What is a Torn MCL Recovery Time?

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Article featured on Summit Orthopedics

MCL stands for medial collateral ligament. It’s a ligament on the inside of the knee. Like all ligaments, the MCL is a strong, tough band of tissue that connects one bone to another bone.

What is an MCL tear?

Although an MCL tear can happen to anyone, athletes are most at risk. It can happen when an athlete suddenly twists or changes direction. It can also happen when something hits the athlete’s knee. Sports like football, basketball, rugby, volleyball, and skiing can result in MCL tears. MCL tears are the most common knee ligament injury.

MCL tears are classified as “partial” or “complete.” In a partial MCL tear, the ligament has torn partway, but some of the ligament’s fibers remain attached. In a complete tear, the ligament has snapped, fully separating into two pieces.

What are the symptoms of an MCL tear?

Symptoms of an MCL tear include:

  • Pain and tenderness in the knee
  • Stiffness and swelling in the knee
  • A feeling of instability, as if your knee might give out

What is a torn MCL treatment and recovery time?

If you suspect you’ve torn or damaged your MCL, the first thing to do is to get it evaluated by an orthopedic specialist. Your provider will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests, like an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis.

Surgery is not always required, and in fact, many people recover from a torn MCL with conservative measures. Treatment options for a torn MCL include:

  • RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, is a cornerstone of conservative care for an MCL injury.
  • Devices to help immobilize your knee, like a knee brace, and devices to keep your weight off the knee, like crutches. Whether you need to use these depends on how severe your injury is, so talk with your provider for specific recommendations.
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines, like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) to help with the swelling and inflammation after the injury.
  • Physical therapy — anyone can benefit from physical therapy after a knee injury, including an MCL tear. If you’re an athlete who wants to heal fully after an MCL tear and return to your full strength in your sport, physical therapy is essential. It can make the difference between long-term stiffness or instability and a full return to your former strength, agility, and flexibility.

MCL tear recovery time varies depending on how severe the tear is and whether or not you had surgery to repair the tear:

  • Minor MCL tears can heal in one to three weeks.
  • More severe MCL tears can take six weeks to heal, and some can take longer.
  • If you have MCL surgery, you can expect to need eight to 16 weeks to heal completely.

Your specific recovery time will depend on your unique injury.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

What is Knock Knees?

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Genu valgum (knock-knees) is a common lower leg abnormality that is usually seen in the toddler, preschool and early school age child. In genu valgum, the lower extremities turn inward, causing the appearance of the knees to be touching while the ankles remain apart. Knock knees usually is first seen in late toddlerhood. Often parents may have noticed the knees bowing out (genu varum) when the child first started walking but by age 3, the child has developed knock knees. Genu valgum is most severe by age 3 but then usually resolves on its own by age 7-8. Knock knees are slightly more common in girls than boys.

Types of Knock Knees (Genu Valgum)

  • Physiologic (normal growth and development) variant (MOST COMMON)
  • Pathologic
    • Rickets
    • Previous metaphyseal (shaft) fracture of the proximal tibia or sometimes called “Cozen’s Phenomenon”
    • Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (bone and cartilage disorder affecting ends of leg bones)

Clinical Findings

While standing, the child’s knees will touch or be closer together then the ankles which are further apart.

Diagnostic Studies

No x-rays or other imaging studies are done to diagnosis physiologic genu valgum.

What Is the Treatment for Knocks Knees (Genu Valgum)?

No special type of brace, shoes, or other orthotic devices has been found to improve or speed up the resolution of knock-knees. The only treatment for genu valgum is time and normal growth and development.

Majority of children with genu valgum resolve on their own but if the knock-knees increase in severity or does not improve by age 10, then further evaluation and testing may be warranted.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

When to Seek Treatment for Common ACL Tears

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Article featured on The Noyes Knee Institute

If you experience pain around your knee area, it is advisable to contact an orthopedic knee surgeon as soon as possible. The pain may stem from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Such situations may call for surgery to prevent further damage to your knee joint.

The ACL is one of four ligaments in your knee. It is located behind the patella (kneecap) and connects the thigh bone to the shin bone. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) are the other three ligaments.

