Our knees carry a lot of weight and absorb significant impact, so it’s not uncommon to experience stiffness, swelling, pain, instability, and mobility issues in the knees, especially if you’re active or you have a family history of knee problems.  When you suffer knee pain or injury, you naturally want to address it quickly so you can get back to the activities you enjoy.  With help from the qualified orthopedic doctors at Sioux Falls Orthopedics, you’ll receive expert diagnosis and advice so you can make informed decisions about treatment options.

Our dedicated team of professionals has the education and experience to perform complex procedures like knee arthroscopy, knee surgery, and even knee replacement as needed.  Whether your knee problems require surgical intervention or rehabilitation, our caring and compassionate physicians can lead you through the process of reducing pain, increasing mobility, and returning to your life.

What are some of the most common knee issues we encounter at Sioux Falls Orthopedics?

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition affecting joints in the body and it is among the most common reasons for knee pain and knee-related injuries.  There are several potential contributing factors, including age and heredity, but the main culprit is wear and tear affecting the cartilage that cushions the joint.  When this occurs, patients can experience intermittent or chronic pain that reduces mobility.

Knee Ligament Injury

There are four ligaments in the knee that connect the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone): the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL), and the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL).  With overuse or injury these ligaments can become irritated, inflamed, torn, or otherwise damaged, resulting in mild to severe pain.

Meniscus Tear

The menisci are rubbery, wedge-shaped strips of fibrocartilage in the knees that work to absorb shock and provide cushion between the femur and tibia.  When these strips become torn or ruptured, the result can be severe pain during movement.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

This disorder generally presents in early adolescence, during growth spurts, and it is characterized by bony growth on the shin bone, just below the knee, most often in patients that are extremely active, such as those involved in athletics.  This abnormal bump on the shin bone can cause swelling and discomfort that worsens during activity.  In some cases, the condition subsides when bones stop growing, but in the meantime, it can interfere with activities and cause pain if not treated.

Patella Dislocation

The patella, more commonly known as the kneecap, can be knocked out of position due to injury, accident, or other trauma, such as a sudden twisting motion.  This can cause extreme swelling and pain that requires immediate intervention.