Knee and Ankle Care at Wells Orthopedics
At Wells Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, we specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of knee and ankle injuries. These joints are critical for mobility and stability, and they are often susceptible to various injuries and conditions, especially in athletes and active individuals. Dr. Matthew E. Wells and our expert team are dedicated to providing personalized care to help you recover quickly and return to your active lifestyle.
Common Knee Injuries and Conditions
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears
Description: ACL tears are common in sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction, such as soccer, basketball, and football.
Treatment: Treatment options include physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles or surgical reconstruction to repair the torn ligament.
Meniscus Tears
Description: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that provides a cushion between your thighbone and shinbone. Tears can occur during activities that cause you to twist or rotate your knee forcefully.
Treatment: Depending on the severity, treatment may involve rest, physical therapy, or minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.
Patellar Tendinitis
Description: Also known as "jumper's knee," this condition is an inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. It is common in athletes who participate in sports that involve jumping.
Treatment: Treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and possibly tendon-supporting injections.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Description: This degenerative joint disease results from the wearing down of cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain and stiffness.
Treatment: Management includes physical therapy, weight management, medication, and in severe cases, knee replacement surgery.
Common Ankle Injuries and Conditions
Ankle Sprains
Description: Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear. This is a common injury in sports that require jumping or quick changes in direction.
Treatment: Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility.
Achilles Tendinitis
Description: This condition involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is often caused by overuse or intense physical activity.
Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, and sometimes anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat this condition.
Plantar Fasciitis
Description: Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain in the heel or bottom of the foot, often caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament.
Treatment: Treatment may include stretching exercises, orthotics, physical therapy, and in some cases, injections or surgery.
Ankle Fractures
Description: Ankle fractures involve breaks in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. They can result from falls, sports injuries, or accidents.
Treatment: Depending on the severity, treatment can range from casting and immobilization to surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones.
Call to book and appointment with Wells!