Knee & Lower Leg

The knee is the largest joint in the body and formed where the thighbone meets the shinbone and kneecap. Whether you or a loved one are in constant pain from arthritis or has a meniscus tear, issues are common in athletics and everyday life and can lead to long-term disability if not treated thoroughly.

The Means to Keep You in Motion

The knee joint is the largest joint in the body and formed where the thigh bone meets the shin bone. Issues are common in athletics and everyday life alike, and can lead to significant disability if not treated quickly by an experienced specialist.

 

The good news is you don’t need to live with severe knee pain — because Orthopaedics East & Sports Medicine Center specializes in treatments designed to keep you doing what you love. Our practice has delivered tens of thousands of knee examinations and treatments for friends, family, coworkers and neighbors throughout your community and the state — with a hard-earned reputation for results. We have a deep well of experience, specialization and both non-surgical and surgical options to get you back in action. And together we’ll find what’s right.

 

One of the most common causes of knee pain and loss of mobility is the wearing away of the joint’s cartilage lining. When this happens, the bones rub against each other, causing significant pain and swelling. Without cartilage there is no shock absorption between the bones in the joint, therefore stress builds up in the bones and contributes to pain. The most common cause is a condition known as osteoarthritis. Trauma or direct injury to the knee can also cause osteoarthritis, referred to as post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

 

You may have a knee or lower leg injury if:

  • Your knee or lower leg is stiff and doesn’t allow full movement
  • Your knee or lower leg lacks strength to perform your daily activities
  • You are unable to walk or perform normal functions
  • You regularly experience severe pain
COMMON ISSUE
Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more of your joints. It can be caused by natural aging, injury, inflammation, or even a bodily disease. In the United States, 23% of all adults — more than 54 million people — have arthritis, most common osteoarthritis. There are many nonsurgical and operative treatments for arthritis depending on the condition’s stage and the cause. The appropriate treatment plan is determined on a case-by-case by in close consultation with your Orthopaedics East Physician and Care Team.

COMMON ISSUE
Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone, called tendons. It is primarily caused by but not limited to repetitive stress or a sudden increase in intensity or physical activity. Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, pitcher’s shoulder, swimmer’s shoulder, and jumper’s knee are all forms of tendonitis. Early symptoms include pain and tenderness over the affected tendon or bone to which it attaches. Early symptoms include pain and tenderness just outside a joint. If tendonitis is not recognized or diagnosed early, it can lead to more severe issues including tears and ruptures.

COMMON ISSUE

ACL, LCL, MCL & PCL Injuries

The knee consists of four primary ligaments. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is on the inside of the knee, and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is on the outside, together controlling the knee’s sideways motion and stability. Deep inside the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) crosses in the front and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) crosses in the back, together controlling the back and forth motion of your knee. Approximately half of all injuries occur to the ACL, including full or partial tears.

COMMON ISSUE

Meniscus Tear

Two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage, called menisci, in the knee between the thigh bone and shinbone act as shock absorbers. They help to transmit weight from one bone to another during walking and athletic activities. Symptoms of meniscus tears include pain, stiffness and swelling, catching or locking of your knee, the sensation of your knee “giving way”, or the inability to move your knee through its full range of motion. Sports-related meniscus injuries often occur together with other knee injuries, such as ACL tears.

Other Common Issues:
  • Bursa/Bursitis
  • Instability
  • Prosthesis Removal
  • Osgood-Schlatter Disease
  • Sprains and Fractures
    • Tibia-Fibula
    • Knee / Knee Cap
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