Knee Care and Treatments

Understanding Knee Conditions and Available Treatments

Knee Care and Treatment in Birmingham-Grandview and Hoover, Serving Central Alabama

The knee is among the most important, and most vulnerable, parts of the body. Knees provide flexible movement while supporting the body’s whole weight. This constant pressure puts stress on the joint, making it susceptible to injury and health concerns.

Southlake Orthopaedics provides comprehensive and personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care at locations in Birmingham and Hoover, AL. We treat knee conditions for patients throughout central Alabama. Our orthopedic knee specialists provide complete care, from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, to help patients experience less pain and more living.

Knee Conditions Requiring Orthopedic Care

The knee is composed of four bones: the femur (thigh bone), the patella (kneecap), the tibia (shin bone), and the fibula. These bones are covered with tough articular cartilage and an extensive network of ligaments and muscles that provide support and movement. This complex structure allows the knee to bend, straighten, and rotate from side to side.

While the knee joint is versatile, it is also vulnerable. Continual weight and movement create stress that may lead to a variety of health concerns. Common symptoms of a knee condition include:

Pain
Swelling or stiffness
Weakness or instability
Red skin that feels warm to the touch
Popping noises when walking
A grinding sensation
Inability to fully extend the knee

Common Knee Conditions

The knee is susceptible to a variety of conditions, including:

Bursitis

The knee contains several fluid-filled sacs, called bursae, which help muscles and tendons move smoothly across the bone. If a bursa becomes irritated, it creates friction and discomfort. This irritation is most often caused by overuse. Knee pain specialists typically recommend a modification of the workout plan to avoid aggravating activities. They may also prescribe steroid injections, shoe inserts, or physical therapy.

Fractures

In adults, knee fractures most commonly occur just above the joint (distal femur) or just below it (proximal tibia). The break may also damage the ligaments and surrounding tissue. Physicians must address the whole knee to ensure a successful recovery.

In children, the breakage may happen in the growth plate. This is a unique structure located at the end of the bone where it continues to elongate. Because the growth plate has not yet hardened into bone, it can be prone to injury. Immediate medical attention is important to set the bone properly after a growth plate fracture.

Knee Arthritis

The most common type of knee arthritis is osteoarthritis. This is a degenerative disease caused by long-term wear to the joint cartilage. A variety of non-surgical steps are available to reduce pain and swelling, including lifestyle modifications, supportive devices, and orthotics. Knee specialists may also recommend an oral or injected medication or supplement.

Ligament Injuries/Sprains

Ligaments are strong fibrous tissues that connect bone to bone, keeping the joint stable while enabling typical movement. Damage to one of the knee’s four primary ligaments can cause pain, tenderness, and a loss of support. The four ligaments in the knee include:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL):This ligament in the center of the knee limits rotation and forward movement of the tibia. A rapid change in direction may cause injury to the ACL.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL):Connecting the femur and tibia, this ligament provides stability in the inner part of the knee.
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL):This ligament connects the femur and fibula, giving the outside of the knee more stability. Hyperextension is a common cause of LCL injury.
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL):This ligament in the center of the knee connects the femur to the tibia.

Most ligament injuries can be treated without surgery. Physicians may recommend icing the joint, wearing a brace for additional support, and physical therapy to build strength.

Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cushion inside the knee. Each knee has two of these pads, which help to keep the knee steady and ensure an even weight distribution. These pads can tear if they become worn down or if the knee is overextended due to injury.

People commonly refer to a torn meniscus as a cartilage tear. Athletes might experience this injury during play. It can become more common with age due to wear and tear. Patients often notice a meniscus tear due to a popping sound when it happens.

Conservative treatment options include rest, cold therapy, simple exercises, or anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery might become necessary if symptoms do not improve.

Osgood Schlatter Disease

The patellar tendon connects the quadriceps muscle, or thigh muscle, to the tibia below the knee. Osgood-Schlatter Disease occurs when this tendon is strained. It is most common in teenagers, especially those who participate in running sports and gymnastics. Most cases will improve with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs, bracing, or physical therapy.

Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)

Runner’s knee is the common term for pain around the patella (kneecap). Runner’s knee causes pain in the front of, around, and behind the kneecap. Patients might experience pain with certain movements, like bending, running, or walking downhill. Swelling and popping/grinding sounds are also common symptoms. Several factors might cause Runner’s knee, but pressure from repeated activity (running, jumping, biking) is often what leads to this condition.

Diagnosis of Runner’s knee involves a physical examination and tests such as X-rays and CT scans. Treatment depends on the cause of Runner’s knee, but it can often be treated without surgery. In addition to nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a common conservative treatment is Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (the RICE approach).

These treatments help reduce pain and swelling. Orthopedic doctors may then recommend physical therapy to rebuild strength and range of motion in the knee. Braces can offer additional support and pain relief. If knee pain persists, the patient has damaged cartilage, or the kneecap requires realignment, surgery is often necessary.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Knee Conditions

At Southlake Orthopaedics, patients receive complete orthopedic and sports medicine care. We work with patients at every step of the treatment and recovery process, including testing, surgery, and rehabilitation, with a range of treatments available for a variety of conditions. Procedures offered by our board-certified orthopedic knee surgeons include:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a conservative treatment method that focuses on rebuilding strength and mobility in addition to relieving pain. Patients may receive physical therapy as an alternative to other treatments or as a supplement to surgery or medication.

A physical therapy treatment plan differs from patient to patient, as each is tailored to their specific needs. Overall, the goal of physical therapy is to help patients regain optimal functionality for less pain and more living.

Ligament Reconstruction

If knee pain is due to a damaged ligament, orthopedic surgeons recommend reconstruction. This surgery rebuilds a damaged ligament (either ACL, MCL, LCL, or PCL), typically using a graft of tissue from elsewhere in the body.

Meniscus Repair

Meniscus repair is a procedure for patients with a torn meniscus. Depending on the nature of the tear, orthopedic knee surgeons may stitch together the torn cartilage. They may also simply trim away the damaged edges to allow the meniscus to heal naturally.

Total Knee Replacement

In some cases, conservative treatments are insufficient to relieve pain caused by arthritis or injury. With total knee replacement, orthopedic knee surgeons remove the damaged cartilage and reconstruct the joint with metal implants. A plastic spacer is added to let the new knee bend smoothly.

Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement is an alternative to total knee replacement, available to patients whose condition is impacting only one area. Orthopedic knee surgeons will resurface only the damaged part of the knee, preserving the healthy bone and cartilage.

Why Choose Southlake Orthopaedics for Knee Care?

Southlake Orthopaedics is a multi-specialty orthopedic doctor. Our knee specialists are board-certified with a variety of expertise, allowing them to treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions. They work with patients at all stages of life, from children to seniors, to ensure that all patients receive the high-quality care they need. Meet our team:

Receive Care from Knee Doctors in Alabama

Patients who struggle with knee pain can find relief at Southlake Orthopaedics. With an on-site osteoporosis clinic, orthotics lab, and in-house physical therapy, our board-certified orthopedic knee specialists can promise complete care from diagnosis to rehabilitation. Our locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview serve patients throughout Central Alabama. For more information, contact us today.