ACL Tear Symptoms

ACL stabilizes the knee when you rotate and can get torn when you make sudden stops or changes in direction. Injuries can also result from high-impact sports and maneuvers such as jumping and landing. A torn ACL has many signs, depending on the severity of the injury. Popular symptoms include:

1. Popping Sounds

A loud popping sound is the most common symptom of a torn anterior cruciate ligament. You will hear the popping sound at the moment of injury. Silent pops may also occur when you try to stand or move the knee joint. ACL tears can also result in a painful grinding feeling of your kneecap and bones.

2. Pain and Swelling

A popping sound may indicate other issues but is often a result of torn ACL, especially when accompanied by pain and swelling. The pain is severe at the moment of injury and becomes sharper when you try to get up or put pressure on the knee. In most cases, the pain is quickly accompanied by inflammation/swelling of the knee area.

3. Inability to Bear Weight

You will barely be able to stand a few minutes after an ACL tear. The anterior cruciate ligament is responsible for stabilizing your knee when you move or change directions. Tears in the band of tissue compromise this function, making it difficult to bear your weight or continue with any activity.

4. Lost Range of Motion

ACL tears can result in loss of range of motion, making it impossible to bend, walk, or sprint. Lost range of motion usually stems from excruciating pain. Your knee surgeon will test the range of motion to determine the severity of your pain and injury. Regaining range of motion is also a good sign during ACL tear recovery.

When to Seek Treatment

The knee is one of the most complex joints and harbors ligaments, tendons, tissues, and bones. It is crucial to seek a medical diagnosis immediately if you experience the symptoms of an ACL tear. Proper diagnosis will reveal the scale of injury and determine the best remedy.

Some cases can resolve with rest and rehabilitation. Others require medication, physical therapy, or surgery to remove the damaged parts. Diagnosis involves reviewing your medical history and symptom patterns.

The physician will also conduct a physical examination and may use X-ray scans or request an MRI to assess damage to bones, cartilage, and menisci. After diagnosis, the knee doctor will determine whether you need non-surgical or surgical treatment.

Working With an Orthopedic Knee Surgeon

The first assessment will determine if knee surgery is essential. If such is the recommendation, you should immediately seek an experienced orthopedic knee surgeon. There are various types of surgeries used to treat ACL tears.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Sports-Related Meniscus Tears and Surgical Treatment

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Article featured on NY Orthopedics

A torn meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries found in athletes. These types of injuries commonly occur when the athlete twists their knee. Most meniscus tears are primarily found in athletes who perform in contact sports like football and rugby. However, active basketball players, skiers, and volleyball players are also at risk.

Below you’ll find some common symptoms of a torn meniscus, how to treat it, and the best and quickest ways to recover.

What Are the Common Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

Your meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between your shinbone and thighbone. It’s often referred to as the knee’s shock absorber, reducing the impact on your joint every time your foot makes contact with the surface.

Patients With a Torn Meniscus Report Experiencing:

  • A popping sensation in their knee
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Discomfort turning their knee
  • Knees locking into place
  • Difficulty straightening the knee
  • Instability

Meniscus Tears in Athletes

In many cases, a torn meniscus will heal over time. Rest, medication, and physical therapy can speed recovery times in those cases where surgery is not necessary. In more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be required to repair the meniscus. This is more common in cases where the knee has locked into place.

Can You Play Sports With a Torn Meniscus

You should not continue to play sports if you are experiencing any torn meniscus symptoms. In fact, you should avoid any activity that may cause the knee to twist. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve listed above, contact one of our qualified knee specialists for an examination as soon as possible to determine if they are related to a meniscus tear.

What Natural Methods Can I Perform to Heal a Torn Meniscus?

If your doctor chooses a non-surgical approach to heal your meniscus tear, they will likely recommend a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation, otherwise known as R.I.C.E.

  1. Rest – Keep off your knee as much as possible for the next couple of days. Putting pressure on your knee could aggravate your symptoms and limit your recovery time.
  2. Ice – Place an ice pack on your knee for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day to reduce any swelling.
  3. Compression – Your doctor may recommend a wrap or brace to stabilize your knee until it fully heals.
  4. Elevation – Try to sit or lay back and elevate your knee above your heart. This will promote blood flow toward your heart which will aid in recovery.

What is the Recovery Time for Non-Surgical Torn Meniscus Treatments?

With any treatments, recovery can last around six to eight weeks; however, even minor tears may take longer to heal.

