Knee pain plagues millions of Americans, impacting their daily routines and active lifestyles. If you're struggling with sudden or chronic knee pain, consult one of our orthopedic specialists at Illinois Orthopedic Institute in Joliet, IL. Our orthopedic surgeons consider you as a whole person and treat your knee pain in a way that makes sense for you and your body.
What is the knee?
Your knees bear much of your body weight as you stand, walk, run, squat and more throughout your day. Composed of the end of the upper leg (femur), lower leg (tibia or shin bone) and patella (knee cap), the knee swings and moves side to side aided by ligaments, tendons and cartilage. All these structures are subject to repetitive or acute injury and wear and tear over time. Wear and tear arthritis is very common, comments John Hopkins Medicine.
Your painful knee
Knee pain comes from a variety of problems, including:
- Knee cap fracture
- Baker's cyst (a fluid-filled growth under the patella)
- Dislocation
- Torn cartilage (your natural shock absorber), ligaments and tendons
- Arthritis (both osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis)
- Bursitis
Your orthopedic surgeons in Juliet, IL, will ask you to describe your knee pain, when it started, what may relieve it and how long it lasts.
Treating your knee pain
To treat your pain properly, our doctors will use sophisticated tests to image your knee joint. Examples are digital X-rays, MRIs and CT scans. The doctor also may use an arthroscope, a lighted instrument inserted into the knee joint to visualize its internal structure.
Your care plan will eliminate or manage your pain, strengthen the joint, increase the range of motion and get you back to your active life.
Treatments may include:
- Physical therapy to regain mobility and to strengthen the joint and supporting structures
- Rehabilitation after surgery
- Ligament reconstruction
- Cartilage transplants
- Total or partial knee replacement
Medications for pain, supportive devices and more move the knee toward best function and a pain-free condition.
Feel better; stay active
You can with help from the experienced orthopedic surgeons at Illinois Orthopedic Institute in Joliet, IL. Don't wait to seek treatment. Call one of our three locations for an informative consultation. In Joliet, phone (815) 741-6900. For Bolingbrook, call (630) 679-1111, and in Channahon, reach us at (815) 741-6900.