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Coordinated Knee Care across Greater Philadelphia
The knee contains bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and menisci that work together to support movement. Injuries, inflammation, and degenerative conditions can affect these structures and a patient’s quality of life. Knee pain can develop gradually or result from an acute injury, and symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to significant instability or limited mobility. At Premier Orthopaedics, we evaluate and treat a wide range of knee conditions.
Acute injuries may follow a fall, collision, sudden pivot, or awkward landing. Repetitive stress can irritate tendons and other soft tissues, while cartilage wear, inflammatory disease, and age-related degeneration may produce symptoms that worsen over time. Persistent swelling, a locked knee, a sudden pop, visible deformity, instability, or difficulty bearing weight should be evaluated because symptoms alone can’t identify the affected structure or determine whether surgery is appropriate.
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ACL and PCL TearsACL and PCL tears are injuries to the major ligaments that stabilize the knee. They commonly occur during sports, sudden changes in direction, or traumatic impacts and can cause pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty bearing weight.
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Chondral DefectsChondral defects are areas of damaged cartilage covering the ends of bones within the knee joint. They can result from injury, repetitive stress, or wear and tear, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced joint function.
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Iliotibial Band SyndromeIliotibial band syndrome is an overuse injury involving the thick band of tissue running along the outside of the thigh. It commonly causes pain on the outside of the knee, particularly during running, cycling, or other repetitive activities.
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Knee BursitisKnee bursitis occurs when one of the small, fluid-filled sacs surrounding the knee becomes irritated or inflamed. It can cause localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort with kneeling, movement, or pressure on the knee.
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Knee FracturesKnee fractures involve breaks in one or more bones that make up the knee joint, often caused by falls, sports injuries, or significant trauma. Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving or bearing weight.
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MCL and LCL Sprains/TearsMCL and LCL injuries affect the ligaments on the inner and outer sides of the knee. They typically occur from sports injuries, twisting, or direct impact and may cause pain, swelling, tenderness, and knee instability.
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Meniscus TearA meniscus tear occurs when the cartilage between the thighbone and shinbone is damaged. Tears can result from twisting injuries or age-related degeneration and may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, catching, or difficulty fully moving the knee.
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Osteoarthritis and ArthritisOsteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by gradual breakdown of cartilage within the knee joint. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility, particularly during activity or after periods of inactivity.
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Patellar DislocationA patellar dislocation occurs when the kneecap moves completely out of its normal position, usually toward the outside of the knee. It can cause significant pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty straightening or bending the knee.
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Patellofemoral Pain SyndromePatellofemoral pain syndrome causes pain around or behind the kneecap, often related to repetitive activity or changes in how the kneecap moves. Symptoms may worsen with running, squatting, climbing stairs, or prolonged sitting.
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Post-Traumatic OsteoarthritisPost-traumatic osteoarthritis develops after an injury to the knee, such as a fracture, ligament tear, or cartilage damage. Over time, the injury can contribute to cartilage breakdown, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
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Tendon TearsTendon tears occur when a tendon connecting muscle to bone is partially or completely torn. They can result from sudden injuries, repetitive stress, or degeneration and may cause pain, weakness, swelling, and difficulty using the affected joint.
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TendonitisTendonitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often caused by repetitive movement, overuse, or injury. It commonly produces pain, tenderness, and stiffness that may worsen with activity and improve with rest.
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Knee ArthritisKnee arthritis occurs when the cartilage within the knee joint wears down, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. It can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or exercising more difficult.
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Jumpers KneeJumper’s knee is an overuse injury affecting the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It commonly causes pain and tenderness below the kneecap, particularly during jumping, running, or other activities.
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Knee CartilageKnee cartilage cushions the bones within the knee and helps the joint move smoothly. Damage or deterioration can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities or physical exercise.
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SynovitisSynovitis occurs when the synovial lining surrounding a joint becomes inflamed. In the knee, it can cause swelling, stiffness, warmth, and pain and may result from injury, arthritis, or other underlying conditions.
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Runner's KneeRunner's knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, causes pain around or behind the kneecap. It commonly develops from overuse, muscle imbalances, or problems with how the kneecap moves during activity.
