• Why am I Having Knee Pain?
• What are Common Causes of Knee Pain?
• How can Knee Pain be Managed at Home?
• What are the Treatment Options for Knee Pain?

If you’re living with knee pain, you know how difficult some activities can be. Over 25% of adults report persistent knee issues at some point, causing disruptions in their daily activities and mobility. 

To understand what causes knee pain and treatment, here are some insights on why this pain is so persistent and ways to manage your pain. However, other options exist to reduce or eliminate knee pain if you need more advanced treatment. 

Knee pain may not always indicate the precise source because it can radiate from one location to another, a condition known as referred pain. The pain could manifest around the joint – at the front, back, or side. 

Symptoms

It is important to consider the type of pain, whether dull and persistent or sharp and piercing. Providing in-depth details to your doctor can help them better evaluate the pain and understand the symptoms, ensuring more effective treatment. A variety of symptoms may appear, including:

• Pain: ranges from dull aches to sudden stabbing sensations.
• Swelling: noticeable swelling around the knee joint.
• Stiffness: difficulty bending or moving the knee without pain.
• Instability: feeling like the knee might give out or bearing weight becomes challenging.
• Limited range of motion: inability to fully extend or flex the knee.
• Warmth or redness: warmth or redness in the knee area.
• Audible sound: popping, grinding, or grating sensations in the joint.

• Weight: Excess weight strains knee joints, increasing wear and tear, especially in osteoarthritis.
• Aging and degenerative changes: Cartilage wears down naturally with age, contributing to conditions like osteoarthritis.
• Repetitive activities: Activities involving repetitive motions stress the knees, causing overuse injuries.
• Muscle weakness or imbalances: Weak or imbalanced muscles around the knee impact joint stability.
• Improper footwear or training technique: Inappropriate footwear or techniques increase knee stress, leading to pain.

Structural or Mechanical Factors

This type of pain stems from injuries to various knee components, which may involve:

• Ligament tears, like the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Meniscus tears
• Cartilage damage
• Dislocation
• Presence of a loose body (a bone or cartilage fragment floating within the joint, hindering proper joint function or causing irritation)
• Patellar misalignment occurs when the kneecap is displaced from its normal position (Occasionally influenced by hip or foot discomfort that alters walking mechanics.)

Joint or Inflammatory Disorders

Inflammatory or rheumatic ailments encompass specific medical conditions that trigger inflammation and discomfort in the knee’s soft tissues. These conditions comprise:

• Osteoarthritis
• Tendinitis, such as patellar tendinitis or iliotibial (IT) band syndrome
• Bursitis, characterized by inflammation of the bursae
• Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout is arthritis that induces abrupt, intense pain and swelling in the joint.
• Reactive arthritis entails joint pain and swelling instigated by an infection originating elsewhere in the body.

Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries Causes

Repeatedly performing the same motions can strain bones, joints, and muscles. Such repetitive movements could be associated with your occupation, workout routine, or your body’s natural mechanics. These repetitive actions may lead to injuries like stress fractures, which are minute cracks in the bone, or conditions like runner’s knee.

The term “runner’s knee” is commonly used because it frequently occurs in individuals engaged in running or sports involving frequent running and jumping.

Traumatic or Acute Injuries Causes

Additional injuries resulting in knee pain include:

• Fractures involving the breaking or cracking of knee bones
• Ligament sprains or ruptures are characterized by the tearing or stretching of connective tissue beyond its limit
• Dislocation is a condition where the kneecap is displaced from its normal position
• Contusions, signifying bruises occurring on the bone

Other Causes

Septic arthritis occurs when infectious agents like bacteria, fungi, or viruses infiltrate the joint fluid and surrounding tissues. This condition can cause severe inflammation and discomfort in the affected area. Additionally, systemic chronic illnesses such as lupus and fibromyalgia can contribute to experiencing knee joint pain.

