Whether caused by a sports injury, an accident, or gradual wear and tear,
knee pain can limit the ability to live one’s best life. ValleyOrtho
utilizes both surgical and nonsurgical techniques to treat patients who
are suffering with pain, loss of mobility and muscle weakness due to conditions
or injuries in the knee.
ValleyOrtho is committed to being the trusted leader in innovative, quality-focused,
comprehensive musculoskeletal care in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond
by providing highly specialized treatment plans for those experiencing
knee pain in a well-coordinated manner, focusing on one patient at a time.
Our Aspen, Basalt, and Glenwood Springs knee doctors treat:
Knee Arthritis
Ligament Tears (including the
ACL, MCL, PCL & LCL)
The decision to rest or walk with knee pain depends on the underlying cause.
For acute injuries, rest is often recommended to allow the injury to heal.
However, for chronic conditions like arthritis or overuse injuries, a
balance of rest and activity can be beneficial. Gentle activities like
walking can help maintain strength and range of motion while avoiding
excessive strain on the knee.
It's important to consult with the healthcare professionals at ValleyOrtho
for a personalized recommendation. They can accurately diagnose your condition
and provide tailored advice. Here are some factors to consider:
Severity of pain: If the pain is severe or worsens with activity, rest might be necessary.
Underlying condition: The specific cause of the pain will influence the appropriate course of action.
Individual factors: Your overall health, fitness level, and lifestyle can also play a role.
There are four main ligaments that stabilize the knee. The ACL is located
in the center of the knee and is primarily responsible for stabilizing
knee rotation that occurs during cutting and pivoting activities.
The ACL stabilizes the knee by:
The ligament provides protection against excessive anterior and rotational
movement of the knee through its connection to the lower leg bone (tibia)
and thighbone (femur).
The ACL provides sensory feedback to help with balance and proper knee
positioning during activity.
Our ACL doctors in Aspen, Basalt, and Glenwood Springs specialize in providing
highly specialized treatment plans for patients with ACL injuries.
The meniscus cartilage in the knee includes 2 pieces: a medial (inside)
meniscus and a lateral (outside) meniscus, which are referred together
as menisci. The menisci are wedge shaped, and are thinner toward the center
of the knee and thicker toward the outside of the knee joint. This shape
is very important to its function.
The primary function of the menisci is to increase the weight bearing surface
and distribute weight evenly across the knee joint. A relatively round
femur (upper leg/thigh bone) sitting on a relatively flat tibia (shin
bone) forms the knee joint. The wedge shaped menisci increase the joint
contact surface area and provide shock absorption, lubrication and joint
stability to the knee.
Osteoarthritis of the knee results from a progressive breakdown (“wear
and tear”) of the articular cartilage covering the joint surfaces
on the lower end of the thighbone (femur) and the upper end of the lower
leg bone (tibia) and/or the backside of the knee-cap (patella). Gradual
loss of this cartilage increases the joint friction, and in extreme cases
allows bone to rub against bone. In both cases, pain, swelling and stiffness
are common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Some arthritic change is normal
and expected as we age however, severe knee arthritis can interfere with
activities of daily living and can limit one’s lifestyle.
There are 2 collateral ligaments in each knee. They connect the lower end
of the thighbone (femur) to the upper end of the lower leg bones (tibia
and fibula).
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a flat band ligament located on
the inside, or “medial” side of the knee and keeps the knee
from bending inward.
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is cord-like ligament on the outer
side, or “lateral” side of the knee and keeps the knee from
bending outward. It is less frequently sprained as the MCL, but can be
injured when a direct force is applied to the inside of the knee.
Providers [AW1] at ValleyOrtho treat a wide variety of knee injuries and
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the more common,
often caused by running, jumping and pivoting.
Here are some common questions with answers about ACL tears.
How do you tell if I tore my ACL?
In addition to pain and swelling, patients may report a “popping”
sound when injured. Another common symptom is the feeling that the knee
is “giving out.” Whereas some individuals are able to cope
without an ACL, others will continue to experience knee instability and
may suffer secondary damage to the knee.
Can you still walk with a torn ACL?
While you are still able to walk with a torn ACL, it can be painful. You
should be able to walk in a straight line but are not able to pivot or
make sudden turns, and should avoid doing so.
Can an ACL heal without surgery?
A torn ACL will not heal on its own, but you can live your life without
having surgery. You might need to switch to a sport that does not involve
pivoting on your knee, such as swimming or running. Rehabilitation with
a physical therapist is another option to consider instead of surgery.
How long does it take to recover from ACL surgery?
Recovery can vary depending on the level of activity you would like to
return to. Most patients are back to their normal daily activities around
three months, while others may need approximately eight months to a year
in order to get back to their activities.
How long after ACL surgery can you walk?
Within two to four weeks patients can be walking unassisted for short periods
of time. Around the 10 to 12-week mark is when a patient could participate
in brisk walking and light jogging.
Is ACL surgery a major surgery?
Although patients go home the same day of their ACL surgery, it still is
considered a major surgery. You will be given general anesthesia, have
pain and swelling post-surgery and will need to complete a rehabilitation program.
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