Knee

At Heartland Orthopedic Specialists, our specialty-trained knee doctors are the experts in assessing, diagnosing, and treating knee injuries and conditions.

The knee is a complex hinge joint, connecting the upper leg (femur) to the bones of the lower leg (tibia and fibula) through a series of muscles, ligaments, and tendons posterior to the knee cap (or patella).

Due to its complex structure, as well as the constant stress this joint endures, knee pain can be the result of a wide range of injuries and conditions. Whether caused by a traumatic injury, such as a sports injury, dislocation, or ligamentous tear; an overuse injury, such as runner’s knee; or a condition that has developed over time, such as arthritis or osteoarthritis, knee pain should never be ignored or overlooked.

In some cases, and if not identified early on, conditions like knee osteoarthritis may progress and worsen, causing severe pain and, in extreme cases, necessitating knee surgery to relieve discomfort and restore mobility.

Similarly, tears to the ligaments of the knee—the meniscus, ACL, MCL, or PCL—often require reconstructive surgery to repair the damaged ligament. In many cases, these surgeries can be performed through minimally invasive techniques by a skilled surgeon to minimize damage to the surrounding structures.

It’s important to seek immediate treatment if you think you may be suffering from a knee injury or condition. Consult a knee specialist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• A popping or snapping noise in the knee during activity
• The sensation of your knee “giving out” while walking, running, jumping, or turning
• Severe joint pain, whether in the knee, behind the knee, or within the kneecap
• Inability to bend or move the knee
• Inability to walk without pain
• Swelling localized to the knee joint or calf area