Whether it’s an unexpected injury or discomfort that gradually becomes worse, knee pain can be debilitating in one’s life. At Manhattan Wellness Group, we have a very qualified group of doctors and therapists that can perform the required surgery or help with therapy and acupuncture to provide the best care possible.
Many different conditions affect the knee. Here are some of the most common conditions that can cause knee pain: chondromalacia patella, meniscus tear, patella tendinitis, Baker’s cyst, or anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments tear.
Chondromalacia Patella
The most common cause of knee pain. The pain of chondromalacia patella is aggravated by activity or prolonged sitting (movie sign) with bent knees. Abnormal tracking allows the kneecap (patella) to shift over the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), causing chronic inflammation and pain to the back of the patella where it is tracking improperly.
Meniscal Tear
Each knee has two C-shaped ligaments of the medial and lateral meniscus. They act as crowns between your tibial plateau and the condyles of the femur (thighbone). A torn meniscus can cause severe pain, swelling, and stiffness. Sometimes the floating ligament goes into a joint space, causing immobility and excruciating pain. If you have a torn meniscus, most likely, you will need surgery.
Patellar Tendinitis
It is an injury to the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your tibial tuberosity (shinbone). The patellar tendon is an extension on the quadricep muscle that works at the front of your thigh to extend your knee and gives you the ability to kick, run, and jump. An injury or strain or sprain can make it very painful to do any movement with your leg. A partial or complete tear can also cause the pain, so a proper evaluation and possibly an MRI may be required to evaluate correctly. The most common cause is repetitive stress to the patella tendon is usual with jumping and running sports.
Baker’s Cyst
Baker’s Cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the posterior aspect of the knee, typically located between the semimembranosus and medial head of the gastrocnemius. In adults, Baker’s Cysts tend to form in association with the knee’s degenerative conditions or continuous stress on the knee, causing your knee to produce a “cushion”/ access fluid.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Sprain, Strain, or Tear
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prevents the tibia from sliding anterior along the femur, while the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) prevents the tibia from sliding posterior along the femur. Sprain, strain, or tear to the ACL or PCL most commonly occur from sports injuries but can also arise from an injury during your regular daily activities.
At Manhattan Wellness Center
Our team of doctors and therapists will develop the best-customized treatment plan. We have Dr. Stuart Springer, who is a pioneer of Arthroscopic Surgery. For over 30 years, he has mastered orthopedic sports medicine and arthroscopy. Dr. Springer has refined techniques of repairing torn knee ligaments arthroscopically and correcting recurrent dislocations of shoulders and knee caps by arthroscopic methods. Dr. Stuart Springer and our Physical therapy department are committed to providing the highest quality orthopedic care.
It is crucial to know the cause of the knee pain to provide proper treatment. You can make an appointment today, and we will evaluate your condition. Our doctors and therapists have many years of experience and can treat any knee conditions.
We accept the following insurances:
- CIGNA EPO/POS
- Cigna PPO
- GHI
- LOCAL 1199 PPO
- MAGNACARE PPO
- Medicare
- UnitedHealthcare Top Tier
- WORKERS COMP
- Oxford
- Blue Cross
- Blue Shield
Knee Pain Homecare Products
Here are some medical products that can be used to care for your knee pain at home.
Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
They will help to stretch and strengthen the muscles and include our customize instructions on how to use it inside.
Kinesio Tape
Kinesio taping is a rehabilitative taping technique providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting its range of motion. It stabilizes the muscles of an injured area. In addition to adding flexibility and stability, it can reduce swelling, promoting blood flow to the muscles.
Dr. Stim Wireless TENS Unit
Dr. Stim is excellent for reducing or controlling pain without prescription medications. This wireless TENS unit provides electrical stimulation that travels through your skin to stimulate the nerves and muscles in the area to block the pain. It is suitable for acute and chronic knee pain.
References
- Ellison AE. Athletic Training and Sports Medicine. Chicago: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; 1985
- Tintinalli JE, et al. Knee injuries. In: Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw Hill Companies; 2016. Accessed Jan. 25, 2018.
- Hyland S, Sinkler MA, Varacallo M. StatPearls [Internet] StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): May 6, 2020.
- Tofte JN, Holte AJ, Noiseux N. Popliteal (Baker’s) Cysts in the Setting of Primary Knee Arthroplasty. Iowa Orthop J. 2017;37:177-180.
- Frontera WR. Posterior cruciate ligament sprain. In: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2015. Accessed Sept. 30, 2016.
- Posterior cruciate ligament injuries. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Accessed Sept. 29, 2016.