Knee

What does this area do?

The knee is a hinge joint.

A hinge joint bends and straightens in one main direction, the way a door hinge does. It sits where the thighbone (the femur) meets the shinbone (the tibia). A small bone called the kneecap (the patella) sits in front and glides in a groove as you move.

Several tissues hold the knee together and let it move smoothly. Ligaments are strong bands that connect bone to bone and keep the joint steady. The meniscus is a C-shaped pad of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thighbone and shinbone. Cartilage is a smooth, firm tissue that covers the ends of bones so they glide without grinding. Tendons connect muscle to bone and help you straighten and bend the knee.

Together, these parts let you walk, squat, pivot, and stand for long periods without pain.

Which problems are commonly seen in this area?

Many knee problems come from wear over time, a sudden injury, or repeated stress.

Common ones include the following.

• Osteoarthritis, a gradual wearing of cartilage in the knee. See the knee osteoarthritis page.
• Meniscus tears, when the cushion cartilage is torn by a twist or over time. See the meniscus tear page.
• Ligament injuries, such as an ACL tear, often from sports or a fall. See the ACL injury page.
• Patellar (kneecap) pain, when the kneecap does not track smoothly. See the kneecap pain page.
• Tendon problems, such as irritation just below the kneecap. See the patellar tendinitis page.

How are problems here evaluated?

A knee visit usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms, when they began, and what makes them better or worse.

The physician then examines the knee. This may include gently bending and straightening it, checking for swelling, and testing how steady the ligaments feel.

Imaging is often the next step. An X-ray shows bone and can reveal arthritis or a fracture. An MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, shows soft tissues like the meniscus, ligaments, and cartilage in more detail. Not every knee problem needs an MRI. The physician orders imaging based on what the exam suggests.

What is the treatment approach?

Most knee problems are treated without surgery first.

Conservative care means treatment that does not involve an operation. This can include rest, activity changes, ice, physical therapy to build strength and flexibility, braces, and medicines that reduce pain and swelling.

If symptoms continue after a fair trial of conservative care, or if an injury is severe, the physician may discuss other options. Some problems respond to an injection into the joint. Others may be helped by a procedure. Surgery is considered when the problem limits daily life and simpler steps have not brought enough relief.

Recovery time depends on the problem and the treatment. According to general guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, recovery from a minor knee strain often takes a few weeks, while recovery from a major ligament repair can take several months. These are ranges, not promises. Your own path depends on your health, the specific injury, and how your body heals.

Which warning signs should you call about?

Consider seeing an orthopedic specialist if knee pain lasts more than a few weeks, if the knee swells often, if it gives way or locks, or if you cannot put weight on it after an injury.

An orthopedic specialist is a physician who focuses on bones, joints, and the tissues around them. Early evaluation can help you understand the cause and choose a plan that fits your goals.

Which conditions and procedures does this practice treat here?

This practice treats knee osteoarthritis, Meniscus tears, ACL and other ligament injuries, Kneecap (patellar) pain and tracking problems, Patellar tendinitis, Knee arthroscopy, a procedure that uses a small camera inside the joint, and Partial and total knee replacement in this area.