Our Services / Knee Conditions

The complexity of the knee joint makes it vulnerable to injury and degeneration. At Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics, the board-certified orthopaedic specialists have a lot of experience in diagnosing and treating knee conditions. They offer a variety of surgical and non-surgical options to help your knee feel better and restore function. Call the Hamilton, Lawrenceville, and Princeton, New Jersey, or Langhorne, Pennsylvania, office to consult with the experienced providers about your knee condition or book online today.

When should I seek medical care for my knee condition?

Aching, creaky knees are not an inevitability as you age. When you have pain and stiffness that interferes with your daily work and chores and prevents you from doing activities that you enjoy, you may have a knee condition that would benefit from medical help.

In addition to pain at the joint, other symptoms of a diagnosable knee condition includes:

• Popping, cracking, or crunching noises in the joint
• Knee weakness and instability
• Redness or feelings of heat from the joint
• Swelling or stiffness, especially an inability to straighten the knee

You may feel pain at the back, front, or sides of your knees. You may have symptoms that affect one knee, or both. 

What are common knee conditions?

Disease and degenerative conditions, overuse, and injury can lead to knee conditions.

Common problems seen in the office of Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics (MBO) include:

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused by wear-and-tear at the joint. The cushioning cartilage thins and disappears, so you have bone-on-bone pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body destroys the knee cartilage. 

ACL injury

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments that connect your shinbone to your thighbone. If it’s irritated or torn, it can cause severe pain.

Torn meniscus

The tough, rubbery cartilage that is the shock absorber between your shinbone and thighbone is your meniscus. It can tear when you twist suddenly while bearing weight on your knee.

Knee bursitis

The tiny sacs of fluid, known as the bursae, that cushion the outside of your knee joint can become inflamed and irritated due to overuse.

Patellar tendinitis

Tendons are thick tissues that attach muscle to bone. If they are overused or subject to repetitive movement, they can become inflamed and cause pain. 

How are knee conditions treated? 

Treatment for your knee condition depends on its nature, severity, and your lifestyle. If you’re an athlete, for example, treatment might be more aggressive than for someone who lives a more sedentary lifestyle.

Conservative treatments are usually recommended first. This includes over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatories, bracing, physical therapy, and movement modifications. 

Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and hyaluronic joint injections to increase lubrication may also be recommended. 

When these treatments are ineffective in helping you relieve pain and do the activities you love, your orthopaedist may recommend surgery. The type of surgery you receive depends on your knee condition. For example, an ACL tear requires surgery to repair the ligament while an arthritic joint may require joint replacement. 

Call Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics today to have your knee condition evaluated and to start treatment. Alternatively, contact the nearest location using this website.