Torn Meniscus Surgery

In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery. There are three main procedures a specialist may perform.

  • Meniscus Repair – Your surgeon will perform an arthroscopy to determine the extent of the tear. From there, the surgeon will sew the torn pieces of the menisci back together.
  • Trimming the Meniscus – Through an arthroscopy, a surgeon will trim back and remove any damaged cartilage, leaving the healthy cartilage intact.
  • Meniscus Transplant – In some cases, a surgeon may choose to replace the meniscus with a healthy one from a donor. A patient must often meet several criteria to qualify for this type of treatment.

What is the Recovery Time For Torn Meniscus Surgery?

Recovery times can vary depending on the extent of the surgery. However, a healthy estimate is anywhere from six weeks to three months.

What are the Best Exercises After Meniscus Tear Surgery?

Your doctor will likely recommend light exercises to promote healing and improve your range of motion as you fully heal from your meniscus surgery. Here is just a sample of the types of torn meniscus exercises your doctor may recommend:

Hamstring Contractions:

Lie on your back with your knees bent and pull your heels in, tightening the muscles behind your thigh. Hold for five seconds and repeat ten times.

Straight Leg Raises:

Lying on your back, lift your outstretched leg about six inches off the ground. Hold for five seconds before lowering. Repeat ten times.

Standing Leg Raises:

Stand up using a railing or table for support. Slowly lift your leg forward, raising it about four to six inches off the ground. Gently lower your leg. Repeat ten times.

Can I Still Play Sports After Meniscus Surgery?

While each meniscus tear is different, the vast majority of patients who receive treatment will experience full mobility after treatment is complete. Athletes can continue playing the sports they love and stay competitive.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Types of Knee Pain and What They Could Mean

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Article featured on Healthgrades

If you’ve ever experienced pain in one or both of your knees, you’re not alone. About one-third of all Americans have felt pain in this major joint at some point in their lives. Women are slightly more likely than men to be affected by it (about 20% of women versus 15 to 20% of men).

Yet the millions of people with this pain don’t all feel the same thing. Knee pain can be sharp or dull, burning or excruciating, accompanied by strange noises or silent. What does your knee pain tell you about what’s wrong?

1. Knee pain with a ‘crunch’

Sometimes knees creak, crack or crunch when you bend them. These sounds—called ‘crepitus’—may be alarming, but don’t necessarily signify a problem, unless your knee hurts at the same time.

If that happens, you could have an injury, such as a torn meniscus (a type of cartilage in your knee) or a dislocated kneecap. The sounds together with pain also could indicate osteoarthritis. Your doctor should check for the source of both your painful sensations and strange sounds.

2. Knee pain when running

If you have a dull pain in and around your kneecap when you run or are doing other activities, you may have ‘runner’s knee,’ also called patellofemoral pain syndrome. Other symptoms include kneecap tenderness, pain when you sit for a long time with your knees bent, and rubbing, grinding or clicking sounds when you bend or straighten your knee.

This syndrome can be caused by running and overuse, as well as structural defects in the knee, shoes that aren’t supportive enough, walking or running with your feet positioned improperly (such as turning in), and injury.

3. Knee pain in the morning

If you wake up with a painful and stiff knee, but find that the aching eases over the course of the day, you may have rheumatoid arthritis. This is an inflammatory disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks joints, such as the knee. Other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, also can cause similar symptoms.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, contact your doctor, especially if you are experiencing pain and stiffness in other joints. Left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint disfigurement.

4. Knee pain when climbing stairs

One of the first signs of osteoarthritis is pain in the knee when going up or down stairs. This pain tends to get worse throughout the day. While osteoarthritis knee pain is usually achy, it can also sometimes be sharp or burning. Other symptoms include swelling, stiffness and feeling like your knee is grinding or may give way.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which protective cartilage at the end of your leg bones wears down. This can ultimately result in bones rubbing against each other, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion.

5. Knee pain with a pop

One common type of knee injury is a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, which connects your thigh bone to your shin and helps keep your knee stable. When the injury happens, you’ll likely hear a loud pop or else feel a popping inside, along with severe pain.

A damaged ACL is likely to leave you with rapid, significant swelling; difficulty fully straightening your leg or bending your knee; and pain when you try to put weight on it. You may feel like the knee is going to give way. In some cases, surgery to repair the ligament may be necessary.

