Knee problems affect millions of Americans, from weekend athletes to grandparents chasing after little ones. Our knees are complex joints and critical components in our mobility. When your knee doesn’t work correctly because of injury or disease, it can cause persistent pain and disability that can have a significant impact on your well-being. At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, we know how important it is to keep your knees healthy, comfortable and mobile for life. Our experts offer many ways to address knee pain and injuries, from conservative treatments like physical therapy to minimally invasive and surgical solutions. Our team will provide a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

The Anatomy and Function of Our Knees

Your knee joint contains many parts that work together to keep you mobile. There are three bones in the knee: the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia) and kneecap (patella). These bones form a complex hinge joint that allows your knee to bend and straighten.

In addition to these bones, your knee contains:

Cartilage

This smooth, slippery tissue covers the ends of your bones. It acts like a shock absorber and facilitates smooth movement. The meniscus, a special type of cartilage, provides extra cushioning between your thighbone and shinbone.

Ligaments

These tough, elastic bands connect your bones and provide stability. You’ve probably heard of the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) – it’s one of four main ligaments in your knee. The others are the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

Tendons

These connect muscles to bones. The quadriceps tendon connects the muscles in the front of your thigh to your kneecap, while the patellar tendon connects your kneecap to your shinbone.

Bursae

These small, fluid-filled sacs reduce friction between your bones, tendons, muscles, and skin.

Your knee does a great deal of heavy lifting every day. It supports your body weight and helps you walk, run, jump, climb and even sit down. When you walk, your knees absorb a force equal to 1.5 times your body weight. That number skyrockets to 8 times your body weight when you run or jump!

Acute knee injuries occur suddenly. They can happen due to a direct blow to the knee, or through unusual motions such as abnormal twisting or bending.

Other knee issues arise due to overuse or everyday wear and tear. We have treatment options for all different types of knee pain and common knee-related conditions.

“This was my second experience with OIO. When I started to have problems with my knee there was no place else I was going to go. They are a one-stop shop of the highest quality.” – Scott S.

At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, we see patients with a variety of knee concerns:

ACL Injury

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) extends from the shinbone to the thighbone. Though it is the smallest of the four main ligaments in the knee, it plays a very important role in maintaining the stability of the joint. When the ACL is torn or sprained, the knee becomes unstable and painful, and other ligaments in the knee are at higher risk of damage. These injuries often occur during sports or activities that require quick direction changes, such as basketball or soccer.

Cartilage Tears

Cartilage is the tough, rubbery material that covers the ends of bones and acts as a shock absorber when the joint moves. It can become damaged as a result of a sudden injury or gradual wear and tear, leading to decreased mobility, swelling, stiffness and persistent pain in many cases. Within the knee, a common type of cartilage injury is a meniscus tear. Minor cartilage injuries may improve on their own within a few weeks, but more extensive cartilage damage may require surgical intervention.

Tendon Damage

Tendons connect muscles to bone. Like cartilage, the patellar tendon and the quadriceps tendon in the knee can become damaged over time or due to injury. Tendonitis occurs when tendons become inflamed and painful. Tears can also occur, often in older adults who lead active lifestyles because tendons become more prone to injury over time. Small tears can make it difficult to walk and participate in other daily activities. A large tear can be a disabling injury that requires surgery and physical therapy to restore full knee function.

Ligament Injuries

Ligaments connect bone to bone, stabilizing the knee joint. The ACL is not the only ligament in the knee that can suffer damage. The knee also contains three other ligaments — the lateral collateral ligament, the medial collateral ligament and the posterior cruciate ligament — that can tear due to sports injuries, falls or other trauma. Ligaments can also be injured through repeated stress, which causes them to lose their normal elasticity. Ligament injuries can be quite painful but can often heal without surgical intervention.

Bursitis

When fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee become inflamed, pain and reduced mobility can result. These sacs are known as bursae, and the inflammation is called bursitis. Bursitis in the knee may be caused by tight hamstring muscles, insufficient stretching before exercise, arthritis, being overweight, out-turning of the knee or lower leg. It is also common in people who kneel for long periods for work or hobbies, such as plumbers or gardeners. Bursitis is usually treated through nonsurgical methods.

Dislocations

A dislocation injury occurs when the bones in the knee shift out of place but are not fractured. The patella (kneecap), femur (thighbone) or tibia (shinbone) can be forced out of alignment by high-energy trauma, such as a motor vehicle crash, sports-related contact or a fall. Dislocations can also be caused by congenital abnormalities in the structure of the knee. This uncomfortable condition can often be addressed with bracing or physical therapy when associated with the patella, although repeated dislocations may require surgical realignment.

