Tag Archive for: Knee pain

Osteonecrosis of the Knee

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Few people have most likely heard of knee osteonecrosis, but it can be a serious condition. In addition to the sudden onset of pain, it can lead to permanent joint damage and the need for joint replacement. Early detection and treatment can help prevent bone and cartilage deterioration. Diagnosis and treatment of osteonecrosis of the knee are quite challenging, given the insidious and nonspecific onset of the condition. Consulting with the first-class orthopedic surgeons at the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado, will ensure you get the finest diagnosticians, the best of care, and the most successful outcomes. There is no need to suffer from pain or lose functionality of your knee.

OVERVIEW

Like any other part of the body, bone is a living tissue that requires blood and oxygen to survive. In osteonecrosis of the knee, the blood supply to an area of bone is interrupted, resulting in death of that segment of bone. The term “osteonecrosis” is a Latin term for “bone death,” and the condition is also referred to as avascular necrosis (or AVN). Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) is a painful knee condition of idiopathic or unknown cause that occurs spontaneously. It is a distinct clinical entity with no consensus regarding the condition’s etiology. SONK stands for Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee and is the most common type of osteonecrosis in the knee. Ninety-nine percent of patients have only one joint involved. Women are more commonly affected, typically three times that of males, and it is more common in those 60+ years of age.

ABOUT THE KNEE

The knee joint is the largest and arguably the most stressed joint in the body, receiving four times the amount of stress for every pound one weighs. Four bones meet to form the knee: the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), the smaller bone that runs alongside it (fibula), and kneecap (patella). The ends of the bones are covered with articular cartilage, which helps the bones glide against each other. Two crescent-shaped cartilage pads called the menisci sit between the tibia and femur, acting as shock absorbers. The knee is held together by a joint capsule, which has an outer layer of dense connective tissue and an inner membrane that secretes fluid to lubricate the joint. The knee is a hinge joint that allows the leg to bend and straighten, and it’s essential for many movements, like walking, running, and jumping. It supports the body and helps with balance. Because the knee is used so much, it’s vulnerable to injury.

WHAT IS OSTEONECROSIS OF THE KNEE?

When an area of bone loses its blood supply due to osteonecrosis, the body tries to replace it with living bone in a process sometimes referred to as “creeping substitution.” However, in this progression, the softening and absorption of necrotic bone outpaces new bone formation. During this replacement process, there is a temporary weakening – and the possibility of collapse – of this segment of bone. When osteonecrosis involves a weight-bearing surface near a joint such as the knee, the weakened surface may break or collapse under normal loading. This surface fracture, called a subchondral fracture, may cause sudden, acute pain in the joint. There are 5 stages to osteonecrosis of the knee:

  • Stage I: symptoms are most intense in the earliest stage and may continue for six to eight weeks before subsiding. The patient has a symptomatic knee, but the findings were normal on the X-ray.
  • Stage II: it may take several months for the disease to progress to Stage II. At this point, X-rays will show that the rounded edge of the thighbone is starting to flatten out.
  • Stage III: by the time the disease reaches stage III (three to six months after onset), it is clearly visible on X-rays, and no other diagnostic tests are needed. The articular cartilage covering the bone begins to loosen as the bone itself begins to die.
  • Stage IV: at this point, the bone begins to collapse. The articular cartilage is destroyed, the joint space narrows, and bone spurs may form. Severe osteoarthritis results and joint replacement surgery may be necessary.

Read more about Osteonecrosis of the Knee on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with a knee specialist today.

Pes Anserine Bursitis

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Knee tendon, or pes anserine bursitis as it is known, is considered a self-limiting condition. The length of time it takes to resolve the condition varies. Six to eight weeks of stretching and strengthening for most patients can help reduce symptoms. It is important to treat knee tendon bursitis in the early stages to reduce the symptoms and prevent long-term damage and chronic conditions from setting in. When knee tendon bursitis is left untreated, you may experience an increase in inflammation and discomfort. Additionally, the muscles and tendons around your knee joint may weaken over time. So pain in the knee should not be ignored. A good place to determine where the pain is coming from and what to do about it is Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

OVERVIEW

The pes anserine bursa is a thin, fluid-filled sac located on the inside of the knee joint. It cushions the joint and prevents the bones from rubbing against each other. Pes anserine (knee tendon) bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of this bursa. This painful condition occurs most commonly in young people involved in sports, middle-aged women who are obese, and people aged 50-80 who have osteoarthritis of the knee. The condition is also commonly associated with type 2 diabetes; 24% to 34% of patients with type 2 diabetes who report knee pain are found to have knee tendon bursitis. Sometimes, however, no direct cause can be identified. What is important to realize is that the knee is very complex. From person to person, the size and location of a pes anserinus bursa can vary, so everyone’s situation is always unique.

