Arthritis & Degenerative Knee Conditions
Degenerative knee conditions develop over time as cartilage wears down or joint surfaces become damaged. These issues often cause stiffness, swelling, pain with activity, and reduced mobility. Early evaluation can help slow progression and preserve joint function. Conditions include:
Knee Arthritis
Cartilage wear in the knee can cause ongoing pain and stiffness that gradually worsens.
Chondral (Articular Cartilage Defects)
Damage to the joint cartilage can cause pain and swelling with activity and may progress if untreated.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
A cartilage-and-bone injury that can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes loose fragments in the knee.
Patellar (Kneecap) Disorders
Problems involving the kneecap often cause pain in the front of the knee, clicking, instability, or a feeling that the kneecap shifts out of place. These conditions are common in active individuals, runners, and younger patients and benefit from accurate diagnosis and alignment-focused treatment. Conditions include:
Patellar Instability
The kneecap may slip or shift out of place, especially during twisting or sports.
Patellofemoral Instability
The kneecap doesn’t track smoothly in its groove, leading to irritation in the front of the knee.
Patellar Dislocation / Patellofemoral Dislocation
The kneecap can move out of position—partially .
Lateral Patellar Compression Syndrome
Increased pressure under the kneecap can cause persistent front-of-knee pain, especially in active patients.
Ligament Injuries & Knee Instability
Ligament injuries can occur suddenly during sports, falls, or twisting motions and often lead to instability, swelling, or a “giving way” sensation. Treatment depends on the severity of injury, activity level, and long-term stability goals. Conditions include:
ACL Tears
A common sports injury that affects stability while pivoting and cutting.
PCL Injuries
Often caused by impact to the front of the knee, and can be harder to recognize than ACL injuries.
MCL Tears
An injury to the inner knee ligament commonly occurs from force applied to the outside of the knee.
Multiligament Instability
Injuries to multiple ligaments can make the knee feel significantly unstable and unsafe to bear weight.
Meniscus & Cartilage Injuries
Meniscus and cartilage injuries affect the cushioning and smooth movement of the knee joint. These conditions may cause pain, swelling, catching, or locking sensations and often worsen with activity or rotation. Conditions include:
Meniscal Tears
A torn meniscus can cause joint-line pain and mechanical symptoms, often after twisting.
Chondral (Articular Cartilage Defects)
Damage to the joint cartilage can cause pain and swelling with activity and may progress if untreated.
Tendon Injuries
The tendons around the knee play a critical role in straightening the leg and supporting daily movement. Injuries to these structures can cause weakness, difficulty walking, or inability to fully extend the knee and often require prompt medical evaluation. Conditions include:
Patellar Tendon Rupture
A tear in the tendon below the kneecap can make it hard to straighten the knee.
Quadriceps Tendon Rupture
A rupture above the kneecap can cause sudden pain and significant weakness.
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