Fractures

The kneecap can be fractured, often by a direct blow. A kneecap fracture can be full or partial, and may break the bone into a few or many pieces. Sometimes, when the patella is fractured, the tendons or ligaments attached to it are sprained or torn. Fractures are most likely to occur during a motor vehicle accident or another event that places force on the front of the knee. These injuries usually require surgery to put the patella back in place and immobilization to allow the bone to heal.

When To Seek Treatment for a Knee Issue

Pain and swelling are the most common signs of damage to the knee. You may also notice that the joint is “catching” or “locking up” when you move. Many knee injuries cause the joint to become unstable, which creates the feeling that your knee is giving way.

If your knee looks misaligned or deformed after a particularly forceful impact, don’t delay seeking medical advice. Immediate medical attention is also recommended if your knee injury is accompanied by sudden swelling, intense pain or an inability to bear weight.

If you’ve had minor knee pain for a long time, make an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist if the pain is interfering with your ability to sleep or perform daily tasks. Schedule a consultation with the knee experts at OIO today.

“Very knowledgeable and helpful. I would recommend to anyone having knee problems.” – William N.

How We Diagnose Knee Conditions

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment. When you come to us with knee pain or mobility issues, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to understand what’s really going on inside your knee.

Our diagnostic process may include:

  • Comprehensive Medical History: We’ll talk with you about your symptoms, when they started and how they’re affecting your daily life. This conversation helps us understand the big picture of your knee health.
  • Physical Examination: Our experienced orthopaedic specialists will examine your knee, checking for swelling, tenderness, range of motion and stability. We might ask you to walk or perform simple movements to see how your knee functions.
  • Imaging Tests: Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend one or more of the following:
    • X-rays images of your bones to help us spot fractures, arthritis or alignment issues.
    • MRI scans to look at your knee’s soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage
    • CT scans for a 3D view of the bony structure of your knee
  • Arthroscopy: In some cases, we might recommend this minimally invasive procedure that uses a tiny camera inserted through a small incision to provide a real-time, inside view of your knee joint.
  • Lab Tests: Sometimes, we might order blood tests or joint fluid analysis to rule out conditions like infection or gout.

Your treatment plan will depend on the cause of your knee pain and its severity, your age, your activity level and your general health.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Knee Injuries and Conditions

Because many injuries can occur to the knee, we offer numerous treatment options that can be undertaken alone or in combination. In most cases, conservative treatment is recommended first, and if it does not produce the desired relief, surgery may be advised. Nonsurgical knee treatments at the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio might include:

Medications and Injections

Pain relievers and steroid injections can be used to manage knee discomfort and may help you delay or avoid surgery. These treatment options work by reducing inflammation in the joint, which also alleviates pain so you can move and sleep without discomfort. Although the relief tends to be temporary, it can be the right amount of treatment while the joint heals.

Immobilization

A brace or cast may be placed over the knee to support the joint and restrict mobility, allowing full healing to take place without interruption. This approach is commonly recommended after a fracture and may also be used for other types of knee injuries. Crutches may be provided to prevent weight from being placed on the joint as it heals.

Physical Therapy

Specific exercises performed under the guidance of a licensed therapist can promote healing of an injured knee while helping you regain strength and range of motion in the joint. Physical therapy may be prescribed as part of a rehabilitation plan after surgery or it may be recommended in place of surgery to restore mobility to the knee without an operation.

Surgical Treatment Options for Knee Injuries and Conditions

While knee surgery is considered a last resort, it may be the only treatment that can provide optimal results for advanced damage to the joint. Our surgeons perform a variety of surgical procedures on the knee, depending on the type and severity of the injury:

Knee Arthroscopy

This surgical procedure is a less invasive method of identifying and treating joint conditions. Using a lighted scope inserted through a small incision, our surgeon can view the area inside the knee on a video monitor to make a diagnosis. Minor corrections can also be done arthroscopically using miniature surgical instruments. Arthroscopy involves less pain, faster healing and minimal scarring compared to the extensive incisions and lengthy recovery of traditional surgery.

ACL Reconstruction

Minor ACL injuries may heal with rest and rehabilitation. In the event of a complete ACL tear, the ligament will not heal on its own. Surgery may be necessary to repair severe damage and restore a maximum level of function to the knee. During ACL reconstruction, the torn ligament is removed and replaced with tissue from a donor site. Rehabilitation is usually needed after surgery to restore strength and function to the joint. ACL reconstruction is often the best option for younger and highly active patients.