ABOUT THE KNEE

The knee joint is the largest in the body. It is a sophisticated hinge joint that helps with standing, moving, and keeping balance. Three important bones come together at the knee joint: the tibia (shin bone), the femur (thigh bone), and the patella (kneecap). Besides bones, knee anatomy is composed of many ligaments, cartilage, muscles, nerves, and tendons. Bursae are small, jelly-like sacs that are located throughout the body, including around the shoulder, elbow, hip, heels, and knees. They contain a small amount of fluid and are positioned between bones and soft tissues, acting as cushions to help reduce friction. The pes anserine bursa is one of 13 bursa that surround the knee.

WHAT IS KNEE TENDON BURSITIS?

Knee tendon bursitis is the inflammation of the pes anserine bursa present between the tendons of the hamstring muscle and the tibia or shinbone on the inner side of the knee. The condition occurs when the pes anserine bursa becomes inflamed and produces excess fluid causing the bursa to swell which places pressure on the adjacent sections of the knee. Pain and tenderness on the inner aspect of the knee are the most common symptoms of knee tendon or pes anserine bursitis. This condition is sometimes called pes anserinus pain syndrome (PAPS).

Read more about Pes Anserine Bursitis on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with a knee specialist today.

Discoid Meniscus

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Have you ever experienced a decreased range of motion in the knee, clicking or popping sounds? If so, you may have a discoid meniscus. A discoid meniscus is an abnormally shaped and enlarged meniscus in the knee. Because of its shape, it is more prone to injury. Its thick, abnormal shape makes it more likely to tear or get stuck in the knee. While many people are unaware of this issue and it never bothers them, others will have knee problems which can result in instability of the knee and lasting pain. The condition is rare, so it is important to seek out a highly trained and experienced orthopedic specialist. The place to start is Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

OVERVIEW

A discoid meniscus is a congenital, structural defect and does not grow into the normal shape of a healthy meniscus. The tissue grows thicker and larger and also has an abnormal texture. No sudden change occurs in discoid development after birth. The pathology is usually presented in the young population and during adolescence. Because of the high rate of asymptomatic patients, it’s difficult to estimate the actual incidence of discoid meniscus, but it is thought to be present in 3-5% of the general population. It occurs more in males than females and there is a slightly higher prevalence in Asians. A discoid meniscus is encountered more on the lateral or outer side of the knee and in 25% of cases it is bilateral.

ABOUT THE MENISCUS

The meniscus is a wedge-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the bones of the knee. Each knee has two menisci; the medial meniscus on the inside of the knee, and the lateral meniscus on the outside. Healthy menisci are shaped like crescent moons (in fact, “meniscus” comes from the Greek word for “crescent”). The meniscus acts as a shock absorber between your femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). It protects the thin articular cartilage that covers the ends of the bones and helps the knee to easily bend and straighten. The menisci are attached to the femur bone by a strong tissue called the meniscofemoral ligament. This ligament also provides a blood supply to a small portion of the meniscus.

WHAT IS DISCOID MENISCUS?

There are three types of discoid menisci:

Incomplete—the meniscus is slightly thicker and wider than normal, usually asymptomatic

Complete—the meniscus completely covers the tibia

Hypermobile Wrisberg—this occurs when the ligaments that attach the meniscus to the femur and tibia are not there. Without these ligaments, even a fairly normally shaped meniscus can move around in the joint and cause pain, as well as locking and popping of the knee. A discoid meniscus is more prone to injury than a normal meniscus. The thick, abnormal shape of a discoid meniscus makes it more likely to get stuck in the knee or to tear. If the meniscofemoral ligament attachment to the femur is also missing, the risk for injury is even greater. Once injured, even a normal meniscus is difficult to heal. This is because the meniscus lacks a strong blood supply and the nutrients that are essential to healing cannot reach the injured tissues.

