Understanding Knee Conditions
The knee is a complex hinge joint connecting the thighbone to the shinbone, supported by ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. Knee conditions affect people of all ages and activity levels, from sports-related ACL tears in young athletes to degenerative arthritis in older adults. At Precision Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our fellowship-trained knee specialists serve patients across Maryland and the DC Metro Area, offering the full spectrum of care from injections and physical therapy to robotic-assisted knee replacement.
Symptoms, Conditions & Treatment
Some common symptoms of knee injuries include pain with weight-bearing or movement, swelling and warmth around the knee, and a popping or locking sensation. Other symptoms to watch for include:
- Pain with weight-bearing or movement
- Swelling and warmth around the knee
- Popping or locking sensation
- Knee instability or giving way
- Stiffness or limited range of motion
- Difficulty straightening or fully bending the knee
Some common conditions of knee injuries include ACL and PCL tears, meniscus tears, and knee osteoarthritis. Other conditions include:
- ACL and PCL tears
- Meniscus tears
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- MCL and LCL injuries
- Chondromalacia patella
- Patellar instability
- IT band syndrome
Some common treatment options for knee injuries include rest, bracing, and activity modification, physical therapy and strengthening, and corticosteroid or PRP injections. Surgical options include:
- Rest, bracing, and activity modification
- Physical therapy and strengthening
- Corticosteroid or PRP injections
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus repair or meniscectomy
- Partial knee replacement
- Total knee replacement
- Patellar stabilization surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
- ACL Reconstruction: Return to sports in 6 to 9 months; physical therapy begins within days of surgery.
- Meniscus Repair: 4 to 6 weeks for a partial meniscectomy; up to 3 to 4 months for a full repair.
- Total Knee Replacement: Walking with assistance within 24 hours; return to daily activities in 4 to 6 weeks; full recovery in 6 to 12 months.
- Physical Therapy & Injections: Improvement typically seen within 2 to 6 weeks depending on the condition being treated.
Our Knee Team
Our Clinics Where We Treat Knee Conditions