Your knee is made up of bones, tendons and ligaments that can be injured or inflamed by overuse, aging or accidental injury. In good working order, the knee joint has smooth movement and stability. Age and injuries can place stress on the knees and cause symptoms ranging from minor pain to immobility. The orthopedic surgeons at Beaufort Memorial offer a range of treatments that can improve mobility and ease pain.
Ready to address your knee pain? Request an appointment with an orthopedic knee specialist or attend our Solving Hip and Knee Pain seminar.
The knee is the largest joint in the body and a meeting place for bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Injury to any of these can lead to pain. A number of injuries and conditions can lead to knee pain, but some of the more common causes are listed below:
Although joint replacement may sound extreme, knee surgery is one of the most effective procedures for alleviating joint pain.
During a partial knee replacement, one side of the joint is resurfaced, leaving the healthy side intact. In a total knee replacement, an entirely new joint is created. The type of surgery you require depends on your age, joint shape and other factors. Orthopedic surgeons at the Beaufort Memorial Joint Replacement Center can advise you about which of the following minimally invasive knee replacements may work for you:
Inflamed tendons or ligaments frequently bring minor pain or discomfort, which can be alleviated with rest, ice (not heat), compression and elevation. Lifestyle changes, medication and supportive devices, such as braces or canes, are often enough to help those with early-stage arthritis. If a ligament tears, the severity of the tear will dictate treatment. Always see a physician if you have persistent knee or joint pain. He or she may recommend: