Knee Pain and Movement Conditions
Internal Derangement of the Knee | Patellofemoral Instability | Runner’s Knee | Shin Splints
Torn Knee Ligaments | Torn Meniscus | Torn Tendons
In the knee, ligaments, muscles, and tendons help confine motion within safe limits while the menisci and cartilage cushion the knee against considerable forces. Typical injuries treated for the knee are internal derangement, which is a torn medial meniscus; torn anterior cruciate ligament; patellofemoral arthritis; instability and chondromalacia; tendonitis and bursitis about the knee joint with torn ligaments; and tendons and tendonitis in the knee joint. Dr. Alan Lazar is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon that residents of Southeast Florida with knee conditions have turned to for more than 30 years for effective pain relief and restoration of functional movement. Call 954-476-9494 or request an appointment online for the highest standard of orthopedic care at our Broward County, Plantation Florida, orthopedic care location.
Internal Derangement of the Knee
Internal derangement of the knee (IDK) involves either a ligament or medial meniscal tear, which are two of the soft tissue structures that stabilize and cushion the knee joint (the other two are muscles and tendons).
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Patellofemoral Instability
People with patellofemoral instability have a sensation of the patella, or the kneecap, slipping away or feeling loose on the movement of the knee. In some cases, the patella dislocates from the knee. In either case, there may be swelling and a feeling of pain in the front of the knee.
The instability may be caused by over-flexible ligaments around the knee or structural abnormalities, such as the patella being too high within the knee joint.
Several non-surgical treatments are available, including bracing, physical therapy and/or taping. Dr. Lazar may also recommend arthroscopic surgery when necessary.
Learn more about patellofemoral instability in our Patient Education Library.
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Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Runner’s knee is common among runners, but other athletes, including walkers and bikers can be affected as well. It can result from overuse injury, direct trauma to the knee, misalignment, foot problems, and weak thigh muscles.
The most common complaint is aching knee pain around the kneecap, but people suffering from runner’s knee may also feel pain when bending the knee or walking downstairs. The knee may swell or make popping or grinding sensations.
Dr. Lazar diagnoses runner’s knee with a physical examination and imaging (x-rays, MRI), and possible treatments include rest, medication, and physical therapy.
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Shin Splints (Tibial Stress Syndrome)
Shin splints are common among athletes, but weekend warriors and non-athletes alike may suffer as well. People with shin splints feel throbbing and aching in the sins. They may be caused by:
- Swollen muscles caused by overuse
- Stress fractures
- Overpronation, or flat feet
Treatments for shin splints include icing, anti-inflammatory medication, rest, physical therapy, or arch supports for the shoes.
Learn more about shin splints in our Patient Education Library.
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Torn Knee Ligaments
Ligament tears in the knee are common. The knee has four major ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Each ligament restricts certain abnormal movement of the knee, and motion beyond these limits may produce damage in the form of a partial or complete tear.
Symptoms of a knee ligament injury include sudden and severe pain; a loud pop or snap; swelling; a feeling of looseness in the joint; and/or the inability to put weight on the knee without pain.
To diagnose a torn ligament, Dr. Alan Lazar will take an x-ray or MRI of the knee. Treatments may include rest, ice, compression and bracing, elevation, medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, orthopedic surgery.
Learn more about knee ligament tears in our Patient Education Library.
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Torn Meniscus
Along with ligaments, muscles, and tendons, menisci are the soft tissue structures that stabilize and cushion the knee joint. Meniscus are tough, rubbery wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as “shock absorbers” between the thighbone and shinbone. There are two menisci in the knee – one is on the inside and is called the medial meniscus, and the other rests on the outside of the knee. This is called the lateral meniscus.
People who play contact sports – such as tackle football – are at risk for meniscal tears. Anyone is susceptible, though. A meniscus tear is most often caused by traumatic injury or degenerative disease, such as osteoarthritis. The movement that causes the tear is when the knee joint is bent (such as in a squatting position) and the knee is then twisted.
Symptoms of a torn meniscus include knee pain; stiffness or swelling of the knee; tenderness; popping or clicking within the knee; catching or locking of the knee; and/or limited range of motion of the knee joint.
Dr. Lazar diagnoses torn meniscus with images, including x-ray or MRI. Depending on the extent of the injury, he may recommend physical therapy, medication, and/or arthroscopic surgery .
Learn more about meniscus tears in our Patient Education Library.
