans to help you regain mobility, alleviate pain, and return to your daily life.
Why Choose OSIC for Knee Injury Care
- Accident expertise: We understand how crash-related forces cause unique joint injuries.
- Comprehensive diagnostics: Advanced exams and imaging pinpoint the exact structures affected.
- Non-surgical treatment first: Most knee injuries can be fully healed with guided, conservative care.
- Thorough documentation: Every visit is clearly documented for your medical and insurance records.
- Convenient access: Clinics in Utah, Washington State, and Idaho with flexible scheduling.
Understanding Knee Injuries After an Accident
The knee is a powerful but complex joint — supported by bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. In an accident, sudden twisting, impact, or compression can damage any of these structures, leading to pain, instability, or swelling.
Common accident-related knee injuries include:
- Ligament tears: Sudden twisting or force can injure the ACL, MCL, or other stabilizing ligaments.
- Meniscus tears: The cartilage that cushions your knee can tear, causing locking, catching, or pain with movement.
- Patellar dislocation, subluxation or contusion: The kneecap can be traumatized or shift out of its normal position during a collision or sudden stop.
- Fractures: Direct impact can break the kneecap or nearby bones.
- Sprains and strains: Overstretching or tearing of soft tissues causes pain and inflammation.
- Contusions or bruising: Even “simple” impacts can cause deep tissue trauma that limits mobility.
Even if your knee pain seems minor, it’s essential to have it evaluated. Hidden damage can lead to long-term instability or arthritis if untreated.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
After an accident, see a doctor right away if you experience:
- Significant swelling or bruising around the knee
- Inability to bear weight or walk normally
- A “popping” sound at the time of injury
- Pain that worsens when bending or straightening the knee
- Locking, catching, or a sense that the knee “gives out”
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg
- Pain, either sharp or dull in the knee
Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent further damage — and speed up recovery.
How OSIC Diagnoses Knee Injuries
Our medical team takes a thorough, step-by-step approach to identifying your injury and planning your recovery.
- Patient History: We review how the accident happened, what movements cause pain, and when symptoms began.
- Physical Exam: Checking range of motion, swelling, tenderness, and stability.
- Special Tests: Ligament and meniscus assessments (such as Lachman, McMurray, and drawer tests) to pinpoint the source of instability.
- Imaging: On-site X-rays or MRI to visualize bone and soft tissue damage.
- Clear Results: You’ll receive a plain-language explanation, written diagnosis, and tailored treatment plan.
Treatment and Recovery at OSIC
Most knee injuries from accidents can be treated successfully without surgery. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and help you regain confidence in your movement.
Your treatment may include:
- R.I.C.E. therapy: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation to manage swelling and pain.
- Bracing or supports: To stabilize the knee and protect healing tissues.
- Physical therapy: Targeted exercises to rebuild strength, balance, and mobility.
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications as needed.
- Injections: PRP or Corticosteroid or other joint injections for lingering inflammation or pain.
- Surgery (if needed): For severe ligament tears, fractures, or dislocations.
Your treatment plan will be customized to your injury, activity level, and long-term goals.
Knee Pain After an Accident: What It Means
Pain, swelling, or a feeling that your knee “isn’t right” can indicate damage to the ligaments, cartilage, or surrounding soft tissue. Even if you can still walk, untreated injuries can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, or arthritis.
At OSIC, we specialize in trauma-related knee injuries, helping patients recover fully and safely through evidence-based, compassionate care.
Take the Next Step
If your knee still hurts after an accident, don’t wait to get evaluated.
Call ORTHOPEDIC SPINE & INJURY CENTER (OSIC) today to schedule a same-day appointment in Utah, Washington State, or Idaho.
Call Now or Request an Appointment Online
QUICK LINKS
ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES
WHIPLASH INJURIES
NECK INJURIES
SHOULDER INJURIES
ELBOW, WRIST & HAND INJURIES
SPINE INJURIES
LOWER BACK INJURIES
HIP INJURIES
ANKLE & FOOT INJURIES
BRAIN INJURIES
TBI/CONCUSSION INJURIES
INJURY CAUSES
CAR ACCIDENT
BICYCLE ACCIDENT
TRUCK ACCIDENT
RIDESHARE ACCIDENT
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENT
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
BUS ACCIDENT
DOG BITES
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCIDENT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
As soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Early evaluation helps ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and documentation for your legal or insurance case.
Absolutely. It’s common for pain and stiffness to develop later. Our doctors can assess delayed symptoms and begin appropriate treatment right away.
We provide advanced diagnostics, including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and nerve testing, to accurately identify the source of your pain.
Other questions?
Call us at 801-797-8000 for answers.
TESTIMONIALS
“The OSIC helped me through a very difficult time in my life. I am forever grateful for Dr. Davidson, Dr. Hohl, Dr. Daley and the rest of the OSIC staff. They truly listen and strive to help find the issue, fix it and provide relief. Thank you OSIC for the truly amazing service you provide.”
“I have never felt more comfort in my life going through this experience having my shoulder operated on, you guys have always looked out for me. I appreciate everything you did and continue to do. I would recommend you guys to anybody thank you very much it means a lot to me and my family.”
“This is the second time I’ve been in this office for two different procedures.
Everyone in this building has gone above and beyond! I have never been treated so well and so quickly! Thank you for all you do!!!!”
“Great experience and really good DR care!”
“I have a low back injury from a car accident, and the doctors and staff at OSIC have been simply awesome. They truly care about AND for their patients, and they take the time to come up with the best treatment plan for each person. I am incredibly impressed by the level and quality of care I’ve received at OSIC and I can’t recommend them highly enough.”