Dr Gooden is a fellowship trained Orthopaedic Surgeon who specialises in surgery of the hip and knee and Orthopaedic trauma. In this episode we talk about the swollen knee, a common condition that most young athletes will experience at some point.

A swollen knee can happen for a variety of reasons and is often managed fairly simply, however, sometimes it can be a more significant issue that requires further review and treatment.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

• Do swollen knees differ in presentation according to the age of the young athlete?
• Has there been some sort of event that has caused the knee to swell?
• Could this swelling be because of some other condition such as arthritis?
• What types of structures could be injured to cause the knee to swell?
• How soon after an injury where the knee swells should I seek treatment from a physio or Dr?
• What sorts of things can help parents or coaches to decide if you should be seen immediately or you can wait a few days?
• Should I get an x-ray, MRI or ultrasound of the knee?
• CT scans of the knee should be avoided unless the need for this is explained very clearly
• Swelling in the knee, is the knee's cry for help – often this will settle
• We talk about management of the swollen knee and where parents and coaches are best placed to get help for their young athletes.
• A Physiotherapist or Sports Physician is often a good first port of call before seeing an orthopaedic surgeon
• Orthopaedic Surgeons are also able to be used as an expert review as part of a team
• Rare – but more serious knee issues that present as swollen knees
• When should you use painkillers or anti-inflammatories?
• The importance of managing the training loads of your young athlete
• How challenging is it to teach perspective to young athletes about making decisions on their injury for their long term health
• Encouraging young athletes to not push through injuries
• Does the management of the swollen knee change with the truly elite young athlete?
• What is the value of the various injury prevention programs that are out there?

Resources

Dr Ben Gooden

http://www.bengooden.com.au/dr-benjamin-gooden/

Injury Prevention

FIFA11+ Kids

https://www.fifamedicinediploma.com/lessons/prevention-fifa11-kids/

Netball Australia Knee Program

https://knee.netball.com.au/

CT Scans and Radiation Exposure

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ctscansforkids

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ct-scans-for-parents-and-carers

Young Athlete Podcast

https://www.youngathletepodcast.com/

Young Athlete Podcast on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/youngathletepodcast

Young Athlete Podcast on Twitter

https://twitter.com/youngathpodcast

Young Athlete Podcast on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/youngathletepodcast/

Bounce Physiotherapy | Bounce Exercise Clinic

https://bounceclinic.com.au/

Young Athlete Podcast - Scott Wilson