Read more about Discoid Meniscus on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with an ankle specialist today.

Knee Osteotomy

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The knee is the likeliest joint in the body to develop arthritis, and it can significantly impact your life. Activities you once participated in easily can suddenly be difficult and can cause significant pain. It is a major cause of lost work time and a serious disability for many people. When other treatments no longer offer relief, a knee osteotomy can slow pain, help slow the deterioration of cartilage in the knee, and may delay your need for knee replacement surgery for many years. Osteotomy of the knee has been used for decades to improve pain and function. But if you are suffering from pain or instability in the knee now, you shouldn’t wait another minute to see the orthopedic specialists at the Colorado Center of Orthopedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

OVERVIEW

A knee osteotomy is an operation that surgeons use to treat the pain and instability that can occur when there is damage or arthritis in part of the knee joint. Knee osteotomy is used when a patient has early-stage osteoarthritis that has damaged just one side of the knee joint. By shifting weight off of the damaged side of the joint, an osteotomy can relieve pain and significantly improve function in an arthritic knee.  Knee osteotomy is particularly useful when arthritis develops in younger and middle-aged patients. There are no specific age limits but as a guide it is most commonly performed and most effective in thin, active 40–50-year-olds, with osteoarthritis affecting one compartment of the knee joint, including those who play sports regularly.

KNEE ANATOMY

The knee is the largest and strongest joint in the body. It is made up of the lower end of the femur (thighbone), the upper end of the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap). The ends of the three bones that form the knee joint are covered with articular cartilage, a smooth, slippery substance that protects and cushions the bones when bending and straightening the knee. Shaped like a hinge, this highly complex knee joint allows one to stand, sit, squat, jump, and maintain balance. Two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage called meniscus act as “shock absorbers” between the thighbone and shinbone. They are tough and rubbery to help cushion the joint and keep it stable. Like all joints, the knees also contain muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Damage to any of these supportive structures causes instability of the knee joint.

ABOUT KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the degradation of cartilage in the knee. Exactly why knee arthritis causes knee pain can vary from person to person and is not always clear. Factors that are considered include inflammation as a result of a breakdown of knee cartilage, abnormal joint stress that strains the knee joint capsule, nearby ligaments, and other surrounding support structures such as tendons, or bone pain caused by mechanical stress. Osteoarthritis of the knee is very common. Approximately 46% of people will develop it during their lifetimes. Women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis can develop when the bones of the knee and leg do not line up properly. This can put extra stress on either the inner (medial) or outer (lateral) side of the knee. Over time, this extra pressure can wear away the smooth articular cartilage that protects the bones, causing pain and stiffness in the knee. In some cases, knee osteoarthritis may remain stable for a long time. However, at least 1 in 7 people with osteoarthritis develop an abrupt progression to the advanced stage, where it can rapidly complete the destruction of the knee cartilage within a few months. It is difficult if not impossible today to predict how fast the evolution of knee osteoarthritis will be.

WHAT IS A KNEE OSTEOTOMY?

Osteotomy literally means “cutting of the bone.” When early-stage osteoarthritis has damaged just one side of the knee joint, or when malalignment of the knee causes increased stress to ligaments or cartilage, a knee osteotomy may be performed to strategically cut and reshape either the tibia (shinbone) or femur (thighbone) to relieve pressure on the joint. The procedure has three goals: transfer stress from the arthritic part of the knee to a healthier area, correct poor knee alignment, and prolong the life span of the knee. As part of the arthritic process, the shape of the legs can even change to be either “bow-legged” or “knock-kneed.” By shifting weight off the damaged side of the joint, an osteotomy can relieve pain and significantly improve function in the arthritic knee. For the surgery to be successful, the side of the knee where the weight is being shifted should have little or no arthritis. A doctor may also use a knee osteotomy to repair a broken knee that did not heal properly.

Read more about knee osteotomy on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with a knee specialist today.

Lateral Collateral Ligament Tear

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Consider how important the simple movement of just walking is, then imagine how disabling a lateral collateral ligament tear can be if it causes knee pain or causes your knee to give way. Your lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is a thin band of tissue running along the outside of the knee that helps keep it stable. If left untreated, an LCL tear may be prone to further injuries over time. That’s why it’s important to visit the orthopedic specialists at the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as soon as possible before the injury takes a toll on the surrounding tissues.

