Tag Archive for: Knee pain

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!

Why Should You Consider Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

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Have you or a loved one been battling knee pain that just won’t go away? Have you been to the doctor to determine its cause but haven’t had any luck? If this seems familiar, you may have a condition that can be relieved with arthroscopic knee surgery. During an arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a flexible tube with a tiny camera through a small incision in the skin, which allows the physician to look in and around the knee joint for potential problems.

Arthroscopic surgery is a way to diagnose and treat a variety of knee issues. Below are some examples of conditions treated with arthroscopic knee surgery:

·       ACL, PCL ligament issues – The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) serve the important role of holding the knee in place. If these ligaments are torn, arthroscopic surgery can fix them.

·       Cartilage issues – Cartilage is a connective tissue that exists between joints in the body. If your cartilage is torn, an arthroscopy can treat it.

·       Bone issues – It’s possible your knee pain is caused by an out-of-place or fractured bone in the knee. This can cause a lot of pain and may require surgery. An arthroscopy can fix a variety of bone issues.

Knee pain can be caused by a variety of reasons and it’s important to figure out what is behind your symptoms. Treating the pain without locating its source is only half the battle. When the cause of your pain is difficult to determine, arthroscopic surgery can be used to visually identify a problem. A diagnosis and fix may be done in the same procedure.

There are many reasons to consider arthroscopic knee surgery.

·       To identify the cause of your knee pain. Arthroscopic surgery is used to not only treat a variety of knee issues but also find the reason behind symptoms. An arthroscopy may be called for when other diagnostic methods fail to identify a cause. In situations like these, arthroscopic knee surgery can figure out the cause and, in many cases, it can fix the issue right then and there.

·       It’s minimally invasive. Arthroscopic surgery is far less invasive than more traditional knee surgeries that involve opening up the knee and cutting through muscles, tendons, and ligaments to access the joint. An arthroscopy is performed using a smaller incision, and results in far less tissue trauma and scarring in the surgery area.

·       Recovery is faster. Because arthroscopic surgery is less invasive, this means that there is a shorter recovery time needed after the surgery. You can get back to your regular routine much quicker than you would after other types of knee surgeries.

If you are experiencing knee pain and want to find a solution to it, it’s important to speak to an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint and bone issues and will be able to diagnose and treat your knee pain. Your surgeon will lay out the options to fix your knee problems and will be the best person to identify whether arthroscopic knee surgery is right for you.

The Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence can diagnose and treat your orthopedic issue. We’d love to discuss your treatment options, including arthroscopic knee surgery. Call (719) 623-1050 to make an appointment with one of our highly trained doctors.

Weak in the Knees: Regaining Strength with Knee Ligament Reconstruction

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ACL injuries account for 40% of all sports injuries.1 According to a study by researchers at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), there has been an epidemic of ACL damage among young athletes – with many of these patients requiring subsequent surgeries later in life.2 So, why is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament so susceptible to damage? 

Located at the center of our knees, this ligament – or band of tough, elastic connective tissue, holds great responsibility. It offers stability to the joint – especially when subjected to high-intensity activities that require weaving, pivoting, or kicking.3 Athletes that experience a harsh collision or awkward landing, may lose their full range of movement and experience pain, swelling, and instability.4 If your ACL discomfort isn’t responding to the RICE method of rest, icing, compression, and elevation, or activity limitations – or you simply can’t afford much more time on the sidelines, you may be a candidate for knee reconstruction. 

Because patients with a torn ACL are at risk for secondary complications in the future, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends ACL reconstruction.4 Executed by a physician who specializes in surgical procedures of the bones and joints – an orthopedic surgeon, reconstruction surgeries are suggested for those who are young and active, plan on continuing high-impact sports, or have multiple damaged ligaments.5

A torn ACL shouldn’t be sewn back together but rather grafted by harvesting tendons from another area of the leg, and then fusing this new tissue to it.1 Your surgeon will either collect tissue from your own body (autograft), or a donor (allograft), and it can be sourced from a variety of areas. The strips are typically “borrowed” from the hamstring tendons, or the patellar tendon – which runs from the bottom of the kneecap to the top of the shin6; the latter is considered the “Gold Standard” for ACL repair.

