With our knee doctor, you can return to your favortite activity with ease.
At Orange County Orthopedic Center, we see patients for all types of knee problems. Your knees absorb the majority of the shock and impact when you perform nearly any activity, from walking to running and all the way to jumping or other intense actions.
- Knee injuries can be very painful, especially because it is difficult to get through the day while providing your knee with complete rest, even if it needs it.
- By seeing a knee doctor in Mission Viejo at our center, you can have access to the best quality care in Orange County.
Common Knee Problems
Some of the most common knee problems that we encounter include:
- Arthritis of the knee
- Anterior knee pain
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Osteonecrosis of the knee
- Bursitis of the knee
- Runner’s knee
- Unstable kneecap
- Meniscal tears
- Dislocated knee
- Collateral ligament injuries
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and injuries
How do I know when I need to see a doctor?
If you are experiencing any sort of difficulty with your knee, you might be wondering if you should schedule an appointment with your knee doctor in Mission Viejo. In general, we suggest scheduling a consultation if you have to make changes to your lifestyle in any way to accommodate your pain or discomfort. Your knee issues should not be interfering with your sleep or other activities.
Contact us if you notice any sudden symptoms in your knee, such as weakness, lack of mobility, swelling, redness, tenderness, or a knee that is warm to the touch. You should also let us know if you experience pain for any extended period of time. Sometimes, pain in your knee can be related to problems elsewhere in your body. For example, hip problems and sciatica can cause pain in your knee.
How are knee problems diagnosed?
The diagnosis stage places you one step closer to finding relief. If your diagnosis is wrong or incomplete, it could mean that you waste time attempting treatment methods that will not be effective for you.
Diagnosing your knee problems involves a physical examination first, which is the most important step in obtaining a diagnosis. Your knee doctor in Mission Viejo will talk to you about the pain you are experiencing, what may have caused it, when you first noticed it, and if there is anything you able to do that makes the pain better or worse. The examination might also involve a check of your reflexes, range of motion, and flexibility. In some cases, a physical examination is all that is needed to determine what is causing your knee pain.
Sometimes, imaging tests like x-rays or MRIs need to be performed. This is to give your doctor an idea of the severity of your injury, or even to rule out other possible causes if the physical examination does not provide a complete diagnosis.
Since your initial consultation and examination is so important to starting your care, it is necessary that you work together with your doctor during this stage by providing all of the information that you think could be helpful. By working together, you can resume your normal activities more quickly.
Can I treat knee issues at home?
There are some knee conditions that can be treated completely at home—but usually, your knee problem will involve a combination of in-office and at-home care. For the best results, be sure you follow the complete recommendation of your knee doctor in Mission Viejo.
Your knee doctor might suggest that you try the R.I.C.E. method if you have suffered from an orthopedic injury. This consists of rest, ice therapy, compression, and elevation and works to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Your doctor might also suggest different stretches and exercises that you can try to help you feel comfortable, strengthen your knee, and restore your range of motion.
Your doctor might also suggest wearing a brace, splint, or other type of stabilization piece that will help you to establish comfort and make it easier to go about your daily activities. Things like compression sleeves can help you to slowly resume exercise.
It’s important to remember that all of the treatment options available to you will work best when utilized together. To find complete relief, remember to do everything that your knee doctor suggests.