Frequently Asked Questions - The Knee
Do I need surgery for my knee injury?
Whether caused by a traumatic injury, such as a sports injury, dislocation, or ligamentous tear; an overuse injury, such as runner's knee; or a condition that has developed over time, such as arthritis or osteoarthritis, knee pain should never be ignored or overlooked.
In some cases, and if not identified early on, conditions like knee osteoarthritis may progress and worsen, causing severe pain and, in extreme cases, necessitating knee surgery to relieve discomfort and restore mobility.
Similarly, tears to the ligaments of the knee (the meniscus, ACL, MCL, or PCL) often require reconstructive surgery to repair the damaged ligament.
In many cases, these surgeries can be performed through minimally invasive techniques by a skilled surgeon to minimize damage to the surrounding structures. It's important to seek immediate treatment if you think you may be suffering from a knee injury or condition. Consult a knee specialist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
When should I consult a surgeon for my knee injury?
It's important to seek immediate treatment if you think you may be suffering from a knee injury or condition. Consult a knee specialist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
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A popping or snapping noise in the knee during activity
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The sensation of your knee "giving out" while walking, running, jumping, or turning
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Severe joint pain, whether in the knee, behind the knee, or within the kneecap
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Inability to bend or move the knee
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Inability to walk without pain
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Swelling localized to the knee joint or calf area
What if knee pain is disrupting my lifestyle?
Knee pain can disrupt your lifestyle and make simple, everyday activities difficult.
Dr. Joseph is committed to developing customized treatment plans to accommodate your individual condition and get you back to your active lifestyle quickly and safely.
To consult with a Dr. Joseph please call Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery at 970-476-7220
Why should you choose Dr. Joseph as your knee surgeon?
With years of experience and advanced training devoted to the orthopaedic care of the knee, Dr. Joseph is an experienced expert in accurately diagnosing and effectively treating knee injuries and conditions.
Dr. Joseph has the knowledge, proficiency, and skill to accurately diagnose and effectively treat your knee injury or condition so you can get back to your active lifestyle quickly and safely.
What is a Torn Meniscus?
One of the most common knee injuries we see in the active sports world is a torn meniscus. Any activity that causes you to twist or rotate your knee forcefully (especially when you put all your weight on it) may cause this injury.
For more, read this blog post from Dr. Joseph:
https://www.drterrelljoseph.com/post/what-is-a-meniscus-tear
