South Shore Orthopedics specializes in helping patients with simple to complex knee conditions find the relief they deserve. Patients with knee conditions usually experience stiffness, swelling, pain, and instability that varies in intensity.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
There are many conditions that may prompt knee pain. Some of the most common conditions we see at South Shore Orthopedics include:
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is defined as thinning of the cartilage, or in some cases small loose pieces of cartilage that irritate the joint. It may lead to knee aches and swelling and make it challenging to get out of bed or stand up after sitting for an extended period of time.
- Meniscal Tears: Menisci are discs of tissue between the tibia and femur in the knee that supply cushioning. Meniscal tears are typically the result of an injury or degenerative and often trigger pain or a clicking sensation.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Patellofemoral pain syndrome has many causes that produce pain that feels like it’s coming from under or behind the kneecap. It can worsen after going up or down the stairs or running.
- Ligament Injuries: Tearing and overstretching of a ligament during a sport or accident often results in a “pop” sound that may lead to knee pain. An ACL or anterior cruciate ligament injury that occurs because of a direct hit or a sudden change in direction or stop is one of the most common ligament injuries.
- Patella Dislocation: With sudden contraction or a collusion the knee cap may go off to the side of the leg. It may go back on its own or it may become recurrent.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you develop knee pain that persists beyond a few days, or if a significant injury has occurred, you should consult a doctor. Additionally, if your knee pain is significant, leads to swelling, or makes it impossible to bend your knee or walk, medical attention is necessary.
Knee Pain Treatment
South Shore Orthopedics uses operative and nonoperative treatments to address knee pain and injury. Nonoperative treatments may include over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, injections such as viscosupplementation and corticosteroids, and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee to avoid future injuries or prevent your current injury from worsening. If non-invasive measures prove to be ineffective for knee pain, a surgical procedure may be recommended.
Common Types of Knee Surgeries:
- Arthroscopy: This procedure is outpatient and minimally invasive. This allows for a quick return work as well as to sport activities.
- Partial Knee Replacement: A partial knee replacement procedure is intended to replace only one part of a damaged knee. It may replace the outside or lateral, inside or medial, or kneecap section of the knee.
- Total Knee Replacement: Replacing the entire knee joint is referred to as total knee replacement surgery.
Contact South Shore Orthopedics Today
If you’re ready to put your knee pain behind you, it’s time to schedule an appointment at South Shore Orthopedics today. Our surgeon may conduct an imaging exam in addition to a physical exam to help determine the root cause of your knee pain and design an individualized treatment plan so that you can find relief and live a more fulfilling lifestyle.