Consider the pros and cons of any surgery before going under the knife. Patellar Autografts have the lowest rate of failure, but a greater incidence of post-op stiffness and pain behind the kneecap. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, hamstring tendon grafts offer lower cost and higher reliability.8 Additionally, HT grafts allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery.4   

Your physician will examine your knee to select the best course of treatment for your condition. Be patient, as some doctors recommend bracing the knee so it can heal a little prior to the procedure.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows your surgeon to get a better view of the damaged knee using a small incision – and even smaller arthroscope, or camera. Through this process, they access the damage to the ligaments and tissues of the knee.7

The torn ligament will be removed, and the graft will be cut to the right size and inserted in its place. If your surgeon suggests a four-stranded (quadruple) hamstring graft, they will bundle several tendons and muscles, together. This often results in extra stability for the knee. Holes will be drilled in the tibia (the leg bone) and the femur (the thigh bone) to place the graft. Sutures will attach the graft into place, while screws will be required to keep bone plugs secure. A tube may be placed to remove any excess fluids that build up following the surgery.9 It will take approximately six weeks for the graft to completely fuse with the bone.

Today, most ACL reconstruction is completed on an out-patient basis, which means you may be at home the very same day. Neuromuscular training and physical therapy will be a vital aspect of regaining strength and motion post-operation. Some doctors may recommend the use of a CPM – or continuous passive motion machine; this device mimics a cycling movement, to improve circulation and decrease inflammation while you rest.10 A full return to athletics will take at least 4 to 6 months, with high-intensity sports taking as long as 1 year. 

One of the most important factors with any surgery is doing due diligence. You’ll want to choose a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience with injuries of the knee. Dedicated to providing personalized and comprehensive care, the Colorado Center for Orthopaedic Excellence offers a full range of orthopedic services – from surgery to athletic training, and is a great resource for you on your road to recovery. For more information about ACL reconstruction, call 719-623-1050.

      

1Nhs.uk/conditions/knee-ligament-surgery/

2Sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150501103455.htm

3Physio-pedia.com/Anterior_Cruciate_Ligament_(ACL)_Reconstruction

4Orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/acl-injury-does-it-require-surgery/

5Mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acl-reconstruction/about/pac-20384598

6Nhs.uk/conditions/knee-ligament-surgery/what-happens/

7Medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007208.htm

8Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4295687/

9Houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics/where-does-it-hurt/knee/patellar-reconstruction-acl/

10Mykneeguide.com/the-hospital/cpm-machine

Reasons to Consider Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

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Have you or a loved one been battling knee pain that just won’t go away? Have you been to the doctor to determine its cause but haven’t had any luck? If this seems familiar, you may have a condition that can be relieved with arthroscopic knee surgery. During an arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a flexible tube with a tiny camera through a small incision in the skin, which allows the physician to look in and around the knee joint for potential problems.

Arthroscopic surgery is a way to diagnose and treat a variety of knee issues. Below are some examples of conditions treated with arthroscopic knee surgery:

·       ACL, PCL ligament issues – The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) serve the important role of holding the knee in place. If these ligaments are torn, arthroscopic surgery can fix them.

·       Cartilage issues – Cartilage is a connective tissue that exists between joints in the body. If your cartilage is torn, an arthroscopy can treat it.

·       Bone issues – It’s possible your knee pain is caused by an out-of-place or fractured bone in the knee. This can cause a lot of pain and may require surgery. An arthroscopy can fix a variety of bone issues.

Knee pain can be caused by a variety of reasons and it’s important to figure out what is behind your symptoms. Treating the pain without locating its source is only half the battle. When the cause of your pain is difficult to determine, arthroscopic surgery can be used to visually identify a problem. A diagnosis and fix may be done in the same procedure.

There are many reasons to consider arthroscopic knee surgery.

·       To identify the cause of your knee pain. Arthroscopic surgery is used to not only treat a variety of knee issues but also find the reason behind symptoms. An arthroscopy may be called for when other diagnostic methods fail to identify a cause. In situations like these, arthroscopic knee surgery can figure out the cause and, in many cases, it can fix the issue right then and there.

