How does the knee work?
Your knee is actually two joints. The first joint is the one connecting your femur (thigh bone) and your tibia (shin bone). This joint is the primary weight-bearing portion of your knee.
The second joint is the one that connects your patella (knee cap) and your tibia. This joint allows for movement in your knee that enables the joint to swing backward and forward.
The medial and lateral collateral ligaments in your knee protect the joint from side to side motion. The cruciate ligaments protect the knee when its moving forward, backward, and rotating. The meniscus is a kind of cartilage that assists with cushioning your knee, provides support, and creates a smooth surface in the joint.
Several large muscle groups control most of your knees functions. The quadriceps at the front of your thighs straighten your knee, while the hamstrings at the back of your thighs bend your knee.
Your knees are vital for lowering your body downward, standing back up, and propelling your body forward.
What conditions can cause knee pain?
Your knee is susceptible to wear-and-tear injuries, such as osteoarthritis. The knee is also a joint prone to injury when playing sports, especially ones like football that involve running, rapidly changing direction, and stopping and starting quickly.
Some of the conditions seen most often by Dr. Siram include:
- Strained muscles and tendons
- Sprained ligaments
- Meniscal tears
- Fractures
- Arthritis and bone spurs
- Failed knee replacements
- Patellar dislocations
- Bursitis
- Complex trauma
Common sports injuries affecting the knees include:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries
- Collateral ligament injuries
- Combined knee ligament injuries
- Patellar tendon tears
- Posterior cruciate ligament injuries
- Quadriceps tendon tear
- Runners knee (patellofemoral pain)
- Stress fractures
- Unstable kneecap
- Pes anserine (knee tendon) bursitis
- Prepatellar (kneecap) bursitis
To find the cause of your knee pain, Dr. Siram needs to perform a physical exam. He also reviews your medical history and asks you about your symptoms and your current health.
You might need to have X-rays or a CT or MRI scan to see whats going on inside the joint, or he might recommend these imaging procedures so custom, patient-specific instruments can be manufactured prior to knee replacement surgery.
How is knee pain treated?
Dr. Siram may begin with conservative methods, like bracing, Gel-One? Hyaluronate injections, physical therapy, or diet and lifestyle modifications to treat your knee pain.
However, if conservative measures fail to relieve your knee pain, or if you have incurred substantial damage to your knee joint, Dr. Siram may recommend surgery. Dr. Siram is an expert in the most up-to-date, minimally invasive procedures, including:
- Knee arthroscopy
- Total knee replacement
- Partial knee replacement
- Revision total knee replacement
If knee pain is affecting your life, get the help you need by calling the office to schedule a consultation, or you can book one online today.