Using home remedies can improve comfort and help with symptom management. However, if pain persists, worsens, or becomes moderate to severe, seeking medical care for a comprehensive evaluation is advisable.

For strains or sprains, applying the RICE method can offer relief:

• Rest: Cease the activity causing pain, if possible.
• Ice: Apply a wrapped ice pack or use frozen vegetables (like peas) wrapped in a towel on the affected knee.
• Compression: Use a compression bandage around the knee to minimize swelling, ensuring it’s not overly tight to allow proper circulation.
• Elevation: Keep the leg elevated while resting to assist in reducing swelling.

Alternating between cold and heat therapy can also alleviate discomfort:

• Apply heat for up to 20 minutes at a time.
• In the initial two days following an injury, use cold packs for 20 minutes, repeating four to eight times daily.
• Prevent direct contact between ice and skin by using a towel or cloth.
• Before applying heat, ensure the pad’s temperature is manageable.
• Avoid heat therapy if the joint is warm or swollen during a flare-up.
• A warm bath or shower in the morning might help alleviate stiffness.

Over-the-counter medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can also help alleviate pain.

Once your doctor has provided a diagnosis, you’ll better understand the available treatment options for knee pain, which generally fall into two categories: nonsurgical and surgical. Typically, many individuals opt for nonsurgical treatments initially, seeking to avoid surgery. Your healthcare team will guide and assist you in making these decisions.

Nonsurgical treatments for knee pain include:

• Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy aimed at strengthening knee muscles and enhancing range of motion
• Injections like corticosteroids
• Assistive devices, such as knee braces or orthotics, to enhance stability and relieve pressure on the knee joint

Surgical treatments are considered when the joint sustains severe damage or after exhausting other treatment avenues. Surgical options include:

• Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used for diagnosis and surgery. It involves inserting a small camera into the knee, enabling precise actions such as trimming damaged cartilage, clearing debris, and reconstructing ligaments, like repairing a torn ACL.
• Osteotomy is typically performed to address joint damage from arthritis by realigning the knee. This involves cutting the top of the shinbone or the bottom of the thighbone and reshaping it to shift weight away from the knee.
• Partial knee replacement involves removing and replacing either the inside or outside part of the knee joint with artificial components.
• Total knee replacement is when the surgeon replaces both the femur’s and tibia’s ends with metal and plastic components. Sometimes, a plastic button may be placed on the back of the kneecap to replace worn-out cartilage.

Don’t let knee pain limit your daily activities. If you have questions or think it’s time to visit Orlando Orthopaedics Center for personalized treatments, make an appointment today or visit one of our locations throughout Orlando.

Knee pain, without an apparent injury, can originate from various underlying conditions. Effective management and relief depend heavily on choosing the proper treatment and being aware of the underlying causes. 

Are you ready to address your knee discomfort? Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with the knee specialists at Orlando Orthopaedic Center for specialized care in diagnosing your knee pain.

In a milestone 20th year, the Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation hosted the 2024 Cutting Edge Sports Medicine Conference on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Rosen Centre Hotel, continuing its tradition of excellence in advancing orthopaedic education.

The conference is a special one-day event, spearheaded by distinguished experts in sports medicine from around the country. The sessions delivered cutting-edge insights into orthopaedic and musculoskeletal treatment advancements, specifically tailored for sports medicine applications.

“We’re incredibly proud to mark the 20th year of the Cutting Edge Sports Medicine Conference with over 600 attendees, celebrating a milestone of innovation and education,” says Orlando Orthopaedic Center Sports Medicine & Community Marketing Manager Andy Reber, the event’s organizer and moderator. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a success. Together, we’re setting new standards in sports medicine for the betterment of athletes and patients alike; and I’m excited to see what the future holds for patient care and the Cutting Edge Conference.”

Designed to bolster the proficiency and knowledge of healthcare providers, including physical therapists and athletic trainers, the program aimed at enhancing the quality of care for athletes and expediting their return to peak performance. Attendees were also offered the opportunity to earn valuable Continuing Education Units (CEUs) at an affordable rate.

