Learn about the causes of knee joint pain, common knee conditions, and when to seek medical attention. Discover the treatments offered by Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, including arthroscopic ACL and PCL reconstruction, meniscal surgery, OATS & microfracture procedures, and quad tendon repair.
If you’re experiencing continual knee pain, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us to explore personalized treatment options and regain mobility and comfort in your daily life. Contact our office in Zanesville, Ohio, today to take the first step toward relief and recovery!
People of all ages can experience knee pain. Knee pain can come on suddenly or start as mild discomfort and progressively get worse.
Knee pain is often a sign of sudden injury or overuse. It can stem from injuries or problems with the soft tissues, such as the ligaments or meniscus, bone fractures, or dislocation. Many people with knee pain will have damage to more than one structure in the knee.
Some common knee problems and conditions include the following:
Arthritis refers to inflammation of the knee. The most common types of arthritis that affect the knee are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common sports injuries. Athletes who participate in sports that involve cutting and pivoting are more likely to get this injury. Many ACL injuries will also cause damage to other structures, such as the meniscus, articular cartilage, or other ligaments.
Injuries to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) often occur when the knee receives a blow to the front of the knee while it is bent. Examples include a blow during sports or in motor vehicle accidents. Tears to the PCL are often partial, but they have the potential to heal on their own.
The collateral ligaments on the outside of the knee can be damaged by forceful blows to either the inside or outside of the knee. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) can be caused by a force to the outside of the knee. The lateral collateral ligament can be injured by a blow to the inside of the knee. Damaged collateral ligaments may also cause swelling and an unstable knee.
The meniscus is a fibrous cartilage that protects the ends of your bones in the knee joint. A meniscus tear is possible when twisting, cutting, pivoting, or being tackled. They can also occur as a result of aging or arthritis.
The quadriceps tendon attaches at the kneecap and, together with the patella tendon, helps straighten the leg. A partial or complete tendon tear is more likely to occur in middle-aged people who play sports that involve running or jumping.
A dislocation occurs when the bones of the knee are out of place, either completely or partially. For example, the femur and tibia can be forced out of alignment, and the patella can also slip out of place.
Chondral defects refer to damaged articular cartilage in the knee. Damaged surfaces are no longer smooth and can cause knee pain during leg movement. Damaged cartilage can also lead to arthritis.
Patellar instability refers to a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its normal position within the knee joint. A patellar tendon tear can occur through sudden trauma (patella dislocation), or it can be a chronic issue (patella subluxation).
Patellofemoral Syndrome is a general term for the pain felt in the soft tissues and bone around the kneecap. It is common in young athletes who participate in vigorous sports that involve running and jumping.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, we can provide several procedures to relieve pain in your knee. They include the following:
This surgical procedure is commonly performed to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. It involves using small incisions and a tiny camera (arthroscope) to guide the surgeon in reconstructing the ACL using tissue grafts from either the patient’s own body or a donor.
An Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction procedure aims to restore stability and function to the knee joint, particularly for individuals who have experienced ACL injuries due to sports or accidents.
Arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction is a surgical technique used to repair a torn or injured PCL in the knee. Similar to ACL reconstruction, the arthroscopic PCL reconstruction procedure utilizes small incisions and an arthroscope to access the knee joint and reconstruct the damaged ligament using grafts.
PCL injuries often occur due to trauma, such as during car accidents or sports-related collisions, and this procedure aims to restore stability and function to the knee.
Meniscal surgery involves procedures aimed at treating injuries or conditions affecting the meniscus, which are C-shaped cartilage structures in the knee joint that act as shock absorbers.
Meniscal surgery may include meniscal repair, in which torn portions of the meniscus are sewn back together, or meniscectomy, where damaged portions of the meniscus are removed. This surgery aims to alleviate pain, improve knee function, and prevent further damage to the knee joint.
OATS (Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System) and microfracture procedures are surgical techniques used to treat chondral defects, which are defects or injuries to the articular cartilage covering the ends of bones within a joint.
OATS involves transplanting healthy cartilage and bone from one part of the joint to fill in the damaged area, while microfracture procedures involve creating small holes in the bone to stimulate the growth of new cartilage. These procedures aim to restore the smooth surface of the joint and alleviate pain associated with chondral defects.
Quad tendon repair is a surgical procedure performed to repair tears or ruptures of the quadriceps tendon, which connects the quadriceps muscles to the patella (kneecap). This procedure typically involves reattaching the torn tendon to the patella using sutures or anchors.
Quad tendon injuries often occur due to sudden, forceful movements or direct trauma to the knee. The goal of surgery is to restore function and strength to the knee extensor mechanism.
Take proactive steps to maintain knee health and prevent knee pain. Schedule an appointment with Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville to explore preventive measures and personalized strategies to treat knee pain. Contact our practice in Zanesville, OH, today for the quality care you’ve been looking for!
Medically reviewed by Jordan R. Bonier, DO, MS
If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call (740) 454-3273
or visit our appointment request page.
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