Knee & Ankle Injuries
Car Accident Knee & Ankle Injuries: Diagnosis and Recovery in Nevada City
Even a low-speed car accident can cause major damage to your knees or ankles. These joints take on the brunt of impact forces when bracing, pushing the brake, or absorbing sudden jolts from a collision. At Radius Physical + Sports Rehab, we specialize in helping patients from Nevada City, Grass Valley, and surrounding communities recover from auto-related lower extremity injuries through targeted, expert rehabilitation.
Whether you’re dealing with a sprained ankle, a torn ACL, or post-surgical joint stiffness, our team is here to guide your recovery and get you safely back on your feet.
🚗 How Car Accidents Cause Knee & Ankle Injuries
Car crashes are considered high-energy trauma events, even at speeds under 30 mph. Your body doesn’t have time to prepare, and instinctive bracing can lead to serious damage in the lower limbs.
Common injury mechanisms include:
Knees hitting the dashboard during impact
Abrupt braking with full body force driving down into the ankle
Bracing with legs on the floorboard, transferring crash forces into knees and hips
Twisting injuries from awkward foot positioning at the moment of collision
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 33% of injuries in auto accidents involve the lower extremities—and many go underdiagnosed or undertreated without proper evaluation.
Common Knee & Ankle Injuries We Treat After a Car Accident
At Radius, our musculoskeletal experts are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of lower body injuries resulting from auto accidents. Some of the most common include:
Ankle Sprains & Strains
The sudden stress of braking or bracing can overstretch or tear ankle ligaments and tendons, leading to swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility. Ankle rehab is essential to restore balance and prevent long-term instability.
Ligament Injuries (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL)
Knee ligaments are vulnerable to both forward motion and rotational forces during impact. A torn ACL, MCL, or PCL can cause pain, instability, and reduced function. Our team creates individualized rehab plans—whether you’re recovering from a partial tear or post-surgical reconstruction.
Meniscus Tears
A torn meniscus—the cartilage cushion inside your knee—often occurs alongside ligament trauma. Depending on the severity, this can be managed conservatively with physical therapy or may require surgery followed by guided rehabilitation.
Achilles Tendon Tears
Although less common, Achilles tendon injuries can occur from sudden force during a crash. These typically require surgery, followed by a long-term plan to restore strength and flexibility under close professional supervision.
Fractures (Ankle, Tibia, Patella)
Knee and ankle fractures can result from blunt trauma or compression. After immobilization or surgical fixation, Radius offers structured post-fracture rehab to rebuild mobility and strength while reducing risk of joint stiffness and muscle atrophy.
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
At Radius, we take a comprehensive and compassionate approach to diagnosing your injury. Your exam may include:
Range of motion and strength assessments
Neurological screening
Referral for X-rays or MRIs if needed
Based on your evaluation, we create a custom treatment plan designed to reduce pain, restore function, and promote healing—without rushing the process.
Your Recovery Roadmap at Radius
Once your injury is properly diagnosed, your recovery may include:
Manual therapy to reduce pain and restore mobility
Soft tissue therapy for scar tissue and swelling
Targeted rehab exercises to rebuild strength and balance
Return-to-movement progression, guided by your provider
We work at your pace, tailoring every step of your treatment to your injury, lifestyle, and healing timeline.
Trusted Auto Injury Rehab in Nevada City & Grass Valley
With clinics in Nevada County, Radius is proud to serve patients from:
Nevada City
Grass Valley
Rough and Ready
Penn Valley
Cedar Ridge
And surrounding areas
We work closely with personal injury attorneys, auto insurance carriers, and medical providers to ensure seamless care when you're recovering from a car accident.
Don’t Let a Car Accident Set You Back
Knee and ankle injuries don’t always show up right away. If you’re feeling pain, swelling, weakness, or instability after a car crash, it’s important to get evaluated by a provider who specializes in post-collision musculoskeletal care.
📅 Call us at (530) 955-0065 or book online to schedule your evaluation at Radius Physical + Sports Rehab—and take the first step toward healing with a team that understands exactly what you're going through.