Foundation’s Philanthropic Effort

Highlighting its commitment to the community, the Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation contributed $2,500 to UCF Physical Therapy Research. The foundation’s generosity, through its biannual conferences, has culminated in more than $50,000 in donations to support UCF’s Physical Therapy Research Department and Athletic Trainers’ Association since the inception of the conference.

Proceeds from the conference fund the Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation Scholarship, awarded to a deserving UCF student atheltic trainer, and the Chris Payer Honorary Sports Medicine Schoarship awarded to a local athletic training student aide.

For more event photos, visit our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/orlandoortho/. 

Innovative Education and Initiatives

The 20th edition featured an enriching lineup of lectures by top physicians and specialists, alongside panel discussions that explored the forefront of surgical techniques and therapies in sports medicine. The presentations covered a wide array of topics, including new treatments for common injuries affecting the knee, shoulder, hip, and more, aimed at safely returning athletes to their passion.

“I’ve been coming to the Orlando Ortho conferences for 20 years, from the inception when we were in a little room with about 50 of us and now it’s over 500 to 700 people every time,” says Nadine De Freitas, DPT, PT, LAT, ATC. “It’s an amazing conference. You always learn the most cutting edge orthopedic procedures, as well as research and rehab. It’s a chance to meet with colleagues, touch base with the physicians, and always entertaining.” 

The proceeds from the conference further the Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation’s mission to help young athletes develop a lifetime of healthy habits playing the sports they love.

Discover more about the Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation, a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, here.

• What are the types of knee surgery?
• Why consider knee surgery? 
• What happens during knee surgery? 
• How can work comp affect your choice of surgeon? 

In medicine, individual patient stories often shine a light on the realities of surgical experiences. Today, we’ll dive into the story of Judith, who underwent two surgeries performed by William H. Baldwin, M.D., a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon at Orlando Orthopaedic Center, specializing in sports medicine, knee, and shoulder surgery.

What are the Types of Knee Surgery?

Knee surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution; various types are tailored to address specific issues. The most common styles include:

Arthroscopy

This minimally invasive procedure involves small incisions and a tiny camera (arthroscope) to diagnose and treat knee problems like torn cartilage and damaged ligaments.

Partial Knee Replacement

William W. Baldwin, M.D.
Sports Medicine, Knee & Shoulder Surgery
In this surgery, only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced, preserving healthy tissue. It’s suitable for patients with localized knee damage.

Total Knee Replacement

Replacing the entire knee with an artificial joint is the most common knee replacement and is usually recommended for severe arthritis or extensive joint damage.

Fracture or Soft Tissue Repair 

When it comes to knee fractures, various surgical approaches exist to address these specific injuries. Apart from the aforementioned procedures, there are additional surgical methods for treating these injuries: 

Internal Fixation: This technique involves the use of surgical hardware like screws, plates, or rods to stabilize and realign broken bones within the knee. It’s commonly employed for more complex fractures, aiming to restore the knee’s structural integrity and promote proper healing.

Soft Tissue Repair: Injuries to the soft tissues around the knee require tailored surgical interventions such as ligament reconstruction. This surgery focuses on repairing or replacing torn or damaged knee ligaments, often utilizing grafts to restore stability and function to the knee joint. Ligament reconstruction addresses issues like ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears and other ligamentous injuries, facilitating a more comprehensive recovery process.

Knee surgery becomes a consideration when conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes do not provide sufficient relief. Common reasons to consider knee surgery include:

• Pain Relief: Surgery can alleviate chronic knee pain, enabling patients to regain their quality of life.
• Improved Mobility: Knee surgery can restore lost mobility and functionality, allowing individuals to engage in activities they couldn’t before.
• Treatment of Injuries: Surgery is often the best approach for repairing severe knee injuries, such as ligament tears, fractures, or cartilage damage.
• Long-Term Benefits: Knee surgery can offer long-term benefits, especially for conditions like osteoarthritis, by slowing down joint degeneration.