OVERVIEW

The lateral collateral ligament is one of the more commonly injured ligaments in the knee. In the United States, 25% of the patients who present to the emergency room with acute knee pain have a collateral ligament injury. Adults aged between 20-34 and 55-65 years old have been shown to have the highest incidence. An LCL tear tends to happen more often in men and boys than women and girls. 40% of LCL tears occur in sports. The risk of having one is higher if there has been a previous LCL tear, and it is possible to tear the same lateral collateral ligament again.

ABOUT THE KNEE

The knee is the joint that connects the thigh to the lower leg. It’s the biggest joint in the body. Like all joints, the knees are part of the skeletal system. The knees also contain cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. The knees help support one’s weight and let the legs bend and move. Almost any movement that uses the legs relies on the knees — the knees help when walking, running, and jumping. Three bones make up the knee joint—the thighbone (femur), the kneecap (patella), and the shinbone (tibia). Ligaments are thick, strong bands of tissue that hold the bones together. Collateral ligaments are on the side of the knee.

WHAT IS A LATERAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT TEAR?

An LCL tear is a strain or tear to the lateral collateral ligament. These knee injuries are categorized into three grades:

  • Grade I: This is an incomplete tear of the LCL. The tendon is still in continuity, and the symptoms are usually minimal. Patients usually complain of pain with pressure on the LCL and may be able to return to their sport very quickly. Most athletes miss one to two weeks of play.
  • Grade II: Grade II injuries are also considered incomplete tears of the LCL. These patients may complain of instability when attempting to cut or pivot. The pain and swelling are more significant, and usually, a period of three to four weeks of rest is necessary.
  • Grade III: A grade III injury is a complete tear of the LCL. Patients have significant pain and swelling and often have difficulty bending the knee. Instability, or giving out, is a common finding with grade III LCL tears. Grade III LCL tears commonly require surgical reconstruction.

Read more about Lateral Collateral Ligament Tears on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with a knee specialist today.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

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No one should have to live with intense pain or discomfort. Least of all, children. Osgood-Schlatter disease is the most common cause of knee pain in children and young adults who are still growing. It is considered an overuse injury of the knee that causes a painful bump and swelling on the shinbone below the knee. Most people have probably never heard of Osgood-Schlatter disease, and the symptoms may resemble other conditions of the knee. Getting a proper diagnosis can help prevent complications that can occur if not diagnosed correctly. At the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado, you can trust that your child will get the best care and treatment to alleviate their pain and allow them to do the things they love.

OVERVIEW

Osgood-Schlatter disease, also known as osteochondrosis or traction apophysitis of the tibial tubercle, is a common cause of anterior knee pain in the skeletally immature athletic population. Sometimes it is more simply referred to as growing pains or jumper’s knee. The Osgood-Schlatter disease typically affects kids during their preadolescent growth spurt: in the tweens (8 to 13) for girls and the early teens (10 to 14) for boys. It tends to affect boys more often than girls. The age at which the condition occurs can vary by sex because girls experience puberty earlier than boys.

ABOUT THE KNEE & GROWTH PLATES

The knee is the joint where the bones of the lower and upper legs meet. The largest joint in the body, the knee, helps support the body’s weight. It moves like a hinge, allowing legs to bend and move. Almost any movement that uses the legs relies on the knees, allowing one to sit, squat, walk, run, and jump. The knee consists of three bones: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (lower leg bone), and the patella (kneecap). Growth plates, also called physis or epiphyseal plates, are one-way that bones grow. There are usually two growth plates in each long bone. They add length and width to the bone helping determine the future length and shape of the mature bone. During the growth period, these growth plates can become swollen or damaged. This is especially true in the growth plates surrounding the knees.

WHAT IS OSGOOD-SCHLATTER DISEASE?

