Procedures + Treatments
Iliotibial Band Syndrome :::::: Patellar Tendonitis :::::: Meniscal Tears :::::: Chondromalacia :::::: Patellofemoral Syndrome :::::: Plica Syndrome :::::: Cartilage Defects :::::: Pes Bursitis :::::: Tibial Stress Fractures
Iliotibial
Band Syndrome
Iliotibial Band Syndrome is the most common cause of pain along the outer side of the knee. Symptoms are usually gradual in onset and typically occur after 2-3 miles of running. IT band syndrome often develops due to an increase in training distance or frequency. The pain is usually sharp in nature and is worse with cycling and downhill running.
Treatment includes: stretching, ice massage, rest, anti-inflammatories, arch supports, cross training, and physical therapy.
Patellar
Tendonitis
Usually activity related pain located just below the kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches. Symptoms are worse with incline running, squatting, stair climbing, and lunging.
Quadriceps stretching, ice massage, a chopat strap, rest, anti-inflammatories, cross training, and physical therapy are effective treatments.
Meniscal
Tears
Symptoms may include swelling, catching, locking, and pain along the joint line. The pain is most commonly about one fingerbreadth below the kneecap on either side of the knee, typically toward the back of the knee. The pain is usually worse with impact activity, pivoting, descending stairs, squatting, and lunging.
An arthroscopic procedure is usually necessary to either remove or repair the meniscus.
Chondromalacia
(arthritis)
Chondromalacia is a softening, thinning, cracking, or roughening of the joint cartilage. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, achy discomfort, and pain with activity. Initial treatment includes low impact exercise, physical therapy, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, and arthritis medications. Bracing, cortisone injections, and “lubrication injections” can be very helpful as well.
A minimally invasive procedure to smooth the cartilage is often necessary if conservative measures are ineffective. A total knee replacement may be performed when all other treatments have failed.
Patellofemoral
Syndrome
Is a common problem leading to pain in the front of the knee or just behind the kneecap. It is likely related to tracking issues of the kneecap and muscular imbalance around the knee. It usually presents with achy pain after sitting with the knee flexed for long periods and while running. Kneeling, squatting, and ascending stairs are usually problematic.
Treatment is usually an aggressive physical therapy program, joint supplements, and a knee brace.
Plica
Syndrome
Results from thickening or inflammation of a band of tissue along the inner side of the kneecap. Symptoms often develop after a fall on the knee or while biking, swimming, or running. Stair climbing, kneeling, and squatting are also aggravating.
Physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, rest, and ice are usually curative. Occasionally a cortisone injection and surgery are necessary.
Cartilage
Defects
Usually are traumatic in nature and cause popping, catching, locking, and swelling. Surgery is usually necessary to stimulate new cartilage growth into the defect.
Cartilage transplant techniques are also available and are used for larger defects.
Pes
Bursitis
Results from inflammation of the bursa that sits beneath the hamstring tendons near their tibial attachment. The discomfort is usually located along the inner side of the knee about 2 inches below the joint. Symptoms are worse with activity and increase with hamstring exercises.
Treatment involves rest, moist heat, ice massage, stretching, and cross training.
Tibial Stress Fractures
Commonly occur just below the knee after starting a new running program or after a change in running frequency, mileage, or intensity. Symptoms are initially present only while running but later while walking and at rest.
Most fractures will heal with 4-6 weeks of rest, cross training, aquatic exercise, and avoidance of impact activity.
Appointments: 512-322-9163 Fax: 512-358-0183