Knee Injuries
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James J. Reid, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon located in Culver City, Los Angeles, CA
Knee injuries are common in people of all ages but are especially likely to affect athletes and other active people. Orthopedic surgeon James J. Reid, MD, in Los Angeles, California, is an expert in diagnosing and treating knee injuries of all kinds, including ACL, microfractures, meniscal tears along with various other knee injuries. To find out how you can benefit from his expertise in knee injuries, call Dr. Reid’s Culver City office today or book an appointment online.
Knee Injuries Q&A
What are the symptoms of knee injuries?
Knee injuries happen when your knee twists or bends beyond the joint’s limits. This usually results from a fall, playing sports, or an injury like one suffered in an auto accident. The injury damages the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that make up your knee by stretching or tearing the fibers.
Knee injuries are usually painful, and visible swelling or bruising is likely. Your knee might feel warm and tender, and make unusual clicks, pops, or other noises when you move the joint.
Trying to bend your knee might make the pain worse. You could have problems moving it or find that it locks up. Weakness, instability, and difficulty bearing weight are all common symptoms of knee injuries.
Dr. Reid can identify the cause of your symptoms after a physical exam and looking at diagnostic imaging like an in-office digital fluoroscopic X-ray or send you for an MRI of your knee.
What injuries affect the knee?
Common knee injuries include:
Sprains
Ligaments connect the bones in your knee. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprains are common knee injuries.
Ligaments/Meniscus tears
There are numerous ligaments around the knee that connect the joint which can be damaged from accidents or falls. The meniscus is a segment of cartilage in your knee that helps protect and cushion the joint. It can tear under extreme pressure. This can happen at the same time as a sprain.
Dislocations and fractures
Dislocation is where the bones in your knee shift out of position. Fractures are breaks in the bones in your knee.
Runner’s knee
Runner’s knee (patellofemoral (chondromalacia) pain syndrome) can develop because of a structural abnormality in your knee or muscle imbalance that puts extra pressure on the patellofemoral joint. It can also result from overuse and over training when working out.
Tendinitis
Patellar tendon tendinitis (jumper’s knee) often develops from overuse or repetitive joint strain, resulting in many tiny tears in the tendon.
How are knee injuries treated?
Minor knee injuries usually get better if you rest your leg, apply ice, and use anti-inflammatory medicine. Your knee might need to be strapped to support it while it heals, or Dr. Reid could fit a brace to relieve pressure on the joint.
Physical therapy is a vital part of your treatment. It helps the injury heal and keeps the joint mobile. More serious injuries can require surgery. Examples include tendon or ligament reconstruction, meniscus repair or removal, and surgical fracture repair.
If the knee injury is so severe that Dr. Reid can’t repair it, you might need joint replacement surgery. Wherever possible, he uses minimally invasive arthroscopy to examine and treat knee injuries.
If you suffer a knee injury, call James J. Reid, MD, today or book an appointment online.