6. Knee pain that’s sudden and severe

If you experience a sudden onset of severe knee pain along with redness, warmth and swelling, especially in the early morning, you might have gout, an arthritic condition that is most commonly seen in the big toe. However, gout also can strike other joints, especially in the leg. Gout can recur and should be treated to help prevent permanent joint damage.

Another reason for sudden severe pain and swelling in a knee is Lyme disease. Children are especially likely to have this symptom of Lyme disease, an infection caused by bacteria from an infected tick. If you suspect Lyme disease, promptly seek care to reduce the risk for complications associated with the disease.

7. Knee pain with bending and kneeling

People in professions that require repetitive kneeling, such as roofers, floor installers, plumbers, coal miners, gardeners and maids, are most at risk for bursitis of the knee. Bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursal sacs of fluid that are around joints.

Repeated bending and kneeling, especially on hard surfaces, can irritate the bursa in the knees, causing gradually worsening symptoms. These symptoms include pain, redness, warmth, swelling, joint stiffness, and sometimes fever, which is a sign of infection. Notify your doctor for a full evaluation and to rule out infection. Bursitis also can be caused by an injury, but this is less common.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Knee Osteoarthritis: Know the Warning Signs

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Article featured on MedicalNewsToday

Osteoarthritis of the knee happens when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the knee starts to erode. The bones begin to rub against each other, resulting in damage, swelling, and pain.

Cartilage is a smooth but tough tissue that stops the bones from rubbing together and prevents damage. It allows the bones to move pass smoothly over each other. As people get older, the weight they carry can cause the cartilage to wear away.

As the cartilage breaks down and the bones rub together, osteoarthritis (OA) can result.

OA is the most common type of arthritis. The symptoms include swelling, pain, and stiffness. When it affects the knee, it can be difficult for a person to exercise, to climb stairs, or even to walk.

Early signs and symptoms

OA usually affects people who are over 50 years of age, but it can happen earlier, too.

Symptoms that can appear at the early stages of knee OA are:

  • pain, especially on bending and straightening the knee and with weight bearing
  • swelling, caused by a buildup of fluid in the joint, or by bony growths called osteophytes that form as the cartilage breaks down
  • warmth in the skin over the knee, especially at the end of the day
  • tenderness when pressing down on the knee
  • stiffness when moving the joint, especially first thing in the morning or after a period of inactivity or walking
  • creaking or cracking on bending, known as crepitus

Activity can make symptoms worse, leading to pain at the end of the day, especially after a long time of standing or walking.

If the knee is red, the person has a fever, or both symptoms occur, the problem is probably not OA.

Treatment

Treatment of OA depends on how severe the symptoms are.

Home treatment

Some remedies and over-the-counter treatments for OA of the knee can be used at home and are readily available from the pharmacy.

These include:

  • Applying heat or cold: Heat relieves stiffness, and cold can ease pain and swelling. The heating pad or ice pack should be covered with a towel so as not to burn the skin.
  • Using an assistive device: A cane or walker can help take some of the weight off of the knees. Holding the cane in the opposite hand to the painful knee is most effective.
  • Pain relief medications: These are available over the counter, but people should use them with caution as they can cause side effects.

Medical treatment

If home or over-the-counter remedies do not help, the person should see a doctor.

They may prescribe one of the following:

  • steroid injections in the knee joint to reduce inflammation
  • physical therapy, with exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion in the joint

If these solutions do not work and damage is severe, the physician may recommend surgery to replace the joint.

When to see a doctor

For some people, pain and other symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life, and over-the-counter medications do not help.

The next step is to consult a general physician, who may refer the person to a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon.

To find out whether a patient has OA, the doctor may ask:

  • When and how did the pain start?
  • Where does it hurt?
  • Is there any stiffness, creaking, warmth, or swelling?
  • What makes it better? What makes it worse?
  • How have you treated it? Did home treatments work?
  • How have the symptoms affected daily activities?

The doctor will examine the knees, moving them forward and back to note the range of motion and to find out which movements cause pain.

They will look for areas of tenderness, check the warmth and see if any swelling is present. The physician will also check the ligaments for stability.

