What are some common knee injuries?
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:
ACL injuries
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
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.
Meniscus tears
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.
What are the symptoms of a knee injury?
Depending on the type and severity of your knee injury, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Weakness
- Instability
- Popping or crunching noises
- Inability to completely straighten the knee
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.
What does diagnosing a knee injury entail?
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.
What are the treatment options for a knee injury?
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:
- Physical therapy
- Bracing
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Orthobiologics like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
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.