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Torn Tendons
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Knee Pain and Movement Conditions
Internal Derangement of the Knee | Patellofemoral Instability | Runner’s Knee | Shin Splints
Torn Knee Ligaments | Torn Meniscus | Torn Tendons
In the knee, ligaments, muscles, and tendons help confine motion within safe limits while the menisci and cartilage cushion the knee against considerable forces. Typical injuries treated for the knee are internal derangement, which is a torn medial meniscus; torn anterior cruciate ligament; patellofemoral arthritis; instability and chondromalacia; tendonitis and bursitis about the knee joint with torn ligaments; and tendons and tendonitis in the knee joint. Dr. Alan Lazar is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon that residents of Southeast Florida with knee conditions have turned to for more than 30 years for effective pain relief and restoration of functional movement. Call 954-476-9494 or request an appointment online for the highest standard of orthopedic care at our Broward County, Plantation Florida, orthopedic care location.
Internal Derangement of the Knee
Internal derangement of the knee (IDK) involves either a ligament or medial meniscal tear, which are two of the soft tissue structures that stabilize and cushion the knee joint (the other two are muscles and tendons).
Go back to the top
Patellofemoral Instability
People with patellofemoral instability have a sensation of the patella, or the kneecap, slipping away or feeling loose on the movement of the knee. In some cases, the patella dislocates from the knee. In either case, there may be swelling and a feeling of pain in the front of the knee.
The instability may be caused by over-flexible ligaments around the knee or structural abnormalities, such as the patella being too high within the knee joint.
Several non-surgical treatments are available, including bracing, physical therapy and/or taping. Dr. Lazar may also recommend arthroscopic surgery when necessary.
Learn more about patellofemoral instability in our Patient Education Library.
Go back to the top
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Runner’s knee is common among runners, but other athletes, including walkers and bikers can be affected as well. It can result from overuse injury, direct trauma to the knee, misalignment, foot problems, and weak thigh muscles.
The most common complaint is aching knee pain around the kneecap, but people suffering from runner’s knee may also feel pain when bending the knee or walking downstairs. The knee may swell or make popping or grinding sensations.
Dr. Lazar diagnoses runner’s knee with a physical examination and imaging (x-rays, MRI), and possible treatments include rest, medication, and physical therapy.
Go back to the top
Shin Splints (Tibial Stress Syndrome)
Shin splints are common among athletes, but weekend warriors and non-athletes alike may suffer as well. People with shin splints feel throbbing and aching in the sins. They may be caused by:
- Swollen muscles caused by overuse
- Stress fractures
- Overpronation, or flat feet
Treatments for shin splints include icing, anti-inflammatory medication, rest, physical therapy, or arch supports for the shoes.
Learn more about shin splints in our Patient Education Library.
Go back to the top
Torn Knee Ligaments
Ligament tears in the knee are common. The knee has four major ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Each ligament restricts certain abnormal movement of the knee, and motion beyond these limits may produce damage in the form of a partial or complete tear.
Symptoms of a knee ligament injury include sudden and severe pain; a loud pop or snap; swelling; a feeling of looseness in the joint; and/or the inability to put weight on the knee without pain.
To diagnose a torn ligament, Dr. Alan Lazar will take an x-ray or MRI of the knee. Treatments may include rest, ice, compression and bracing, elevation, medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, orthopedic surgery.
Learn more about knee ligament tears in our Patient Education Library.
Go back to the top
Torn Meniscus
Along with ligaments, muscles, and tendons, menisci are the soft tissue structures that stabilize and cushion the knee joint. Meniscus are tough, rubbery wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as “shock absorbers” between the thighbone and shinbone. There are two menisci in the knee – one is on the inside and is called the medial meniscus, and the other rests on the outside of the knee. This is called the lateral meniscus.
People who play contact sports – such as tackle football – are at risk for meniscal tears. Anyone is susceptible, though. A meniscus tear is most often caused by traumatic injury or degenerative disease, such as osteoarthritis. The movement that causes the tear is when the knee joint is bent (such as in a squatting position) and the knee is then twisted.
Symptoms of a torn meniscus include knee pain; stiffness or swelling of the knee; tenderness; popping or clicking within the knee; catching or locking of the knee; and/or limited range of motion of the knee joint.
Dr. Lazar diagnoses torn meniscus with images, including x-ray or MRI. Depending on the extent of the injury, he may recommend physical therapy, medication, and/or arthroscopic surgery .
Learn more about meniscus tears in our Patient Education Library.
Go back to the top
Torn Tendons
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