The knee is your body’s largest joint, as well as one of the most commonly injured. Double board-certified orthopedic surgeon Matthew Melander, DO, treats knee injuries in patients ages 4 and older at his practice, which has convenient locations in O’Fallon and St. Peters, Missouri. If you or your child has a knee injury, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.
Your knee consists of many parts that can sustain an injury, including bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Dr. Melander diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of knee injuries, including:
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major ligaments in your knee. You can sprain or tear your ACL during high-intensity activities like CrossFit, soccer, or football. Any sudden, explosive force on the knee, such as stops or pivots while running, can injure the ACL.
Patellofemoral syndrome, also known as runner’s knee, causes pain between the kneecap (patella) and thigh bone (femur). Patellofemoral syndrome is common in athletes and older adults, especially those with arthritis of the kneecap.
The meniscus is a tough pad of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in your knee. Suddenly twisting your knee while bearing weight on it can cause a torn meniscus.
Depending on the type and severity of your knee injury, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
These symptoms may begin immediately after an injury, or they may develop slowly. If you think you or your child has a knee injury, call the office right away. Continuing to play sports on an injured knee can lead to further damage and make it more difficult to treat.
Dr. Melander asks how the injury occurred and reviews your symptoms and medical history. He examines your knee, checking for tenderness and restricted range of motion. He may also take tests like an onsite X-ray or MRI.
As an athlete himself, Dr. Melander understands the importance of getting back to normal activities as quickly and safely as possible. He creates an individualized treatment plan for your specific knee injury, which may include:
If your knee injury is severe or conservative treatment doesn’t provide adequate relief, Dr. Melander may recommend a surgical approach like a meniscectomy or a knee replacement. He uses minimally invasive surgery, such as knee arthroscopy, whenever possible.
For advanced expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries, call Dr. Melander’s office or schedule an appointment online today.