·       It’s minimally invasive. Arthroscopic surgery is far less invasive than more traditional knee surgeries that involve opening up the knee and cutting through muscles, tendons, and ligaments to access the joint. An arthroscopy is performed using a smaller incision and results in far less tissue trauma and scarring in the surgery area.

·       Recovery is faster. Because arthroscopic surgery is less invasive, this means that there is a shorter recovery time needed after the surgery. You can get back to your regular routine much quicker than you would after other types of knee surgeries.

If you are experiencing knee pain and want to find a solution to it, it’s important to speak to an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint and bone issues and will be able to diagnose and treat your knee pain. Your surgeon will lay out the options to fix your knee problems and will be the best person to identify whether arthroscopic knee surgery is right for you.

The Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence can diagnose and treat your orthopedic issue. We’d love to discuss your treatment options, including arthroscopic knee surgery. Call (719) 623-1050 to make an appointment with one of our highly trained doctors.

When You Should See an Orthopedic Surgeon for Knee Pain

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Knee pain tends to be a common problem for people that are active, have suffered an injury, or have put many years and miles on their legs. The knees bear most of your body weight, every moment that you’re upright, while allowing an extraordinary range of motion. Additional force applied through participation in sports, an auto or other accident, or just wear and tear as we get older can cause knee pain. While some medications and physical therapy can help with pain and reduced mobility, when is it time to see an orthopedic surgeon for knee pain?

If you suffer a sports injury or accident that injures your knee, you should see an orthopedic surgeon right away to prevent further damage and start the healing process immediately. If you have a repetitive stress injury or osteoarthritis, it may be harder to determine when enough is enough. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for knee pain that are extremely effective. And if you do need surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will be able to determine which procedure will be most helpful, with the least amount of disruption and rehabilitation time. 

Here are some of the knee conditions that orthopedic surgeons treat:

·        General knee pain

·        Acute and overuse injuries

·        Sports injuries

·        Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear

·        Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear

·        Meniscus tear

·        Cartilage defects/flaps

·        Chondral defects

·        Patellar (knee cap) tendon tear

·        Bursitis

·        Osteoarthritis

·        Patellofemoral syndrome (pain below the knee cap)

Once you are examined by an orthopedic surgeon, some treatment options include physical therapy, injections (including viscosupplementation), or minimally-invasive surgery options. Arthroscopy can both diagnose and treat many injuries. A small tube-like instrument is inserted into a tiny incision, through which a camera shows the surgeon the inside of the knee. Damaged cartilage and tendons can be repaired by inserting precision tools through the arthroscope. Even partial and total knee replacement are now possible through minimally-invasive means, if necessary.

The Colorado Center for Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs cares for the world’s elite athletes and all who need the best care. If you have knee pain, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will diagnose the condition and explain your treatment options. Call (719) 623-1050 today for an appointment.

Could Your Sports Career Lead to Knee Pain?

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The knee is made up of bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, all working as one. The knee sits in the middle of three bones: the tibia (your shinbone), the femur (your thighbone), and the patella (the kneecap). The patella is a flat, round bone that protects the knee joint. Your knees provide stability and allow your legs to bend, swivel, and straighten. Due to their intricacies, the hip and knee joints are the least stable in the body, susceptible to accelerated aging, deterioration, strain, and repetitive injuries. If the knee becomes injured, it can be due to many different things, but your sports career is a common one. Some sports may take more of a toll on the knees than others, such as distance running and basketball, while others tend to present more opportunities for impact, such as football or soccer.

If you are an athlete, and have ever sat on the sidelines with a knee injury, you probably appreciate more than ever, about how your knees have powered you through various sports and activities: kicking, jumping, running, and pivoting. Sport injuries can affect almost any part of the body, including the muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues (tendons and ligaments).

Although a knee problem is often caused by an injury to one or more of these structures, it may have another cause. Some people are more likely to develop knee problems than others. In other words, all those working parts mean there are bunches of ways to injure a knee. Many jobs, sports and recreation activities, getting older, or having a disease such as osteoporosis or arthritis increase your chances of having problems with your knees.  Common causes for injuries are overuse from repetitive motions, sudden stops or twists, or direct blows to the knee. To avoid knee injuries, it helps to understand how your knees work and what you can do to protect them.