Diagnosis

A number of tests can help to diagnose OA:

  • Joint aspiration: The doctor uses a needle to draw a sample of fluid from the joint. They send the fluid to a laboratory for tests to check for signs of other joint problems, such as gout or infection.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This can provide detailed images of the knees, which may show fluid buildup in the thigh or knee bones.
  • X-rays: These can reveal damage to the knee joints in the later stages but may not detect changes in the early stages.

Lifestyle changes

Some lifestyle changes can relieve the pain and stiffness that occurs with knee arthritis:

Losing weight can relieve pain and prevent further joint damage.

For people with OA of the knee and either overweight or obesity, current guidelinesTrusted Source strongly recommend weight loss. A doctor can advise on how much weight to lose.

Exercise, and especially low-impact activities such as walking, riding a recumbent bicycle, or swimming, can relieve arthritis pain.

Swimming is ideal because the buoyancy of the water takes pressure off the joints, while the warmth soothes them.

Exercise increases motion and flexibility and strengthens the muscles that support the joints. It also helps people to maintain a healthy weight.

Takeaway

OA is a common but painful condition that affects many people as they age. Pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, or cracking in the joints may be early signs that it is time to seek medical help.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

What Causes Painful Knee Caps

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Article featured on The Noyes Knee Institute

Pain in the knee caps (patella) is caused by several factors, ranging from old age and overuse to injury and infection. A strenuous activity during the day can cause mild discomfort around the knee, which heals with rest and sleep. Knee cap pain can also be persistent and chronic, calling for the services of an experienced orthopedic knee surgeon. Here’s an overview of the five leading causes of knee cap pain:

1. Knee Overuse

The patella is a knee joint bone structure that suffers wear and tear. Your knee supports walking, jogging, running, jumping, kneeling, and squatting. Straining the knee joint through overuse can result in pain and discomfort around the patella. Knee cap pain resulting from overuse may stop if the strenuous activity is ceased or moderated. Other cases trigger a degenerative process with intermittent and worsening pain.

2. Knee Injury

The knee cap protects the rest of the knee joint structures, including ligaments, cartilages, and muscles. A traumatic blow to the front of the knee area is likely to hurt the patella first, resulting in severe pain. A knee injury can result from falling, participation in sports, a car crash, or other situation strenuous situations. Pain from injury may go away with functional medicine and physical therapy, but occasionally requires knee surgery to repair the damage.

3. Chondromalacia Patellae

Knee cap pain can stem from Chondromalacia, a condition in which the cartilage found behind the patella softens. Normal cartilage is tough and flexible to protect the ends of the joint bones from rubbing on each other. When the cartilage becomes soft, the shinbone and thighbone can move too close to each other or even touch. Chondromalacia weakens cushioning and shock absorption capabilities, resulting in pain around the knee joint, including the patella. With rest and treatment, this condition can heal.

4. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFS)

PFS or runner’s knee is a widespread condition highlighted by pain behind the knee cap area. It develops when the knee joint moves abruptly. PFS also results from knee overuse through running, cycling, climbing, and other strenuous activities. Pain levels vary from mild to severe and are felt around the front of the knee (patella). Runner’s knee is common among athletes and starts as dull recurring pain. This condition is reversible.

5. Muscle Imbalances & Tendonitis

The knee joint relies on the thigh, hip, and knee muscles, which work in tandem to ensure proper movement and support. Injury or imbalance can result in the wrong movements and reflexes, causing pain and inflammation. Conditions like tendonitis inflame the patellar tendons and quadriceps tendons, causing stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and knee pain. Injury, disease, or infection on one of the connected muscles and tendons can cause pain.

Working With a Trusted Orthopedic Knee Surgeon

Knee cap pain can be reversed with rest and sleep, but some conditions are severe and require proper medical attention. Others will need a corrective operation from a licensed orthopedic knee surgeon.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

9 Surprising Facts About Runner’s Knee

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Article featured on Healthgrades

Runner’s knee, the common term for patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a knee problem that affects many people. It happens when your kneecap (patella) is either misaligned because of a defect, or your knee is stressed, causing it to be out of alignment. Although it is painful, runner’s knee is usually not a serious knee injury, although it can have a significant impact on your life by limiting your activity. How much do you know about runner’s knee? Here are some facts about the condition that might surprise you.