During the growth spurts of adolescence, certain muscles and tendons grow quickly and not always at the same rate. With physical activity, differences in the size and strength of the quadriceps muscle can put more stress on the growth plate near the top of the shinbone. The growth plate is weaker and more prone to injury than other parts of the bone. As a result, it can become irritated during physical stress and overuse caused by repetitive movements in certain sports that involve running, jumping, or twisting, including football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, figure skating, or ballet. The irritation can result in a painful lump below the kneecap, referred to as the Osgood Schlatter’s bump. Usually, just one knee is affected, but for 20% of people with Osgood-Schlatter disease, both knees are affected. If not assessed and treated, Osgood-Schlatter disease can follow adolescents into adulthood.

Read more about Osgood-Schlatter Disease on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with a knee specialist today.

Runners Knee – Patellofemoral Syndrome

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The knee is one of the body’s most important physical features. You could not move your leg in any direction or perform routine actions such as standing, bending, or walking without it. Additionally, the knee supports the upper body’s weight and helps you remain upright. Considering the knee bears so many heavy responsibilities, it should not be surprising the knee suffers many injuries. One such occurrence is a condition known as runner’s knee, which in medical terms is called patellofemoral pain syndrome or PFPS. There are many causes and many complications that could affect your everyday life, so it is important to get it treated right away. The place to start and where you can trust you’ll get the best care is at the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

OVERVIEW

Pain at the front of the knee is one of the most common knee problems. It is often a sign of overuse. In other words, the knee might have been exposed to too much or too frequent strain without being able to adapt to it fast enough. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a broad term to describe pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap. Although it can occur in non-athletes, it is often called “runner’s knee” because it is most common in people who participate in sports.

ABOUT THE KNEECAP

The kneecap (patella) connects muscles in the front of the thigh to the shinbone (tibia). As one bends or straightens the leg, the kneecap is pulled up or down. The movement of the kneecap is accommodated by a V-shaped notch (femoral groove) at one end of the thighbone (femur). The medial patella femoral ligament (MPFL)—located on the inside (medial side) of the knee—helps hold the kneecap in place and stop it from sliding/popping off the outer side (lateral side) of the knee. Several things can stop the patella from moving properly, all of which increase the forces and friction going through the kneecap, causing runner’s knee.

WHAT IS RUNNER’S KNEE?

Runner’s knee is one of the most common causes of front knee pain and accounts for approximately 25% of all knee injuries seen in sports injury clinics. While it is true that this is any injury that happens to virtually anyone, some risk factors may indicate the likeliness of developing problems.

Read more about Runner’s Knee on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with a knee specialist today.

Suffering from knee pain? Where it hurts can be a clue for diagnosis

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When you have knee pain, even the basics of everyday life can be difficult. Our knees are essential to standing, sitting, walking and so much more. If you’re an athlete, there’s not a sport out there that doesn’t require strong, healthy knees.

Your knee is also one of the most complicated joints in your body. Knee pain comes in many forms and from many places. If your knee pain is chronic or severe, you should see an orthopedic specialist who can diagnose and treat many types and sources of knee pain.

A good orthopedic specialist will want to hear about the type and location of your pain, any event that might have caused the pain, as well as your activity level and lifestyle. They will do a physical evaluation and may order imaging such as an x-ray or ultrasound.

All-over Pain
Some diseases and injures calls pain throughout the knee, rather in that one specific spot. The pain can be dull and achy or sharp and severe. Common examples include:

Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Osteoarthritis (OA) both damage the cartilage in your knee, and the result is painful bone-to-bone contact that can deliver some serious ‘all-over’ pain, swelling and stiffness.

Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
The ACL, which connects the tibia and the femur, is fairly well-known part of the knee – maybe you have torn yours or know someone who has. When it tears, many people report hearing a pop or snap and the pain which comes on quickly, is often felt in the middle or center of the knee.

A Bruised Knee
If your knee is hit hard during a contact sport, an accident, or a fall, it can bruise and result in all over or “inner” knee pain. You may also have swelling or difficulty bending your knee.

Knee Dislocation
A knee dislocation is a very serious and painful injury and the pain is not limited to one part of the knee. When the shin and thigh bone are separated from one another. Dislocations are rare and typically occur as the result of a severe impact such as a sports collision or a car accident.

Pain on inside of knee
If you have pain on the inside of your knee, it could be the result of any number of injuries including:

An MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) Injury
Your MCL stabilizes your knee joint and runs along the inside of your knee. It can be sprained or torn by stretching too far, both of which can cause pain on the inside of your knee.

