If you are experiencing knee problems, come and see the best knee surgeon in Orange County.
At Orange County Orthopedic Center, you will find that our orthopedic surgeons seek to provide treatment for the whole patient, rather than just treating the problem at hand. Which knee problems are the most common? Although we treat any type of orthopedic knee injury, we most commonly see patients for:
- Torn ACLs
- Runner’s knee
- Torn ACL – The anterior cruciate ligament is located in your knee, and tearing it is common in athletes, such as football and basketball players. Damage to surrounding cartilage or ligaments is often experienced as well. Symptoms of a torn ACL include swelling, pain, tenderness, and decreased range of motion.
- Runner’s knee – There are a number of conditions that can result in pain around the knee, and it is something that is very common among athletes, namely runners. This condition can include improper alignment, pain that worsens with activity, weakness, and dislocation.
When should I see a doctor for knee issues?
Generally, it is best to see an orthopedic doctor for any type of knee issue. Seeing the best knee surgeon in Orange County can help relieve any type of discomfort, pain, or injury that you have experienced. There are a lot of knee problems that might seem small and minor at first, but can develop into bigger issues without any medical care or treatment. Even slight knee discomfort that comes and goes with physical activity can be a sign of an underlying knee issue that needs to be addressed.
If you injure your knee during sports or exercise, there could be a more debilitating injury under the surface that worsens if you continue any physical activity without receiving care. For example, landing hard or twisting your knee during running and then attempting to run again the next could place you at risk for further injury to your knee—an additional injury that could be even harder to treat.
While waiting for your appointment with our office, you can try resting your knee as much as you can. Usually, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can provide relief from discomfort, and icing the knee on and off can reduce swelling. When you call our office to schedule an appointment, we may be able to suggest things you can try while waiting for your appointment.
How are knee problems diagnosed?
In some cases, a physical examination performed by our best knee surgeon in Orange County is all that is necessary to diagnose a knee problem. A physical examination involves a check of your strength, reflexes, range of motion, and more in order to determine what could be causing your discomfort or pain. Your doctor will also ask you questions about your pain, like when it started and if there are any movements or activities that make it feel better or worse.
Imaging tests, like MRIs and x-rays, may be utilized to find out the severity of your injury. Imaging tests can also be used to rule out other similar conditions, to help your orthopedic doctor pinpoint the exact problem and provide effective treatment.
Diagnosing your knee problem accurately is a very important part of your care. If you have an improper diagnosis, you might be stuck with treatment approaches that are not effective for you. Be sure to mention any information you think could be important when diagnosing your knee problems, and work together with your doctor for a solution.