Last updated 5 months ago
The knee is vulnerable to injury because it easily becomes unstable when bent. Knee traumas are common during sports, but they can also happen because of simple wear and tear, especially with age. Orthopaedic doctors see many types of knee problems in their patients, but there are some injuries that are more common than others. Here are some of the knee injuries that orthopaedists treat most often:
Meniscus Tears
The menisci are crescent-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers for the femur and tibia, which come together in the knee cap. The menisci stop these bones from colliding as you move. When a meniscus tear occurs, that protection is lost. The bones then rub against each other with movement, causing pain and inflammation. These tears happen often during sports that require pivoting, and they can also be the result of wear and tear.
ACL Tears
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, often tears during athletic activity that involves quick starts and stops or quick changes in direction. When the ACL tears, most people hear a loud pop. ACL tears can be very painful, but in some cases, patients don’t feel any symptoms at all. In those cases, the popping noise is the only indication that an injury has occurred. If you hear that noise and think you could have torn your ACL, it’s important to let an orthopaedic doctor perform an MRI exam to diagnose and treat it, and to prevent further injury.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis happens when the knee is overused. The tendons can become inflamed or even snap. Pain from tendonitis in the knee usually occurs just below the kneecap.
If you’re coping with a knee injury, the orthopaedic doctors and surgeons at MK Orthopaedics can help you regain your mobility. We offer a range of orthopaedic treatments for knee problems, from conservative rehabilitation therapy to knee replacements. Schedule a visit today by calling (815) 741-6900.
Last updated 5 months ago
Orthopaedic doctors can address a number of joint problems that patients commonly experience. The following articles detail some of the medical conditions that may necessitate orthopaedic help and what you can do prevent them.
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The human body contains several types of joints that facilitate movement and flexibility. HowStuffWorks.com breaks down how these joints function.
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Though it commonly occurs in tennis players, tennis elbow can afflict anyone who repeatedly aggravates the muscles and tendons surrounding the elbow. The U.S. National Library of Medicine explains varying treatment methods for tennis elbow.
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A herniated disc can develop from sudden back trauma or gradual wear and tear. MedicineNet.com provides readers with an overview of this condition.
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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries greatly impact a person’s mobility but can often be repaired with arthroscopic surgery. WebMD discusses ACL injuries.
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Are you experiencing shoulder pain? You may have a rotator cuff injury. EMedicineHealth.com describes how rotator cuff injuries happen.
MK Orthopaedics offers effective solutions for many joint injuries. Our team of experienced orthopaedic doctors can administer a wide range of treatment options, including knee replacement, hip replacement, and rehabilitation. To find out more about our medical services, call our Joliet location at (815) 741-6900.
Last updated 5 months ago
Participating in athletics is a great way to promote good health, yet it can also increase a person’s risk of injury. This video describes measures you can take to protect yourself from getting hurt while engaging in your favorite sports.
The first step is to begin slowly with any new sport or athletic endeavor. Inexperienced athletics can increase their chances of sustaining an injury when they attempt too much too soon. Using proper protective equipment is also essential for the prevention of injuries. A helmet should always be worn during football, biking, inline skating, and skateboarding. Kneepads, elbow pads, and wrist guards can also decrease the risk of serious injury. Wearing supportive shoes is likewise important for runners. In the event that you do suffer an injury, be sure to consult an orthopaedic specialist for proper care and treatment.
MK Orthopaedics can help injured athletes regain their former function and mobility through our surgical and rehabilitative treatment methods. To set up an appointment with one of our orthopaedic doctors and sports medicine specialists, call our Joliet facility at (815) 741-6900.
Last updated 6 months ago
As its name implies, tennis elbow is a condition that often affects both professional and recreational tennis players. Yet its occurrence extends far beyond those who engage in racquet sports. In most cases, tennis elbow develops over time as the result of repetitive wrist and forearm motions. The tendons that attach the forearm muscles to bone become aggravated and slowly begin to tear. This then causes pain and inflammation. If you believe that you might be suffering from tennis elbow, be sure to consult an orthopaedic specialist to discuss your treatment options.
Causes
Tennis playing is only one cause of tennis elbow. Virtually any repetitive motion that strains the tendons in the upper arm can contribute to this condition. Whether participating in a recreational activity or carrying out your everyday work responsibilities, you may be putting yourself at risk for tennis elbow if you engage in recurring movement that requires the exertion of the forearm tendons and muscles. In addition to tennis players, cooks, construction workers, and other laborers are prone to developing tennis elbow.
Symptoms
Tennis elbow often manifests as pain and tenderness in the elbow area that may intensify as a person continues the activity contributing to his or her condition. This pain can extend beyond the elbow to both the upper arm area and down to the base of the hand. Frequently, tennis elbow will also translate into a weakened ability to properly grasp an item with the afflicted hand.
Treatment Options
If you suspect that you may have tennis elbow, the most important action you can take to relieve your symptoms is to discontinue engaging in the activity that is causing the problem. Also, consult an orthopaedic doctor regarding more comprehensive care methods. To decrease inflammation, your physician may administer steroid injections. Under some circumstances, surgery may be the best option to reduce your symptoms. Though surgery is an invasive treatment option, many patients cite a marked improvement in their elbow function after undergoing the procedure.
MK Orthopaedics can effectively treat tennis elbow at our Joliet, Illinois facility. Our orthopaedic doctors can also address many other joint ailments, including rotator cuff tears and ACL injuries. To schedule an appointment, please call (815) 741-6900.
Last updated 6 months ago
Not only does the human body come equipped with joints that allow for ease of mobility, but also contains several types of joints that enable nuanced motion and flexibility. Though joints are amazing components of the body, they are also prone to injury. Fortunately, orthopaedic doctors can capably correct many joint issues through effective treatments. The following overview explores several kinds of joints and where you can find them in the human body:
Ball-and-Socket Joints
Ball-and-socket joints are the joints with the largest range of motion. These joints form from the end of one bone resting in that of another bone, allowing for virtual 360-degree movement. Both the shoulder and hip are ball-and-socket joints.
Hinge Joints
Hinge joints work much like the hinges on a door or gate, allowing forward and backward motion on a 180-degree plane. They form from the connection of two or more bones that are strengthened by supportive tendons and muscles. The elbow and knee are two well-known hinge joints.
Gliding Joints
Though they may not achieve the same demonstrative range of motion as ball-and-socket or hinge joints, gliding joints are just as impressive. Both the wrists and ankles are examples of gliding joints, which allow multiple bone segments to effortlessly glide over each other to provide movement.
Rotary Joints
Rotary joints function on an axis, which provides side-to-side motion. The head is the most evident example of a rotary joint in the human body.
Saddle and Conyloid Joints
The fingers have many saddle and conyloid joints, which provide rotating movement as well. Similar to ball-and-socket joints, these small but vital joints allow for hand flexibility.
If you are suffering from a joint injury, call MK Orthopaedics today at (815) 741-6900 to set up an appointment with one of our orthopaedic doctors. Our Joliet facility provides comprehensive orthopaedic treatment for many joint issues, including rotator cuff tears, tennis elbow, and ACL injuries.