Injury to the Medial Meniscus
Your shin and thigh bones are cushioned by two pieces of cartilage called meniscus. These menisci can fold, become worn, or tear if your knee rotates too far or has too much pressure. You may feel pain on the inside of your knee or may simply be unable to straighten your knee fully.

Bursitis
When the fluid-filled sacs (the bursa) get irritated and swollen, this cushioning tissue may be a source of pain rather than a joint protector, but often resolves with rest and ice.

Pain on outside of knee
Different diagnoses are more likely if you have pain on the outside of your knee, such as:

Iliotibial Band (“IT Band”) Syndrome
The “IT band” ligament runs along the outside of your thigh and can become swollen and inflamed as it rubs against the bone. The feeling can include tenderness or burning on the outside of your knee. IT Band Syndrome is common in long-distance runners and cyclists.

Injury to the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
The ligament that runs across the outside of your knee is called the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) and it helps to stabilize your knee. When torn or strained, you’re likely to feel instability and naturally feel pain on the outside of your knee.

Pain on the front of the knee
Pain on or near the kneecap is common for athletes or anyone who does a lot of running or jumping.

Patellar Tendonitis (aka Jumper’s Knee)
Wear and tear on the patellar tendons or irritation from overuse can result in tendonitis- which is inflammation of the tendons.

Runner’s Knee
Runner’s knee isn’t just for runners, although it does occur in athletes – including runners and especially women. The pain generally radiates around the kneecap and may be worse after bending it. Many people with Runner’s knee may be used to hearing snaps and pops when they squat or go downstairs.

Pain behind knee
If it hurts in the back of your knee, there are many possible causes. Several common causes include:

Baker’s Cyst
One of the most common causes of knee pain behind the knee. Baker’s cyst is an inflamed burse sac. There are bursa sacs all over your body, but an inflame bursa sac is known by this name when it’s behind the knee specifically.

Injury to the posterior cruciate ligament or PCL
Similar to the ACL, the PCL helps connects the shin and thigh bones and keeps the knee stable, but it is injured far less often. Injuries to the PCL are typically the result of a collision or other trauma.

Among others, runners’ knee, meniscus tears, ACL tears and arthritis can also cause pain behind the knee.

No matter where your pain is, be sure to see a qualified orthopedic specialist to fully diagnose your knee. Our team includes physicians, physician assistants, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and our athletic trainer. We diagnose and treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions from injury to wear and tear. Our physicians help patients of all ages and activity levels. Make an appointment today.

Patellar Tendonitis – Are you sidelined with pain in your kneecap?

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Do you participate in a sport like basketball or volleyball where high impact running, and jumping is common? If you have persistent pain or swelling at the base of your knee you could have one of the most common knee injuries among athletes – patellar tendonitis.

Depending on the severity of your injury, the pain may only occur during or after exercise, but over time it may begin to impact your day-to-day activities. And, because it can develop so gradually over time, it is not always easy to recognize. But if these symptoms sound familiar, don’t wait until it hurts to sit or walk to be evaluated and diagnosed. A sports medicine specialist can determine if you have patellar tendonitis and provide treatment recommendations for recovery.  

What is patellar tendonitis?

The patellar is the kneecap and the patellar tendon connects your kneecap to your shin bone. Patellar tendonitis is inflammation from a repetitive motion injury often seen in athletes who do a lot of running and jumping, such as with basketball, track and volleyball. For that reason, it’s sometimes referred to as “jumper’s knee,” and it’s especially prevalent in professional volleyball players. It’s most common among young people – in their twenties and thirties, and those who are taller or carry more weight are at higher risk.

Did you know that running puts as much as three times more force on your knees than walking does? On its own, this actually isn’t a bad thing. In fact, research shows that, for healthy runners, the knee can actually strengthen under increased force, and the tiny tears that stain causes in your tendon typically heal quickly and go unnoticed. But the aggregate impact of frequent jumping or carrying excess weight while running puts even more force on the knee, and the body can’t keep up with the number and severity of small tears in the tendon. It weakens over time, causing tendonitis.

How is patellar tendonitis diagnosed?