Common knee injuries due to sports:

  • Sprains and Strains
  • Tendonitis
  • Meniscus Tears (ACL, MCL)
  • Fractures and Dislocations

When overuse damage, orthopedic trauma, or sports injuries occur, it can be devastating to your game, your workouts, your physical health, and your mental health. That is why the sports medicine specialists at Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence work just as hard as you play your game to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and world-class care. Our goal is to return you to play as quickly as possible, while preventing re-injury and improving your body’s response to stress. 

Whether you are an amateur or professional athlete who is experiencing knee pain, our sports medicine specialists at Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence can help. Call our office at (719) 623-1050 to request an appointment, or you can request one online.

Is Kinesiology Tape Effective for Knee Pain?

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Kinesiology is the study and science of human movement. It is a means of prevention, management, and performance. It’s well-known that exercise and physical activity are key to a healthy life. Kinesiologists are experts in exercise and the body’s motion, with the goal of educating and helping people move better, live longer and be healthier.

These scientists are not only committed to enhancing quality of life through the promotion of physical activity, but also the prevention and management of injury, and the overall improvement of health and performance, including musculoskeletal disorders. Kinesiologists are also responsible for lowering the risk of developing chronic diseases. The science of kinesiology’s main goal is to build strong bones, joints and bodies. However, some people, depending on age, have limited mobility and are prone to injuries, especially of the knees.

Your knee happens to be the largest joint in the body. You count on your knees to provide stability and allow your legs to bend, swivel, and straighten. Since the knee is made up of bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, knee injuries can become complicated since they could be caused by stress or damage to any of these parts. No matter what your age, you have likely experienced some sort of knee pain. Whether you are an athlete who experiences occasional soreness, or you live with chronic pain like arthritis, it is very important to know how your body works, and what you’re able to do. What is also very important is to know how to avoid or reduce the risk of knee injuries.

Kinesiology Tape and its Effect on Knee Pain:

Watch almost any modern sporting event, from a nationally televised game to a local 5k, and chances are you will encounter one thing in common: athletes wearing kinesiology tape. In the past few years, kinesiology taping has exploded in the world of athletics. A recent study has found that kinesiology tape can improve pain for people suffering from osteoarthritis, as well as improve joint mobility and decrease pain.

What is Kinesiology Tape?

Kinesiology tape is a thin, stretchy, elastic tape with an acrylic adhesive tape that is applied directly to the skin. Kinesiology tape is almost identical to human skin in both thickness and elasticity, which allows the taped area to move without restriction, while also providing support to muscles and joints.

Many people associate the use of kinesiology tape with sports and active lifestyles, yet there is growing evidence that it can be helpful in painful conditions that restrict people’s everyday function. Therapeutic kinesiology tape can benefit those people with a wide variety of musculoskeletal or sports injuries, plus inflammatory conditions. While kinesiology tape is most often used for musculoskeletal conditions (issues arising from muscles and joints), it’s also used for reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and promoting lymphatic drainage. “Taping” has become a widely-accepted form of therapy in the athletic population, but its potential to help many more people is just beginning to be tapped into.

Osteoarthritis and Taping: Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a painful condition that plagues much of the older adult population. Lost cartilage and loosened ligaments result in abnormal wear on the joints that can be extreme enough to limit the ability to function in normal daily activities. Arthritis can occur in any joint, but mostly affects knees, hips, hands, feet, and the spine. Studies have shown kinesiology tape to be effective in reducing knee pain and improving the ability to perform activities, such as climbing the stairs. Research also suggests that kinesiology taping offers promise for those suffering from arthritis in other joints besides the knee.

Post-surgical healing and Taping: Major joint replacement surgery is common today, and often these are the same joints susceptible to arthritis (knees, hips, shoulders, etc.). Afterward, reducing pain, controlling swelling, and improving mobility become primary concerns in the healing process. Taping has been shown to reduce post-operative pain, swelling, and to improve knee mobility in patients with total knee replacements.

If you would like to learn more information about kinesiology tape, call the bone and joint experts at Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence at (719) 623-1050, or request an appointment online.