1. You don’t need to be a runner to get runner’s knee.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is called runner’s knee because it affects a lot of runners. However, many people who never run anywhere also develop runner’s knee. It’s like people who don’t golf can get golfer’s elbow, or those who don’t play tennis can get tennis elbow. Anyone who participates in an activity that bends the knee and puts a lot of strain on it is at risk of developing runner’s knee. This includes cycling, walking, jumping or climbing up and down stairs.

2. Repetitive movements can irritate your knee.

Do you have a job that requires you to bend and squat a lot? When you squat repeatedly, your knee makes the same movement and carries your body’s weight in the same places over and over again. You could be squatting to lift boxes, pick items off the floor, or reach lower shelves. Even parents of young children who have to pick them or their playthings off the floor are at risk of irritating their knees to the point of developing runner’s knee.

3. Your hamstring could be causing runner’s knee.

Your hamstrings are really three muscles in the back of your thigh. They help you extend and retract your leg. You may feel your hamstrings pull if you bend at your waist without bending your knees or you straighten your legs in front of you while sitting on the floor. When your hamstrings are too tight, they cause extra stress on your knees and could cause runner’s knee. Exercises and stretches to loosen the hamstrings can help reduce knee pain and keep it from coming back.

4. Your glutes can also cause runner’s knee.

Like your hamstrings, your gluteus medius, a muscle in your buttocks, may also be the culprit behind your runner’s knee. Instead of being too tight, like the hamstrings, if your gluteus medius, or glutes, are not tight enough, the rest of your leg tries to compensate. This puts stress on your knee. The gluteus medius is responsible for helping to pull your leg away from your body and rotate it externally. This is called hip abduction. If the muscle isn’t strong enough, the other muscles respond by trying to pull the leg inward instead.

5. Flat feet can equal knee pain.

Your feet play a vital role in your knees’ health. If you have flat feet, a low arch, or no arch at all, this puts your feet in an unnatural position when you step forward, particularly when you run. The impact of walking or running without arch support can cause extra tension on the muscles in your legs and pull on the knee, causing misalignment and stress. Wearing appropriate shoes and orthotics in your shoes can help fix how your foot lands when you take a step, taking stress off your legs and knees.

6. Where you exercise could cause runner’s knee.

Concrete and asphalt are unforgiving surfaces. If you’re running or playing sports on these hard surfaces, the stress on your legs and knees could cause runner’s knee. The solution is to run or play on more forgiving surfaces, like synthetic tracks, grass or dirt. This is also where good shoes appropriate for the activity are beneficial. They can help absorb some of the shock of running and jumping, taking away some of the stress on your knees.

7. Women are more prone to developing runner’s knee.

Doctors aren’t entirely sure why more women than men develop runner’s knee, but overall women do develop more knee problems. A woman’s pelvis is wider than a man’s. This wider pelvis affects how a woman stands and places a different type of pressure and strain on the knee. As well, women tend to have looser ligaments, the tough fibrous tissue that connects bones. Women also land on their feet differently when they run or jump, adding to the difference in knee stress.

8. Runner’s knee can be easy to treat.

Once you know what is causing your runner’s knee, it can be fairly easy to treat. If it is caused by improper foot support, good shoes or orthotics will help. If it’s caused by too tight ligaments or muscles, physical therapy and exercise can ease the pain and reduce the risk of it returning. Muscles too weak? Strengthening them at home or in a gym will help. Running on a hard surface? Switch locations for a gentler landing when you run or jump. The key is working at it and staying consistent.

9. Surgery is rarely necessary for runner’s knee.

Doctors only consider surgery for runner’s knee if you have tried non-surgical treatment for 24 months and you still have pain. It’s rarely necessary. If you have runner’s knee and you have faithfully tried all the exercises and changes recommended by your doctor or physical therapist, an orthopedic surgeon will assess you to see if surgery will help.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

6 Ways to Ruin Your Knees

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Article featured on WebMD

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior, or totally laid-back when it comes to exercise, knowing how to protect your knees from damage can mean the difference between a fulfilling lifestyle and longterm, strained mobility.Cruising on the track in the heat of a roller derby match, 27-year-old Rachel Piplica was not at all prepared for the realization that her knee could sideline her from competitive skating for months, possibly years.

“Suddenly, I heard a pop and it felt like my knee bent sideways. The pain was so bad I just fell and crawled away,” Piplica tells WebMD.

