Rockwall Knee Injury Specialists | Knee Injury Symptoms and More
 
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Specialties

Knee

Knee Pain & Injury Treatment

Dr. Zarling-Rockwall-Knee-clinic

Knee pain can affect everything from your morning walk to your favorite weekend activities. The knee is one of the body’s most complex joints, relying on a network of ligaments, cartilage, and tendons to keep you stable while you walk, run, squat, and kneel. Because it bears so much of your body’s weight and motion, it’s also one of the most common sites for injury, whether from a sudden twist on the field, an awkward fall, or the slow wear and tear that comes with age or overuse.

Whether you’re dealing with a sudden injury or pain that’s built up over time, our team is here to help. At Lake Pointe Orthopaedics, we offer expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of knee conditions, helping patients in Rockwall, Richardson, Greenville, and Kaufman move better, feel better, and get back to doing what they love.

 

Common Knee Disorders  

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) INJURY

Your ACL can be injured if you twist your knee beyond its normal range of motion. Sudden twists and over-extensions can damage this ligament, causing pain and swelling.

MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT (MCL) INJURY

Your MCL can be injured if your knee is struck from the outside and extended beyond its normal range of motion. When your MCL is injured you may lose your ability to support your weight on this knee. Other ligaments may be torn at the same time.

ARTHRITIS

Knee arthritis is caused by the deterioration of cartilage in the knee joint. The two most common types of knee arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but they are each treated differently by knee injury specialists.

Evaluation

The first step when working with one of our knee injury specialists is the evaluation. The physician will consider your symptoms and conduct a physical exam to evaluate your knee strength, stability, and range-of-motion. X-rays, MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and additional tests may be required to show internal injuries. Based on your examination, your physician will let you know if surgery is necessary or if exercise (whether at home or through an external physical therapy facility) would suffice to improve your knee’s function.

  • X-RAYS are used to detect bone injuries & malfunctions
  • MRIS are used to detect soft tissue & bone damage & malfunction
  • BLOOD TESTS may be used to confirm or rule out various types of arthritis

THE RESULTS OF YOUR PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND TESTING WILL DETERMINE WHICH SURGICAL PROCEDURE, IF ANY, WOULD BE NECESSARY TO RESTORE OPTIMIZED FUNCTION.

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Non-Surgical Treatment 

 

ICE, ELEVATION, MEDICATION

Managing knee pain and swelling often starts with simple yet effective at-home treatments. Your Rockwall knee injury specialists may recommend icing and elevating your knee 3-5 times a day for 20-minute intervals to help reduce inflammation. Additionally, your physician may prescribe medications to aid in your recovery and alleviate discomfort. These initial steps can be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

CORTISONE INJECTIONS 

Cortisone injections are a common non-surgical option for reducing pain and inflammation in the knee. These injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, providing short-term relief for conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis. While effective, cortisone injections are typically part of a broader treatment plan and are not intended for long-term use.

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE INJECTIONS

Regenerative medicine offers a non-surgical approach to knee pain by utilizing your body’s natural healing properties. This innovative therapy stimulates tissue repair and helps reduce inflammation, addressing the root cause of pain to improve function and mobility. For more information on regenerative medicine options, visit us at Rockwall Regenerative Medicine.

EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical therapy and targeted exercise regimens can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. This approach is especially beneficial for patients recovering from injuries or managing conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Surgical Treatment 

TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT 

Total knee replacement can be the proper treatment for a variety of patients with a variety of knee problems. This form of surgery is generally used for patients who suffer with severe pain and the inability to perform normal activities, including both work and play. Pain and stiffness can result from:

  • Osteoarthritis and other bone diseases
  • Injuries Congenital defects
  • Anatomical malfunction

Your physician will evaluate your condition to determine if you are a good candidate for total knee replacement. In some cases, physical therapy and exercise therapy may improve your condition without requiring surgery.

The success rate for Total Knee Replacement is 98-99%. With current techniques and materials, knee replacements will last 15-20 years or longer.

KNEE ARTHROSCOPY  

Arthroscopy is a procedure which allows your knee injury specialists to inspect and repair a knee problem with a minimal incision. Using the arthroscope (a powerful lens & fiberoptic light), a surgeon can look into your joint, diagnose its malfunction, and often make necessary repairs. The procedure normally takes 1-2 hours.

ARTHROSCOPY IS COMMONLY USED TO TREAT:

Damaged Joint Surfaces – During the procedure, the surgeon will smooth rough surfaces and may remove  any bone or cartilage fragments. The friction from rough surfaces often leads to pain when moving.

Damaged Ligaments & Tendons – During the procedure, the surgeon will staple or suture any torn or  frayed tissues. Torn or frayed tissues often leads to knee malfunction and/or loss of movement.

Knee Inflammation – Swelling and pain can result when parts of the knee rub together abnormally. Arthroscopy is used to treat and/or remove damaged tissue.

Knee Ligaments – Pain resulting from knee bone and/or soft-tissue malfunction, can often be alleviated  through arthroscopy. During the procedure, the surgeon can tighten ligaments or tendons to help stabilize  the knee.

ADVANTAGES OF ARTHROSCOPY:

  • Generally involves day surgery (no overnight stay) Generally involves day surgery (no overnight stay)
  • Small incisions
  • Less scaring
  • Less pain
  • Generally speedy recovery

Arthroscopy is not the solution for every knee malfunction. At times, your orthopedic surgeon might recommend open surgery. Surgical recovery time varies among individuals for a variety of reasons, including age, overall health, and the type of procedure performed. It is for these reasons that a surgeon can only estimate the timeline for full recovery. After 7-10 days, your surgeon will evaluate your wound, remove stitches, and explain any potential exercise programs and/or physical therapy.

Are you suffering from a knee injury? Get treatment by our Rockwall knee injury specialists before it’s too late. Lake Pointe Orthopaedics offers surgical and non-surgical options to get you back on track!

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