Your knees are the largest joints in your body, which makes sense given the burden they bear, supporting your body, providing mobility, and acting as shock absorbers. When knee pain strikes, it can have a major impact on your quality of life.
Any number of conditions can cause knee pain, with acute injury and degenerative diseases leading the charge, including:
- Sprains or tears of the medial collateral ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, or lateral collateral ligament
- Meniscus tear
- Arthritis (degenerative joint disease)
- Synovitis Baker’s cyst (synovial cyst)
- Calf strain
- OCD (osteochondral defect or osteochondral dissecans)
- Loose bodies Tendinitis in the quadriceps or patella
- Osgood-Schlatter’s disease
- Fracture of the patella, tibial plateau, or fibula
Outside of an acute injury that results in a sprain, tear, or fracture, you may experience progressive symptoms such as a locking, clicking, or unstable knee. Whether it’s acute pain or diminishing function, you should see one of the knee specialists at 7 Springs Orthopedics sooner rather than later for prompt resolution of the problem.
During your visit at one of our many locations of 7 Springs, your provider reviews your symptoms, performs a physical exam, and orders advanced imaging of your knee (the locations have on-site imaging).
Once your provider better understands the problem, they recommend a treatment plan, which may include:
- Medications
- RICE therapy — rest, ice, compression, and elevation
- Bracing
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Regenerative medicine
If you have a tear, fracture, or a degenerative condition that has seriously damaged the joint, surgery may be your best course of action.
How does the knee work?
If you’re dealing with knee pain, it’s helpful to understand the components that are involved because treatment depends upon which area is affected. Your knees are the largest joints in your body and they’re made up of:
- Three bones: Your femur, tibia, and patella
- Menisci, which are cartilage wedges that provide shock absorption
- Ligaments for stability
- Muscles for strength
- Articular cartilage for protection
- Synovial membrane for lubrication
Each of these components is critical to the overall function of your knee so it’s important to seek treatment at the first signs of knee pain.
When Do I Need Surgery?
To alleviate your pain and restore function to your knee, your provider may recommend surgery to repair or reattach your ligaments or replace the knee joint entirely. 7 Springs Orthopedics has board-certified orthopedic surgeons on staff who use the latest minimally invasive techniques to repair your knee so that you can get back to your active lifestyle.
To get back up and moving again, free from knee pain, call your nearest 7 Springs Orthopedics or request an appointment using our online scheduling tool.