The knees support the weight of your body, allowing you to sit down, stand up, run, walk, and carry out your daily activities. Regular use of the knees over time, or heavy use due to sports, can result in knee injury – which can lead to a lot of pain and even disability.
If any damage incurred by your knees is left untreated, you may develop a more severe condition that could affect your mobility on a permanent basis. If you are experiencing chronic knee pain or one of the conditions below, immediately consult with a knee specialist to prevent further damage and to get on the road to recovery.
Arthritis
There are several types of arthritis that affect the knee, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. If left untreated, you may experience worsening knee pain, and your knees could develop extensive damage that can become debilitating.
Knee Ligament Injury
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is in the front of your knee, and it provides critical support to the knee joint. Injury to this ligament is common but it can be severe, and it may need surgery. The ligament can be torn partially or fully, and a fully torn ACL almost always requires surgery.
Athletes who play contact sports have a higher risk of injuring their ACL, as do those who are in highly active professions such as construction work and building repair. However, sudden leg movements can also cause an ACL tear.
Bursitis
When the bursae – which are small fluid-filled sacs in the joints – become swollen and inflamed, you may have a condition known as bursitis. Your bursae protect the knee joints (and your other joints) and allow the tendons to move easily without causing irritation to the joint.
Some cases of bursitis may only need home remedies; however, other situations require antibiotics, pain-relief injections, or physical therapy. Your knee doctor will determine the proper treatment for your specific condition.
Knee Dislocation
When the bones of the knee are out of their correct alignment, then they are dislocated. This condition may be due to trauma from a car accident, fall, or contact sports. It is important to immediately have a specialist realign your knee to prevent further damage and to prevent it from healing improperly.
Knee Sprain
Sudden twists of the leg can result in a sprained knee. A sharp blow to the knee can also cause this injury. If you notice swelling in your knee and you are experiencing pain and difficulty walking, do not wait – seek immediate medical care.
Patellar Tendonitis
Also called jumper’s knee, patellar tendonitis is a condition that affects the tendon of the patella (kneecap). This tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
Athletes, specifically those who perform frequent jumps and landings on the knees, have a higher risk of incurring this condition because of the intense and frequent impact placed on their knees. Runners, basketball players, and tennis players can easily develop this knee condition.
Knee Doctor in San Antonio
If you feel sporadic or chronic pain in your knees, seek the care of an experienced knee doctor. Do not take the chance and hope that the pain and damage will subside on their own, because the injury could heal improperly and cause more damage.
Our orthopedic surgeons at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine specialize in the treatment of your knee problems. We have years of experience in providing quality diagnostic, surgical, and nonsurgical care of knee issues.
You may reach us at (210) 692-7400 to request an appointment, or skip the phone lines and request an appointment now through our online form. Let us help you take good care of your knees!
