The knee is a weight-bearing joint, which means that any injury or condition that affects the knee can lead to significant pain. Additionally, the knee involves a wide range of movements, such as walking, running, and jumping, which can contribute to pain if something is already wrong with the knee.
Knee pain is a widespread problem in America. It is estimated that around 10% of the population suffers from some form of knee pain. It is essential to find out the underlying cause of knee pain to prevent the condition from worsening. An orthopaedic surgeon can expertly diagnose and treat knee pain. Here, we will discuss some of the most common conditions orthopaedic surgeons treat.
ACL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a critical stabilizing ligament in the knee that can be torn during athletic activity. ACL tears are most often caused by sudden changes in direction or stopping suddenly while running. An ACL tear symptoms include sharp knee pain, swelling, and joint instability.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the bones in the knee joint. A torn meniscus can occur when you suddenly twist or turn your knee, causing the cartilage to tear. Torn meniscus symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint. You may also feel popping or clicking sensations when moving your knee. If the tear is severe, you may be unable to put weight on your leg or move it properly. Meniscus tears are prevalent in those who play sports.
Patellar Tendinitis
Also known as jumper’s knee, patellar tendonitis is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). It is named such since it is common in people who frequently jump and land on hard surfaces. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the kneecap. In severe cases, the pain may radiate down the leg or make it difficult to put weight on the affected leg.
Knee Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type of knee arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions your knee joint wears down over time, also called a wear-and-tear disease. The exact cause of knee osteoarthritis is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including aging, obesity, and previous injury to the knee. The early symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness in the knee joint, which can make it difficult to move the affected leg. Other early symptoms include weakness in the muscles around the knee and decreased range of motion in the affected leg.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
This type of arthritis can develop after an injury to your knee joint, such as a torn ligament or meniscus tear, which accelerates the breakdown of the knee cartilage. Symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis may include pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion in the affected joint.
Fractures
A knee fracture is most commonly caused by a high-impact injury, such as a car accident or a fall from a significant height. Sports or a work-related incident can also cause it. Pain from a knee fracture can range from a dull ache to severe pain, making it difficult to put any weight on the affected leg. Other symptoms may include swelling, bruising, and deformity of the knee joint.
Knee Pain Doctor in Watertown, NY
Our orthopaedic surgeons at North Country Orthopaedic Group can treat the broadest range of knee conditions that cause pain. We provide non-surgical and surgical treatments for the knee and will recommend an individualized treatment plan designed especially for you. Anyone can suffer a knee injury and experience pain, and you should trust only our experts to assess and treat your problem.
We are proud to serve the orthopaedic needs of Watertown and the surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call our office today at (315) 782-1650.
