What causes knee pain?
Sports injuries, repetitive stress, and degenerative disease often cause knee pain. You can also develop knee pain when you have problems in your feet, hips, and lower back that affect your body mechanics.
Health conditions that frequently result in knee pain include:
- Arthritis
- Meniscus tears
- Knee bursitis
- Knee tendonitis
- Runner’s knee
- Dislocated kneecap
- Ligament tears and sprains
Of all possible knee injuries, one of the most common is a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
What symptoms develop with knee pain?
When you have a knee problem that causes pain, there’s a good chance you will experience symptoms such as:
- Swelling and redness
- Stiffness and limited movement
- Popping or clicking sensations
- Locking of the knee joint
- Inability to straighten your knee
- Inability to bear weight with your knee
- Difficulty walking
Without proper treatment, any condition that causes knee pain can lead to ongoing joint instability.
How does Dr. Moore treat knee pain?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Moore carefully examines your knee, talks about your symptoms, and takes diagnostic images such as X-rays to get a clear view of the joint.
After Dr. Moore diagnoses your knee problem, he discusses your treatment options. In most cases, he starts your treatment with conservative therapies such as bracing or referral to a physical therapist.
Dr. Moore typically considers surgery only when your knee pain continues despite conservative treatment. However, some types of knee injuries need immediate surgery.
For example, a displaced or open fracture needs surgery to realign the bones. Meniscus tears require surgical repair when they occur in an area that lacks a good blood supply. Torn ligaments often need surgical reconstruction to ensure they regain their optimal strength.
When performing knee surgery, Dr. Moore uses a minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopy. Using a small incision and a specialized scope, Dr. Moore can examine and repair problems inside the knee joint.
When might I need a knee replacement?
You may need a knee joint replacement following a severe fracture. Most replacements, however, are performed in people with advanced knee osteoarthritis.
Whether you need a partial or total knee replacement, Dr. Moore is an expert in using the Mako® Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery system.
This system allows him to plan your surgery using a 3D CT scan. During your replacement surgery, Dr. Moore uses specialized tools and Mako’s robotic arm to remove damaged tissues precisely while preserving the maximum amount of healthy bone.
If you need expert treatment for knee pain, call Dr. Moore at our office phone: (602) 456-1835