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Posterior Cruciate Ligament InjuryA posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury occurs when the ligament at the back of the knee is stretched or torn. It can result from sports injuries, falls, or significant impacts to the knee.
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Patellar TendonitisPatellar tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. Often called jumper's knee, it commonly causes pain beneath the kneecap, especially during running, jumping, or other repetitive activities.
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Patellar Tendon RuptureA patellar tendon rupture is a tear of the strong tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It can cause significant pain, swelling, and difficulty straightening the knee or walking normally.
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Osteochondritis DissecansOsteochondritis dissecans occurs when a small section of bone and cartilage within a joint loses its blood supply. It most often affects the knee and can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, or joint instability.
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Medial Collateral LigamentThe medial collateral ligament (MCL) helps stabilize the inside of the knee. An MCL injury can occur when the ligament is stretched or torn, often following a direct impact or sudden force to the outside of the knee.
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Anterior Cruciate Ligament InjuryAn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury occurs when the ligament connecting the thighbone to the shinbone is stretched or torn. ACL injuries commonly occur during sports involving sudden stops, changes in direction, or jumping.
Our Knee Specialists
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Vibhu Banala, MD Hip & Knee Replacement -
Eugene Elia, MD Hip and Knee Replacement
Sports Medicine -
Itai Gans, MD Sports Medicine
Knee Replacement -
Jonathan Garino, MD Hip and Knee Replacement
Hip and Knee Revision
Sports Medicine -
Charles Hummer III, MD Sports Medicine
Knee Replacement -
Claire McDaniel Hip & Knee Replacement -
James McGlynn, MD Sports Medicine
Hip and Knee Replacement -
Dennis McHugh, DO Hip and Knee Replacement
Sports Medicine -
Charles Odgers IV, MD Sports Medicine
Knee and Shoulder Replacement -
Nikos Pavlides, MD Hip and Knee Replacement
Shoulder Replacement
Sports Medicine -
Scott Ritterman, MD Hip and Knee Replacement -
Robert Ruggiero Jr., MD Spine Surgery
Hip and Knee Replacement -
Todd Schwartz, DO Hip and Knee Replacement -
Cheston Simmons Jr., MD Hip and Knee Replacement -
Dean Trevlyn, MD Sports Medicine
Knee Replacement -
Jeffrey Vakil, MD -
Raymond Wolfe, MD Hip and Knee Replacement
Knee Symptoms, Evaluation & Treatment
We evaluate sudden knee injuries as well as pain, stiffness, or loss of function that develops gradually. A medical history, physical examination, and imaging such as MRI when appropriate can help identify whether symptoms involve the ligaments, menisci, cartilage, tendons, bones, or joint surfaces.
Call (855) 678-4624 to schedule a consultation with one of our knee physicians.
Common signs include:
- Persistent or worsening knee pain
- Swelling that doesn’t subside with rest and ice
- Difficulty straightening the knee or limited range of motion
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations
- Instability or feeling like the knee may “give out”
- Pain that interferes with sleep or difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
Knee Pain Treatment Options
We emphasize conservative management whenever appropriate before considering advanced procedures. Treatment selection depends on the diagnosis, symptom severity, functional limitations, prior care, activity goals, and patient preferences.
- Nonsurgical Solutions: Rehabilitation, physical therapy, targeted exercise programs, medication, bracing or immobilization, and therapeutic injections may be included in a personalized plan.
- Surgical Solutions: When symptoms continue despite appropriate conservative care or an injury requires operative treatment, options may include knee arthroscopy, ligament or cartilage procedures, and partial or total knee replacement.
- Ongoing Rehabilitation: We monitor progress and can adjust treatment plans as symptoms, mobility, and function change.
Risks of Delaying Knee Evaluation
Some untreated knee problems can contribute to:
- Progressive joint damage
- Decreased mobility and loss of independence
- Ongoing disruption to daily activities, sleep, and quality of life
A sudden pop, visible deformity, locked knee, or inability to bear weight can warrant prompt medical evaluation rather than continued home care.
Whether you're dealing with a recent injury or years of chronic pain, our orthopaedic specialists create personalized treatment plans that reduce pain, restore movement, and help you live more comfortably.