In addition to a physical examination and key questions about the nature and severity of your pain, your sports medicine specialist will evaluate your range of motion, and may recommend imaging such as an MRI, x-ray or ultrasound to confirm tendonitis or eliminate other injuries including bone fractures or soft-tissue damage.

What treatment is available for patellar tendonitis?

Treating patellar tendonitis early can ensure a full – and faster – recovery. Treatment will depend on several factors including the severity of the injury, your activity level and age, among other factors.

Getting your pain under control is always a first priority – usually accomplished with rest, ice and anti-inflammatories like Advil. And this regimen typically also resolves minor cases of patellar tendonitis too. Modifying your activities to minimize impact and wearing a brace that stabilizes and straightens the knee will also support recovery.

Many patients will need to modify their activities for a period of time – such as trading running and jumping for swimming, biking or other low impact activities – to minimize heavy impact on the knee. Others may need to add physical therapy exercises to their routine to build strength and flexibility in the surrounding area and support long term joint health.

Kinesiology taping (aka KT tape) can also help to stabilize the patellar tendon and reduce pain. Using a single piece of tape applied directly across the patellar tendon, many athletes are able to maintain range of motion and activity levels using these techniques

When is surgery needed?

In the most severe cases, the patellar tendon can become completely detached from the kneecap which requires surgery to repair. Surgery is generally only considered when all other treatment options are exhausted. In some cases, arthroscopic surgery can be used, which minimizes the incision size and generally has a faster recovery time.

Patellar tendonitis is common among athletes at all levels, and sports medicine specialists will work with each athlete to determine the best treatment options to help athletes return to play as quickly as possible while preventing re-injury and improving your body’s response to stress.

Our sports medicine specialists use cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment methods to eliminate pain and improve range of motion so the next time you spike the ball, dunk a basket, or run toward the finish line, you will feel just as good or better than you did before your injury occurred.

Types of Knee Implants

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The types of knee Implants used in total knee replacement surgery are highly individualized, and there is no single type or size that fits all. Knee implants vary depending on design, materials, and fixation.

The choice really depends on what the surgeon thinks is the best type of knee implant for you, with careful consideration of factors such as age and lifestyle.

Knee Replacement Prosthetics

Implants for knee replacement surgery have several components, such as femoral, tibial, and patellar prosthetics. The femur is your upper leg bone, the tibia is your lower leg bone, and the patella is your kneecap. Any or all of these can be replaced with prosthetic materials. 

The area of your knee that needs to be replaced will determine the type of prosthesis your surgeon will use in your knee implant surgery. Let’s take a look at a couple of the options in a knee replacement surgery:

Fixed-Bearing Knee Implants 

This is the most commonly recommended knee prosthesis. Fixed-bearing implants have the tibial section made of a polyethylene cushion, and this is fixed to a metal base. This allows the upper femoral component to easily glide over it during movement.

Fixed-bearing implants are long-lasting and effectively restore a good range of motion. However, excess weight or excessive physical activity can cause it to loosen or wear down quickly – although this is very unlikely.

Mobile-Bearing Knee Implants

This type of rotating-platform knee implant is usually recommended to younger, physically active, or overweight patients. It is typically designed for longer wear and performance with its bearing surface.

The polyethylene insert in the tibial component (top of the lower leg bone) has the ability to rotate inside the metal tibial tray. This allows a greater degree of movement to the medial and lateral side of the knee.

Due to their greater mobility than fixed-bearing implants, this type of knee prosthetic needs more support from the existing knee ligaments – they need to be strong. 

No studies have shown whether the mobile-bearing or the fixed-bearing type of knee implant is better, so your doctor will determine which type may be best for your knee depending upon what needs to be repaired.

Advanced Orthopedic Care in Colorado Springs

Here at the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence, our goal is to provide comprehensive orthopedic care under one roof. Our surgeons, podiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other medical staff collaborate to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems – and provide you with world-class orthopedic care. We have been an official partner of various U.S. Olympic teams, including the Paralympics.

Walking and knee movements are very important to quick recovery after surgery. We recommend exercise to our patients as soon as the day after surgery. The Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence offers physical therapy and rehabilitation services right here, so you don’t have to look elsewhere for your post-surgery recuperation. 

If you have any questions about our orthopedic services or you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians or therapists, please call us today at (719) 623-1050 or request an appointment online. We look forward to getting you back in the game!