Knee Pain Doctor
Orthopedic Knee Pain Specialist in Spartanburg, Duncan and Greenville, SC
At Carolina Orthopaedics & Neurosurgical Associates, our highly-trained physicians are experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions and disorders of the knee. Our specially-trained physicians provide advanced treatment for problems related to the knee such as ACL and meniscal tears, chronic pain related to arthritis or other athletic injuries.
The knee is a very complex joint with many moving components, making it vulnerable to many different injuries. Some of the most common injuries are sprains, ligament tears, fractures, and dislocations.
Common Knee Injury Symptoms
Due to the vast injuries a knee can encounter, many symptoms are the same, just different in intensity. Below is a list of some common knee injury symptoms:
- Swelling and stiffness
- Redness and warmth to the touch
- Weakness or instability
- Popping or crunching noises or sensations
- Inability to fully straighten the knee
There are a variety of knee conditions and injuries that our specialists treat. If you do not see a condition below, please contact our office and we will answer any questions you may have.
Common Knee Conditions
Meniscus Tear
Learn more about Meniscus Tears
Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects many patients. The disease is progressive, which means unpleasant initial symptoms gradually become worse if the disease is not properly treated. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) knee specialist should be made as soon as knee arthritis symptoms present.
Learn more about Knee Arthritis
Knee Bursitis
Knee bursitis is an inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac near your knee joint, known as the bursa. These bags cushion different joints in the body like tiny pillows. When these sacs get swollen, bursitis occurs, and a process called effusion can cause fluid to build up around the joint.
Learn more about Knee Bursitis.
Patella Tendon Tear
The patella tendon connects the knee cap (patella) to the shin bone (tibia). The patella tendon is important because it works with the quadriceps tendon to straighten the leg. A patella tendon tear occurs when the patella tendon is partially or completely torn. Patients who experience patella tendon tear symptoms should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) knee specialist.
Learn more about Patella Tendon Tears
Quadriceps Tendon Tear
The quadriceps tendon is important because it attaches the large quadriceps muscles to the knee cap (patella). The quadriceps muscles, quadriceps tendon, and patella tendon work together to stabilize the knee and straighten the leg. A quadriceps tendon tear is a serious injury. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) specialist should be made as soon as possible.
Learn more about Quadriceps Tendon Tears
Knee Fracture
A broken knee is known as a patellar fracture. If you fall directly on your knee or get a direct blow to the patella, you could suffer from a knee fracture. A twist while bearing weight can also cause a knee fracture and causes pain, swelling, bruising, and more.
Learn more about Knee Fractures.
Knee Tendonitis
Tendons are strong connective tissues that connect muscles to bones. When muscles flex, tendons gently pull on the bones to move them. Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon or group of tendons. Knee tendonitis, specifically patella tendonitis, is a common condition that many athletes and active individuals experience. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) knee specialist prescribes a customized treatment plan to reduce knee tendonitis symptoms.
Learn more about Knee Tendonitis
ACL Tear
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a tear or sprain of this strong band of tissue that helps connect your thigh bone to your shinbone. Most ACL injuries happen in sports like soccer, basketball, football, and downhill skiing where players stop or change direction quickly, jump, and land.
Learn more about ACL Tear
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Pain around the kneecap in the front of the knee is called patellofemoral pain syndrome. The patella is another name for the kneecap. The name “runner’s knee” is sometimes used to describe patellofemoral pain syndrome. People who run and play sports that involve running and jumping are more likely to have it. An orthopedic knee specialist at Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) will help you find the right treatment path for your knee pain.
Learn more about Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Knee surgery is suggested only when all other options have been exhausted. Our Knee Center Experts are dedicated to treating patients with the most effective course of treatment available.
Common Knee Treatments
ACL Repair
An ACL repair/reconstruction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that treats an ACL tear. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) knee specialists use the latest surgical techniques and instruments to perform ACL repair/reconstruction procedures. Patients recover quickly and return to activities and sports with minimal to no restrictions.
Learn more about ACL Repair
MCL Repair
An MCL repair/reconstruction treats a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL). The ligament is important because it stabilizes and moves the medial or inside part of the knee joint. A torn MCL will not heal on its own and symptoms will become worse if treatment is delayed. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) knee specialist should be made as soon as possible.
Learn more about MCL Repair
Meniscus Repair
A meniscus repair is a minimally invasive procedure that treats a torn meniscus. Patients who injure their knee and experience meniscus tear symptoms should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) to find out if a meniscus repair is an appropriate treatment option.
Learn more about Meniscus Repair
Quadriceps Tendon Repair
The quadriceps tendon plays an important role in stabilizing the knee and straightening the leg. A complete quadriceps tendon tear makes it difficult to walk or even stand. The tear does not heal on its own and surgical intervention is usually recommended. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) specialist performs a quadriceps tendon repair to treat the tear and reduce symptoms so the patient can return to normal activities.
Learn more about Quadriceps Tendon Repair
Patella Tendon Repair
The patella tendon and quadriceps tendon help stabilize the knee and straighten the leg. A complete patella tendon tear or quadriceps tear make it difficult to walk or even bear weight. The tear does not heal unless surgery is performed. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) specialist performs a patella tendon or quadriceps tendon repair to treat the tear and reduce symptoms. The patient returns to normal activities with minimal to no restrictions after a quick recovery.
Learn more about Patella Tendon Repair
Knee Joint Injections
Knee joint injections can be used for many conditions to help relieve pain and other symptoms. These conditions can include arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and more.
Learn more about Knee Joint Injections.
Anatomy of the Knee
Due to its complexity in nature, the knee is one of the largest joints in the body, made up of four main parts:
- Bones – The thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia) meet to form the knee joint, protected by the kneecap (patella).
- Cartilage – The ends of the femur and tibia, as well as the back of the patella, is covered with this slippery substance, called cartilage, to help your knee bones glide smoothly across each other as you bend and straighten your leg.
- Meniscus – Another form of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia. Unlike the cartilage mentioned above, the meniscus is tough and rubbery to help cushion and stabilize the joint.
- Ligaments – Bones are connected to other bones by ligaments. There are four main ligaments in your knee that act as ropes to hold the bones together and keep the knee stable.
- Collateral Ligaments – These are found on the sides of the knee. The medial is on the inside and the lateral is on the outside of the knee. These control the side-to-side movements of the knee.
- Cruciate Ligaments – These are found on the inside of the joint that crosses like an X; the anterior cruciate ligament is located in front and the posterior in the back. These control the front and back motions of the knee.
- Tendons – Muscles are connected to bones by tendons. The quadriceps tendon connects the muscles in front of the thigh to the patella, whereas the patellar tendon runs from the patella to the tibia.