Knee Pain

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is essential in stabilizing your knee. ACL tears and strains are common among those who compete in sports that require sudden stops and changes in direction. These include sports such as basketball, soccer, skiing, and football.

This is one of the most common knee injuries. The meniscus (knee cartilage) acts as a shock absorber for your knee. Twisting the knee beyond its normal range during sports or other activities may tear the meniscus, resulting in severe pain, instability, and may lead to early-onset osteoarthritis.

Often referred to as “dislocated knee,” a dislocated patella (the kneecap) is most often caused by direct trauma, or when a sudden change in direction occurs when the leg is firmly planted. This is a common injury in sports such as basketball where sudden changes in direction are frequent.

This common knee injury occurs when you twist, turn, or roll your knee beyond the limit of the ligaments that stabilize the joint. A sprained knee can usually be treated at home with simple rest and ice to reduce swelling, if present. Severe knee sprains may require medical attention.

Often referred to as a “broken knee,” a fracture is caused by a traumatic impact, such as a fall, sports injury, or accident. The pain is severe and usually prevents sufferers from walking or bearing weight on the affected knee. A fracture should be treated immediately at the nearest emergency room.

Sometimes referred to as “runner’s knee” because it commonly affects runners and other athletes. This disorder can be caused by damage or stress to the patella (the knee cap), or the tissue surrounding it. Additionally, this syndrome can result from improper tracking of the knee and/or a breakdown of cartilage caused by muscle weakness, improper footwear, flat feet, or other factors.

Sometimes referred to as “ITBS” or “IT band syndrome,” this disorder results when the iliotibial band (a ligament) tightens to the point that it rubs against the femur (the “thigh bone”). This disorder is common in distance runners, and causes pain between the hip and knee.

Sometimes referred to as “jumper’s knee” because it is often seen in volleyball and basketball players. In the knee, tendonitis is the swelling or overstretching of the patellar tendon, the large tendon that connects the knee cap to the shin bone.

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis results from normal wear and tear, overuse, and aging. Osteoarthritis breaks down the protective cartilage, causing the knee bones to rub against each other and deteriorate, which leads to pain and stiffness.

Commonly referred to as “R.A.,” this chronic autoimmune disorder inflames and thickens the knee joint’s lining (synovium). Rheumatoid arthritis breaks down knee cartilage, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain.