The knees play a primary role in supporting a person's body weight along with controlling leg movement. They are able to bear the weight of the body when a person is walking, standing, running, bending (flexion) and straightening (extension) the leg. The knees also act as a shock absorber during physical movement.
What are common causes of knee problems?
Approximately 25% of American adults experience ongoing knee pain which can affect their quality of life and mobility. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 33 million U.S. adults live with osteoarthritis, which also causes pain along with deterioration. There are many factors that can contribute to knee problems including recent or past injuries, overuse, wear-and-tear, excess body weight, inflammation and structural misalignment. Knee problems can be brought on by work-related mishaps, falls, slips, overexertion and sports injuries.
When should I seek help for a knee problem?
It's always important to seek professional help immediately following a traumatic injury. It's also recommended to undergo an assessment when symptoms are constant, intolerable or interfere with daily activities. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, problems with mobility, limited movement, balance or weight bearing issues, and sleep disturbances caused by these symptoms.
At Texas Orthopedics, our board certified, fellowship trained knee specialists will perform a thorough assessment of your knee condition. They will recommend the most appropriate treatment including conservative, non-surgical or surgical options based on the diagnosis. When surgery is needed, our knee specialists will work closely with our on-site physical therapists to formulate effective pre- and post-surgical physical therapy and rehabilitation plans that help our patients through the healing process.
Common knee conditions and treatments:
- Arthritis
- Hamstring Muscle Injuries
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear/Repair
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear/Repair
- Tendon Bursitis "Goosefoot"
- Meniscus Tear/Repair
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease
- Patellar Tendon Tear
- Patellofemoral Syndrome (Kneecap Problems)
- Sports Injuries
- Work Injuries
- Orthopedic Trauma and Treatment
- Arthroscopy
- Total Knee Replacement
- Partial Knee Replacement
Visit our patient education library to learn more about knee problems and treatments.
