Knees are essential to our everyday movements, whether you are jogging in the park, bending down to tie your shoes, or simply walking around the house.
However, they are also one of the most vulnerable parts of the body and can easily get hurt. If you are elderly or an athlete, knee issues can be particularly troublesome.
Let us explore common knee problems treated by doctors and how you can find a “knee doctor near me” or solutions for “knee surgery near me.”
Why Are Knees Important?
The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It also includes smaller bones like the kneecap (patella) and fibula. Ligaments, tendons, and cartilage help connect and cushion these bones. This complex structure allows us to run, jump, and perform many other activities.
Knees support the entire weight of our bodies, making them prone to injuries and wear and tear. For elderly people, aging can cause the cartilage in the knee to wear away, leading to pain and stiffness. For athletes, repetitive motions can lead to overuse injuries.
Therefore, finding a nearby “orthopedic doctor near me” or “knee doctor near me” can be very helpful.
Common Knee Problems
Let us discuss some common knee problems.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the cartilage in your knee. Cartilage acts as a cushion between bones, and when it wears away, it causes bone to rub against bone. This can lead to severe pain, swelling, and stiffness of the knee joint.
Who Gets It?
Osteoarthritis is more common in older adults. As they age, their cartilage tends to wear and tear away because their joints have been used for many years.
Symptoms
The main symptoms include pain in the joints, stiffness, especially after sitting or resting for a long time, and swelling around the affected areas. You might notice it is harder to move your joints as smoothly as before.
Treatment
Orthopedic doctors often recommend medications to help reduce pain and swelling. Physical therapy exercises can also be beneficial, as they help make your muscles stronger and improve movement.
In some cases, if the condition is severe, knee surgery might be considered to repair or replace the damaged joint.
Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage (a type of connective tissue) that acts as a shock absorber between your thigh and shin bones. A tear in the meniscus can occur from a sudden twist or turn, often during sports activities.
Who Gets It?
Athletes and active people are more likely to experience this because they often put a lot of stress on their knees during physical activities like running, jumping, or playing sports.
Symptoms
The main signs include pain in the knee, which can make it hard to walk or move the leg. You might also notice swelling around the knee area, and it could be difficult or uncomfortable to bend or straighten the knee fully.
Treatment
To help the knee heal, it is important to follow the RICE method – this stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest means keeping weight off the knee to prevent further knee injury. Ice helps reduce swelling and numb the pain caused by meniscus tears.
Compression involves wrapping the painful knee with an elastic bandage to support it and reduce swelling. Elevation means keeping the knee raised above the heart level to reduce swelling in the injured knee area.
Pain medications are also helpful in reducing painful symptoms of meniscus tear. In some cases, if the injury is serious, orthopedic injury doctors might suggest surgery to fix any damage inside the knee.
Ligament Injuries
Ligaments are tough, stretchy bands of tissue that hold bones together. In the knee, there are four main ligaments (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL), which can get injured when someone makes quick stops, jumps, or changes direction suddenly, like in sports.
Who Gets It?
Mostly athletes, especially those involved in sports like football, basketball, or soccer.
Symptoms
When a ligament is injured, you might feel pain and notice knee swelling. The knee might also feel wobbly or unstable, making it hard to walk or run properly.
Treatment
To heal a ligament injury, it is important to rest and avoid activities that could make it worse. Physical therapy can help strengthen the knee and improve the movement of the injured joint.
In some cases, knee surgery might be needed to fix the ligament if it is severely torn.
Patellar Tendinitis
Also known as “jumper’s knee,” this common knee condition involves inflammation or swelling of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shin bone. It is often caused by repetitive jumping or running.
Who Is Affected?
Athletes, especially those who participate in sports that involve a lot of jumping, like basketball or volleyball, are more likely to experience this condition.
What Are the Symptoms?
Individuals with this condition may feel pain and soreness around their kneecap, which can make it uncomfortable to participate in sports and physical activities.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment often includes taking a break from activities to rest the knee, applying ice to reduce knee swelling, and attending physical therapy sessions to help strengthen the knee and ease the pain.
Finding the Right Knee Doctor
When dealing with knee problems, it is essential to find an experienced “knee doctor.” However, with so many options available, choosing the right doctor is challenging. Here is what to consider:
- Credentials: Ensure the knee doctor is board-certified in orthopedic surgery.
- Experience: Look for a knee doctor with experience in treating knee conditions similar to yours.
- Patient Reviews: Read reviews from other patients to get an idea of the bedside manner and expertise of the knee doctor.
Knee Doctor in Plantation, Florida
If you are in Plantation, Florida, and are looking for specialized knee care, consider Dr. Robert Baylis at Baylis and Brown Orthopedics. Dr. Robert Baylis offers expert treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders of the knee, helping you achieve optimal recovery and pain relief.
To take the first step towards healthier knees, call us today at (954) 476-8800 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