Unicondylar Knee Replacement

The knee joint consists of multiple parts, or “compartments.” Unicondylar knee replacement, also known as a partial or unicompartmental knee replacement, is an alternative to total knee replacement for patients with damage that is confined to only one compartment of the knee joint. In most cases, this technique means smaller incisions can be used and more healthy, normal tissue is left behind. Unicondylar knee replacement reduces postoperative pain, risk and recovery time.

Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement surgery is highly effective in relieving knee pain and restoring mobility to the joint. Knee implants consist of a metal femoral component that attaches to the femur, a tibial component that connects to the end of the tibia and a plastic spacer that sits between the bone components. Within that basic structure, there are a variety of different implants that your surgeon can choose from to customize the procedure for your needs. Total knee replacement is more commonly performed than partial knee replacement to ensure the best possible result.

Revision Knee Replacement

Sometimes, a previous knee replacement may wear out or develop complications over time. In a revision knee replacement procedure, we remove the old implant and replace it with a new one. This surgery requires specialized expertise to address challenges like bone loss or soft tissue damage. While it is often more complex than initial knee replacement, many patients experience significant improvement in their quality of life following revision surgery.

OIO: Your Premier Destination for Comprehensive Knee Care

At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, our commitment to excellence sets us apart as a leader in orthopaedic medicine. Our team of board-certified orthopaedic surgeons brings decades of combined experience to every case. From sports injuries to complex joint replacements, we’ve seen it all and treated it successfully.

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment tools to ensure you receive the best care. But technology is only part of the equation. We combine these advanced tools with a personalized, patient-centric approach that puts your needs at the heart of everything.

We understand that knee problems can be more than just physically painful – they can affect your whole life. That’s why we take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions and involve you in every step of your treatment journey. Your goals become our goals.

“Highly recommend. Even with this being a very large establishment, I felt like I was given excellent personal attention for my situation. Greatly facility, with excellent PA’s and doctors.” – Tom G

Expert Knee Care Is Just a Call Away

Whether you need conservative care or complex surgery, we offer a full spectrum of knee treatments under one roof. Our integrated team of specialists work together to provide you with seamless, comprehensive care.

Chronic knee pain can keep you from enjoying your life to the fullest. Don’t suffer any longer. Contact the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio in Lima today at 419-963-4870 to find out how we can help.

FAQs

How long does recovery from knee surgery usually take?

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and individual factors, but generally ranges from a few weeks to several months. For arthroscopic procedures, patients often return to desk jobs within one to two weeks and to all normal activities within six to eight weeks.

Knee replacements typically require three to six months, or longer, for full recovery, with significant improvements in the first few weeks. Your surgeon will provide a more specific timeline based on your particular case and rehabilitation progress.

Can I avoid knee surgery with physical therapy?

In many cases, physical therapy is sufficient to manage knee pain and improve function, potentially delaying or avoiding the need for surgery. It’s particularly effective for conditions like mild to moderate osteoarthritis, minor ligament or meniscus injuries, and general knee pain. For severe injuries or advanced degenerative conditions, surgery may still be the recommended course of action.

Can being overweight contribute to knee problems?

Being overweight can contribute significantly to knee problems. Extra weight puts additional stress on your knee joints, particularly during weight-bearing activities like walking or climbing stairs. This increased stress can accelerate wear and tear on the joint. It also increases the risk of injuries and can make existing knee problems worse. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help prevent knee issues and may improve symptoms if you’re already experiencing knee pain.

Is it normal to hear clicking or popping sounds in my knee?

Occasional clicking or popping sounds in the knee are often normal, especially if they’re not accompanied by pain. These sounds can be caused by air bubbles in the joint fluid, ligaments moving over bone or the kneecap shifting position.

However, if these sounds are new, frequent or accompanied by pain, swelling or a feeling of instability, it’s a good idea to be assessed by an orthopaedic specialist. Sometimes, these symptoms indicate a more serious issue that may require treatment.

How long do knee replacements last?

Modern knee replacements are designed to last many years. On average, about 95% of knee replacements are still functioning well 20 years after surgery. Many last 30 years or more. Longevity can vary based on factors like the patient’s age, activity level, weight and overall health. Younger, heavier and more active patients may wear out their implants faster. Regular follow-ups with your orthopaedic surgeon can help monitor the implant’s condition over time.