The Los Angeles fashion designer who skates under the name Iron Maiven tried to keep going. “I took one more stride and my knee just let go again. The doctor immediately said, ‘I think you tore your ACL.'”

Piplica had experienced some warning signs during her previous season of skating as captain of her team, but she ignored them for the most part. “I had tremendous pain in my leg anytime I’d squat down so I just kept my right leg straight. But I never saw a doctor for it. I just assumed, ‘I’m in a contact sport and this is what happens,’” she tells WebMD.

Knee deep: A complex and vulnerable joint

Her torn ACL diagnosis confirmed, Piplica quickly learned how susceptible the knees can be to injury. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, these joints are responsible for sending nearly 15 million Americans to the doctor every year.

And it’s not just athletes who suffer. Knee problems can happen to anyone.

“Because they’re the main hinge between the ground and the rest of your body, the knees serve as your ‘wheels’ that get you around and allow you to be active,” says University of Pennsylvania orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Nicholas DiNubile, MD. “Life can really go downhill when you damage your knees,” says DiNubile, who is a spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and author of FrameWork – Your 7-Step Program for Healthy Muscles, Bones and Joints.

Bound by an intricate system of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and muscle, the knee is highly prone to injury. It’s a complex hinge where the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), fibula (next to tibia) and kneecap all come together.

“It’s hard to find the right balance between mobility and stability; the knee needs to move back and forth, twist a little, and pivot too,” DiNubile says. The knee’s ligaments can tear, its tendons can swell up, osteoarthritis can take hold, and even everyday wear and tear can ruin a perfectly good set of knees.Here are six pitfalls you can avoid to save your knees.

1. Ignoring knee pain.

An occasional ache here and there is common. “But knowing when you can and can’t ignore pain is key,” says sports medicine specialist Jordan Metzl, MD, from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Metzl’s rule of thumb: When the pain limits your ability to do what you normally do, you need to have it checked out.

“If your body is sending you signals, you need to listen to them. If they persist, you need to have it checked out,” he tells WebMD.

For Piplica, exploratory surgery revealed a torn meniscus she had endured in the past — unbeknownst to her — followed by the more recent ACL tear.

“In hindsight, maybe that first injury could have been repaired earlier, although I don’t know if I could have avoided this one altogether,” she says. “At least I would have been more careful.”

2. Being overweight.

Every pound of body weight yields five pounds of force on the knee, so even 10 extra pounds can put a considerable load on those joints.

Being overweight also increases your chances of osteoarthritis in the knee, a common and often disabling form of arthritis that wears away the knee’s cushiony cartilage. Excess pounds also cause existing arthritis to worsen more rapidly. According to the CDC, two out of three obese adults suffer from knee osteoarthritis at some time in their life.

Although diet and exercise are critical for weight loss, it’s a double-edged sword.

“If your knees hurt, it’s harder to lose weight through exercise,” says Metzl. So he recommends activities that go easy on the knee.

For example, opt for a stationary bike over running on the treadmill, and walk on a flat surface instead of hilly turf. If you’re a die-hard treadmill fan, then go for longer sessions of walking punched with brief intervals of brisk walking or running every three to five minutes, DiNubile says.

3. Not following through with rehab and rest.

The rest and rehabilitation period after a knee injury is critical to avoiding future pain or reinjury. Depending on the type of damage and treatment, recovery could last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months.

“During the rehab period, you need someone to help you tell the difference between something that just hurts, and something that’s going to do you harm,” says DiNubile.He tells WebMD that many of his young athlete patients are too eager to return to regular play as soon as they stop limping. He advises patients to work with an orthopedic surgeon, a sports medicine physician, a physical therapist, an athletic trainer, or some combination of these pros, in order to ensure proper focus is placed on gradually strengthening the knees.

4. Neglecting your ACL.

One of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is responsible for about 150,000 injuries in the U.S. every year.

As Piplica learned firsthand, sports like roller derby that involve quick cuts, twists, and jumping, put the ACL at higher risk for rupturing. More traditional high-risk sports include soccer, basketball, football, and volleyball.Women in particular have a two- to eight-times higher risk for ACL tears compared to men, mainly because the way women naturally jump, land, and turn puts greater strain on the ACL.

However, male and female athletes alike can be trained to “rewire” themselves and thus lower risks of knee injury. That’s done through neuromuscular training, which involves supervised practice in improving agility, leg strength, and jump-landing techniques for better knee joint stability.

