Which Medical Treatments Are Available for Knee Injuries Through Workers’ Compensation in North Carolina?

At the Ramsay Law Firm, P.A., our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys know that knee injuries are some of the most common workplace injuries in North Carolina and nationwide.

They can result in significant loss of productivity and healthcare expenditures.

The specific medical treatments available for knee injuries through workers’ compensation can vary based on the nature and severity of the injury. Here, we discuss some of the general commonalities in knee injury care.

Medical Consultations and Diagnostic Tests are Required to Evaluate the Nature and Severity of Workplace Knee Injuries

Although not an exhaustive list, slips, trips, falls, or being hit by or against an object or piece of machinery can all cause workplace knee injuries in North Carolina.

When a knee injury occurs, sprains and strains, knee dislocations, meniscus tears, and ACL or other injuries can all be identified, and a treatment plan can be put in place during medical consultations with healthcare professionals, including orthopedic doctors or specialists.

During these visits, physicians often run diagnostic tests to identify and assess the extent of a knee injury, including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other imaging studies.

An evaluation to determine the cause of knee pain is an important first step but may not change the initial treatment. Even in cases where the doctor expects surgery is required, they may complete conservative treatment to reduce inflammation in the knee.

Treatment usually proceeds in the following sequence:

1. Assistive devices like crutches, braces, or knee supports may be medically required to aid in the recovery process.
2. Prescription medications, such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other medications to manage symptoms.
3. Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring functionality and strength to the injured knee, including exercises, stretching, and other therapeutic interventions.
4. Knee Surgery: Surgeries are usually completed via an arthroscopic procedure using small incisions into the knee to insert a tiny camera and tools to repair the knee. An open surgery where a larger incision is made is only needed for complex and significant reconstruction surgeries. Today, orthopedic doctors have more tools and procedures to repair damaged cartilage and ligaments inside the knee.

Follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are required to monitor the progress of the knee injury and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Injured workers should follow the prescribed treatment plan and attend all necessary medical appointments to ensure workers’ compensation benefits eligibility. If you struggle to return to work because of your knee injury or have been denied workers’ compensation benefits, we can help you explore the coverage you are entitled to to regain control of your life.

Have You Suffered a Knee Injury at Work in North Carolina?

Our dedicated Mecklenburg County workers’ compensation law firm provides free consultations to all employees who have suffered a workplace knee injury in North Carolina by calling (704)-376-1616 or contacting us online.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.