Some of the common knee injuries we treat include:

Knee Pain and Swelling

It is important to be seen immediately for persistent knee pain or swelling as this can be the sign of an underlying injury such as an injury to the ligaments, tendons or bones of the knee.

ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the ligaments that provide stability in the knee and prevents the knee from moving too far in a specific direction. Although ACL injuries are common among athletes, they can also occur as the result of a slip and fall or sudden forceful change in the direction of the knee. The severity of ACL injuries can range from mild tears to complete tears of the ligament. Common symptoms of an ACL injury can include pain, swelling, difficulty walking or hearing a “pop” when the injury occurs.

MCL, LCL or PCL Injuries

Similar to the ACL, the MCL, LCL and PCL all provide stability to the knee and prevent the knee from moving too far in any direction. These ligaments can be injured as the result of a slip and fall or a sudden forceful change in direction of the knee. The severity of MCL, LCL or PCL injuries can range from mild tears to complete tears of the ligament. Common symptoms of an injury can include pain, swelling, difficulty walking or hearing a “pop” when the injury occurs.

Meniscus Tears

Within the knee joint, there are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage (menisci) that act as shock absorbers and prevent the bones of the knee from rubbing together. When these pieces of cartilage are damaged by a direct blow to the knee, sudden forceful change in direction of the knee or over time due to wear and tear it is known as a meniscus tear. The type, shape and severity of the tear can vary but common symptoms include pain, swelling, difficulty walking or a feeling of “catching” or “locking” in the knee.

Patella Tendon Injuries

The patellar tendon is located in the front of your knee and works with the muscles within the thigh to help with activities such as running, jumping or kicking. The tendon can become damaged as the result of overuse or repetitive stress on the tendon from running, jumping or muscle imbalance. The severity of patella tendon injuries can vary from inflammation to partial and complete tears. Common symptoms include pain under the kneecap, swelling and difficulty walking, standing or getting up from a chair.

Patellar Fractures or Dislocations

The patella (also known as the kneecap) is a circularly shaped bone at the front of the knee that protects the internal structures of the knee. The patella can become damaged as the result of a direct blow to the knee, a slip and fall or a sudden forceful change in direction of the knee. If the patella is fractured it means the bone itself has sustained or more cracks or breaks. If the patella is dislocated it means it has slipped out if its normal position within the knee. Common symptoms of a patellar fracture or dislocation include pain, swelling, difficulty walking and a visible deformity under the skin.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common condition that occurs mostly due to the ageing process. The knee joint is lined with smooth cartilage that helps the knee glide in multiple directions and prevents the bones of the knee from rubbing together. However, the osteoarthritic process breaks down this cartilage which, in turn, can cause the joints of the knee to rub together. Over time, this rubbing causes bone spurs to form within the knee joint. Although the severity of osteoarthritis of the knee can vary, common symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of mobility and skin that is warm to the touch around the knee.

Quadriceps Tendon Injuries

The quadriceps tendon is made up of the 4 muscles that meet above the patella (kneecap) and extend down to the tibia (shinbone). These muscles work together to help bend and straighten the leg as well as provide acceleration during sports. This tendon can become damaged due to overuse or as the result of a sudden change in acceleration or direction. The severity of the damage to the tendon can range from strains to complete tears. Common symptoms of a quadriceps tendon injury include pain, bruising, difficulty walking, a visible indentation above the kneecap or a sagging of the kneecap.