These specialized techniques are effective in reducing risks of knee injury by almost one-half, according to a 2010 review of seven neuromuscular training studies.

“Given what we know in how useful it can be in reducing ACL tears, it’s irresponsible of coaches and parents to not require athletes to undergo neuromuscular training,” says DiNubile.

He recommends that athletes of any age who play ACL risk-prone sports should seek help from an athletic trainer or other trained professional to help avoid this debilitating injury.

5. Overdoing it.

“You make gains in fitness when you work hard and then allow your body to recover. You can’t do a hard workout every day,” Metzl says.

A sudden increase in intensity or duration of exercise can cause overuse injuries from repetitive strain. Tendonitis and kneecap pain are common symptoms in the knee.Pushing too hard is also related to overtraining syndrome, a physiological and psychological condition among athletes in which they exceed their ability to perform and recover from physical exertion, often leading to injury or lowered performance.

Be sure to include stretching exercises before and after working out. And follow hard training days with easy ones so your body can recover.

6. Overlooking other muscles around the knees.

Weak muscles and lack of flexibility are primary causes of knee injuries. When the muscles around the kneecap, hip, and pelvis are strong, it keeps the knee stable and balanced, providing support by absorbing some of the stress exerted on the joint.DiNubile stresses the importance of building the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, as well as proper strengthening of the body’s core muscles, including the obliques, lower back muscles, and upper thigh.

His favorite tool to help accomplish this strengthening is a Swiss medicine ball. Other exercises to try are knee extensions, hamstring curls, leg presses, and flexibility exercises.Piplica recalls realizing just how weak some of her leg muscles were.

“Roller girls are striding out so much with their outer leg muscles, but we aren’t necessarily working our inner knees,” she says. “I remember when I would run for exercise, my calves and shins would hurt so bad. That surprised me, because I thought if anything was strong, it was my legs.”

Piplica says she wishes she had been better educated about crosstraining activities for roller skaters, and what muscle groups they need to focus on to keep their knees healthy.

As she awaits surgery to repair her torn ACL, Piplica tells WebMD that her perspective on long-term care for her knees has definitely changed.

“Half of me is frustrated about not being able to skate sooner, but the other half knows how important it is to get better so I don’t do this again. I’m 27 years old with a serious knee injury preventing me from moving around. So I need to look beyond just skating, skating, skating. I don’t want to have knee problems when I’m 40 or 50 because I’m not giving my body the kind of attention it needs right now.”

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Walking Towards Healthier Knees

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Article featured on ScienceDaily

A new study published today in Arthritis & Rheumatology led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine reveals that walking for exercise can reduce new frequent knee pain among people age 50 and older diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. Additionally, findings from the study indicate that walking for exercise may be an effective treatment to slow the damage that occurs within the joint.

“Until this finding, there has been a lack of credible treatments that provide benefit for both limiting damage and pain in osteoarthritis,” said Dr. Grace Hsiao-Wei Lo, assistant professor of immunology, allergy and rheumatology at Baylor, chief of rheumatology at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and first author of the paper.

The researchers examined the results of the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a multiyear observational study where participants self-reported the amount of time and frequency they walked for exercise. Participants who reported 10 or more instances of exercise from the age of 50 years or later were classified as “walkers” and those who reported less were classified as “non-walkers.”

Those who reported walking for exercise had 40% decreased odds of new frequent knee pain compared to non-walkers.

“These findings are particularly useful for people who have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis but don’t have pain every day in their knees,” said Lo, who also is an investigator at the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety at Baylor and the VA. “This study supports the possibility that walking for exercise can help to prevent the onset of daily knee pain. It might also slow down the worsening of damage inside the joint from osteoarthritis.”

Lo said that walking for exercise has added health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health and decreased risk of obesity, diabetes and some cancers, the driving reasons for the Center for Disease Control recommendations on physical activity, first published in 2008 and updated in 2018. Walking for exercise is a free activity with minimal side effects, unlike medications, which often come with a substantial price tag and possibility of side effects.

“People diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis should walk for exercise, particularly if they do not have daily knee pain,” advises Lo. “If you already have daily knee pain, there still might be a benefit, especially if you have the kind of arthritis where your knees are bow-legged.”

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink, and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.