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Knee Conditions
The knee is one of the body’s most complex and heavily used joints, making it susceptible to injuries, inflammation, and conditions that can affect movement and 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, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for a wide range of knee conditions. We use advanced diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments to help patients understand the source of their symptoms and find the right path toward improved function and lasting relief.
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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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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.
Our Knee Specialists
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Eugene Elia, MD- Hip
- Knee
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Itai Gans, MD- Knee
- Sports Medicine
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Jonathan Garino, MD- Hip
- Knee
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Charles Hummer III, MD- Knee
- Sports Medicine
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James McGlynn, MD- Hip
- Knee
- Sports Medicine
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Dennis McHugh, DO- Hip
- Knee
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Charles Odgers IV, MD- Knee
- Sports Medicine
- Shoulder & Elbow
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Nikos Pavlides, MD- Hip
- Knee
- Shoulder & Elbow
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Scott Ritterman, MD- Hip
- Knee
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Robert Ruggiero Jr., MD- Spine
- Hip
- Knee
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Todd Schwartz, DO- Hip
- Knee
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Cheston Simmons Jr., MD- Hip
- Knee
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Dean Trevlyn, MD- Knee
- Sports Medicine
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Jeffrey Vakil, MD- Hip
- Knee
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Raymond Wolfe, MD- Hip
- Knee
Symptoms, Treatments & Risks
Symptoms
Recognizing when to seek specialist care can prevent long-term damage. Common signs include:
- Persistent or worsening knee pain
- Swelling that does not 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
Treatments
Premier Orthopaedics emphasizes conservative management whenever possible before considering advanced procedures:
- Non-Surgical Solutions: Rehabilitation, targeted exercise programs, medications, and therapeutic injections to relieve discomfort and restore function.
- Surgical Solutions: When conservative options are no longer effective, state-of-the-art surgical interventions can restore joint function and ease chronic pain.
Risks
Ignoring knee warning signs and leaving conditions untreated can lead to:
- Progressive, long-term joint damage
- Decreased overall mobility and loss of independence
- Ongoing disruption to daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life
Take the First Step: Don’t let knee discomfort hold you back. Contact Premier Orthopaedics today to schedule a consultation with a knee specialist near you.
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.