Knee Care: Restoring Function and Improving Mobility
The knee is one of the most important joints in the body, responsible for supporting body weight and enabling movement. Whether you’re walking, running, or engaging in physical activities, a healthy knee is essential for daily function. When knee pain or injury occurs, it can significantly impact your quality of life. Our orthopaedic specialists are here to provide effective treatments for a wide range of knee conditions, helping you restore mobility and return to your active lifestyle.
Common Knee Conditions
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. OA is more common in older adults but can also affect younger individuals due to injury or overuse.
- Treatment may include physical therapy, medications, weight management, corticosteroid injections, and in severe cases, knee replacement surgery.
- Knee Ligament Injuries (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL)
- The knee relies on four major ligaments (anterior cruciate ligament – ACL, medial collateral ligament – MCL, posterior cruciate ligament – PCL, and lateral collateral ligament – LCL) to provide stability. Injuries to these ligaments are common in athletes, especially in sports that involve sudden stops, pivots, or jumps.
- Ligament injuries can range from mild sprains to complete tears. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and may include rest, physical therapy, bracing, or surgery to repair the ligament.
- Meniscus Tears
- The meniscus is a cartilage structure in the knee that acts as a cushion between the femur and tibia. A tear in the meniscus can occur from sudden twisting motions or overuse.
- Symptoms include pain, swelling, limited range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. Treatment may involve rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove the damaged tissue.
- Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
- Patellar tendonitis is an overuse injury that causes inflammation in the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This condition is common in athletes who perform repetitive jumping or running motions.
- Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery.
- Bursitis of the Knee
- Bursitis occurs when the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints) become inflamed. In the knee, this is commonly seen in the prepatellar bursa (located in front of the kneecap) or the infrapatellar bursa (beneath the kneecap).
- Symptoms include swelling, pain, and tenderness around the knee. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, medications, and in some cases, aspiration (draining the bursa) or surgery.
- Chondromalacia Patella (Patellofemoral Syndrome)
- Chondromalacia patella is the softening or damage of the cartilage beneath the kneecap, often resulting from overuse, injury, or misalignment of the kneecap.
- This condition causes pain, particularly when bending or straightening the knee. Treatment includes physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgical procedures to realign the kneecap or repair cartilage damage.
- Knee Fractures
- Knee fractures can involve any of the bones in or around the knee joint, such as the femur, tibia, fibula, or patella. Fractures often result from trauma or accidents, such as falls or sports injuries.
- Treatment for knee fractures depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Options include casting, splinting, or surgery to realign and stabilize the bones.
- Patellar Dislocation
- A patellar dislocation occurs when the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position, typically due to trauma or sudden movements. It is commonly seen in athletes or individuals involved in high-impact activities.
- Treatment may include physical therapy, bracing, and in some cases, surgery to stabilize the patella and prevent future dislocations.
Treatment Options for Knee Conditions
- Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical Therapy: Customized exercise programs can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain medications can help manage knee pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid Injections: These injections provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis or bursitis.
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections: In cases of knee osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid injections may help lubricate the joint and reduce pain.
- Bracing or Supportive Devices: Knee braces or supports can help stabilize the knee joint and reduce pain during movement.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and instruments to repair or remove damaged tissue, such as meniscus tears, cartilage damage, or knee ligament injuries.
- Ligament Reconstruction: In cases of severe ligament tears (such as an ACL tear), a minimally invasive reconstruction procedure may be used to restore stability to the knee.
- Knee Replacement Surgery (Total or Partial)
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR): When knee arthritis or injury has caused significant damage to the joint, a total knee replacement may be recommended. This involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage and replacing them with prosthetic components.
- Partial Knee Replacement: In cases where only part of the knee joint is affected by arthritis or damage, a partial knee replacement may be considered, preserving the healthy portions of the knee joint.
- Meniscus Repair or Removal
- For meniscus tears that do not heal with conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary. Meniscus repair aims to stitch the torn cartilage back together, while meniscectomy involves removing the damaged portion of the meniscus.
Prevention and Lifestyle Tips
Taking steps to protect your knees and prevent injury can help preserve long-term joint health:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra weight puts added stress on the knee joints, increasing the risk of arthritis and other knee problems.
- Exercise Regularly: Low-impact activities like swimming, biking, and walking help strengthen the muscles around the knee without putting excess strain on the joint.
- Strengthen the Muscles Around the Knee: Strong quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles provide better support for the knee and help prevent injuries.
- Use Proper Technique: Whether lifting, running, or playing sports, proper technique and posture reduce the risk of knee injuries.
- Stretch and Warm-Up: Proper stretching and warming up before exercise help prevent muscle strain and improve flexibility, which supports knee health.
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to consult with an orthopaedic specialist:
- Persistent knee pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication
- Swelling, bruising, or deformity in or around the knee
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
- A popping or grinding sensation in the knee
- Limited mobility or difficulty bearing weight on the knee
Your Path to Recovery
Knee pain can have a significant impact on your ability to stay active and enjoy life. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, ligament injuries, or other knee conditions, our orthopaedic specialists are dedicated to finding the right treatment to restore your function and improve your quality of life.
Contact Us Today to Schedule a Consultation
If you’re struggling with knee pain or injury, don’t wait any longer to get the care you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free, active lifestyle.
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