Bethesda Knee Doctor
When Should You Seek Treatment From a Knee Doctor?
If you are having knee pain, you may want to consult with a Bethesda MD knee doctor from the Advanced Spine & Wellness Center. According to national statistics, more than 10 million patient visits occur each year because of knee injuries. Some of the more common injuries include dislocations, fractures, ligament tears, and sprains.
Knee Anatomy
As a Bethesda MD knee doctor may tell you, your knee is made up of many different components and this puts the joint at a greater risk for injury. Fortunately, many knee injuries can be healed with simple treatments such as physical therapy and bracing. Some knee injuries may require surgery. If you’re suffering from knee pain, a knee doctor in Bethesda MD can discuss possible treatments with you.
- The knee is considered the body’s largest joint and is made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. A Bethesda MD knee doctor can explain how all these components make the knee particularly vulnerable to injury.
- The knee has three bones – the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap) – which all meet together to form the knee joint.
- There are two different types of cartilage in the knee, articular and meniscus. Articular cartilage ensures the knee bones glide across each other whenever a person bends or straightens their legs. Meniscus cartilage serves as shock absorbers between the tibia and femur. Torn cartilage of the knee is usually the meniscus cartilage.
- The ligaments of the knee hold the bones together and keep it stable. There are several different types of ligaments in the knee, each type having its own “job” in providing knee function. Some of the ligaments control the sideways movement of the knee and also keep it from moving in unnatural or unusual ways. Other ligaments control the back and forth movement of the knee.
- The tendons of the knee connect the muscles to the bones. The quadriceps tendon is in the front and connects muscles from the front of the thigh to the kneecap or patella. The tendon that runs from the kneecap to the shinbone is called the patellar.
Signs of Knee Injuries
Two of the most common symptoms indicating there has been some type of injury to your knee is the presence of pain and swelling. Other symptoms include the knee locking up or the feeling that the knee will give out if any pressure is placed on it. If you are suffering any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to call with a knee doctor in Bethesda MD right away. Other reasons to seek out medical treatment include a popping noise coming from the knee or the inability to move it.
Consult with a Bethesda MD Knee Doctor Today
If you have suffered a knee injury, consider consulting with a Bethesda knee doctor immediately. Any delays in getting your knee examined to determine the extent of the injury could result in more damage.
If you’re experiencing limited mobility or pain due to a knee injury, our office may be able to help. To schedule an appointment with a skilled Bethesda MD knee doctor from the Advanced Spine & Wellness Center, contact us today at (301) 710-9777 or fill out a contact form from our website.