Knees

Are you having chronic or acute knee pain? If you’re seeking a doctor specializing in knee problems, be sure to call Orthopedic Physician Associates (OPA), which serves the greater Seattle area, including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Shoreline, Lynnwood, and Burien.

The knee is one of the most frequently used joints in the body and is susceptible to a lot of wear and tear. Knee pain, common in people of all ages, can have several different causes. While minor knee pain responds well to at-home care, chronic knee pain may indicate a more serious condition.

If you experience continuous pain, a visit to an orthopedist may be necessary. At Orthopedic Physician Associates (OPA), our team can provide expertise ranging from diagnosis and medical treatment to surgery and physical therapy, if you need them. We are the premier provider of orthopedic and musculoskeletal services in the Pacific Northwest. Please call us at 206-386-2600 for a consultation.

Common Causes of Knee Pain Conditions

Knee pain causes can vary dramatically. Orthopedists tend to classify knee pain causes into one of three categories:

• Injuries: The knee has many different components, and damaging one can affect the function of your whole knee. Most injuries involve tearing either the muscles, ligaments, or tendons that make up the knee joint.
• Mechanical problems: The knee experiences a lot of wear and tear during normal use and can sometimes fail to function correctly. Mechanical problems can be due to a person’s natural anatomy, over-exercise, or even an altered gait.
• Arthritis: Arthritic conditions stem from the degradation of cartilage that protects the knee joint and stops bones from rubbing together. Since arthritis also has several different causes, arthritic knee pain may require several tests to identify and treat the underlying cause

Common Knee Conditions

Some of the most common knee conditions we see in our clinic include:

• ACL/MCL Tears: The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, connects your thigh to your shin. The ACL takes a lot of strain during sudden changes in direction, which is why athletes that play basketball or soccer are susceptible to this type of injury.
• Arthritis: Many forms of arthritis can affect the knee. We tend to see patients who suffer from gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis. In some rare cases, an infection can lead to arthritis-like symptoms, along with fever and pain.
• Chondromalacia: This relatively common condition is due to the softening of the kneecap, which leads to the knee and thigh bone rubbing together, causing a dull pain and grinding feeling.
• LCL/PCL Tears: The lateral collateral ligament runs along the outer side of your knee and keeps your joint stable as you move. LCL tears can result in a feeling of instability and a decrease in range of motion.
• Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between your thigh and shin bone. Meniscus tears are some of the most common conditions we treat.
• Patellar Fractures: The patella, or knee cap protects the knee joint. A fracture can result in an unstable knee and extreme knee pain.
• Quadricep Tears: The quadriceps is the muscle on top of your thigh bone. A large quad tear can affect your range of motion and result in significant knee pain.
• Patellar Tendon Tears: The patellar tendon holds your kneecap in place. Small tears can impact your ability to move, while larger tears can disable you completely.

Best Treatments for Knee Pain

When it comes to knee pain treatment, our recommendations will often depend on the type of knee condition. Knee treatments can vary from self-care to physiotherapy and drug therapy to surgical interventions.

When you visit our clinic, we’ll conduct a thorough diagnosis to identify the underlying knee pain causes and offer you the best knee pain relief possible. In most cases, our patients will receive knee treatments without surgery, especially for minor conditions.

Don’t let knee pain affect your life. Get in touch with us at OPAOrtho of Seattle, WA, by calling 206-386-2600 to schedule an appointment today!

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Knee Conditions Treatment Bellevue | Knee Conditions Treatment Redmond | Knee Conditions Treatment Kirkland | Knee Conditions Treatment Seattle | Knee Conditions Treatment Shoreline | Knee Conditions Treatment Renton