In Judith’s case, her knee injury at work led to a significant loss of mobility. By happenstance, Dr. Baldwin saw that the work comp process had her waiting for a surgeon and immediately called to ask if he could take her case for a swift surgery and recovery. 

Knee surgery involves several key steps:

Anesthesia: Before the surgery, anesthesia ensures the patient is pain-free and comfortable. The choice of anesthesia can vary from local to general anesthesia, depending on the surgery.

Incision: The surgeon makes one or more incisions to access the knee joint. Arthroscopic procedures use smaller incisions compared to total knee replacements.

Surgical Correction: Depending on the type of surgery, the surgeon may repair, remove, or replace damaged knee structures, such as cartilage, ligaments, or bone.

Closure: After the necessary corrections are made, the incisions are sutured or closed with staples.

Recovery: Patients are closely monitored during the initial recovery period. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be necessary to help regain strength and mobility.

How Can Work Comp Affect Your Choice of Surgeon?

Workers’ compensation can impact your choice of surgeon in several ways:

Network Restrictions: Some workers’ compensation programs have networks of approved healthcare providers. If such a program covers you, your options may be limited to the surgeons within that network.

Authorization Requirements: Approval from the workers’ compensation system may be necessary to see a specific surgeon. Your choice may be subject to their authorization.

Second Opinions: In some instances, you may seek a second opinion from a surgeon of your choice, but this can be subject to approval and guidelines set by the workers’ compensation system.

Judith says of her experience, “Dr. Baldwin happened to see my name, and so he called the work comp nurse and said, ‘Hey, I have time. This other guy doesn’t have time. I want to take over.’ The office was fantastic. They found a place to do an MRI so that I could have the surgery the next day.”

Judith’s First Surgery: Impressive Results

Judith’s first encounter with Dr. Baldwin was due to a wrist injury. She describes his work as “impressive.” She was happy when he was able to take on her second surgery after requesting to take on her case when the first surgeon was not able to in time.

A work-related knee injury necessitated Judith’s second surgery. She didn’t have the chance to choose her surgeon, as her workplace’s compensation program assigned one for her. The original surgeon had no available surgery slots, but Dr. Baldwin’s intervention changed the course. Patients can request a different surgeon even when under worker’s compensation.

Judith’s story underscores the importance of the whole team in ensuring a seamless surgical experience. Dr. Baldwin swiftly organized an MRI and scheduled the surgery the next day. This made it faster and easier for Judith to recover from her injury. 

With two surgeries at Orlando Orthopaedic Center, Judith’s journey with Dr. Baldwin provides valuable insights into choosing the right orthopaedic surgeon for your injuries so that you have the best surgical experience and smooth recovery. 

Registration for the 20th Annual 2024 Cutting Edge Sports Medicine Conference is now open. This one-day continuing education program will take place on February 24, 2024, at the Rosen Centre Hotel. Click the button below to register before the deadline at midnight on Monday, January 29, 2024.

The Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation is hosting this one-day event to provide sports medicine professionals with continuing education credits (CEUs) and a unique networking opportunity.

During the live event, there will be lectures given by leading physicians and local area specialists in sports medicine. Additionally, panel discussions will also be held focusing on new developments, latest technology and surgical procedures for treating orthopaedic and musculoskeletal issues in athletic care. 

Funds raised during the event will support the Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation and its primary initiative of providing access to athletic programs for underserved youth in the area.

Join us for an informative day that combines education with a worthwhile cause.

• Orthopaedic Treatment for Arm Fractures
• Do You Need Surgery or Physical Therapy for an Arm Fracture?
• When Should I Consider Orthopaedic Surgery for an Arm Fracture?
• What Happens during Orthopaedic Surgery for an Arm Fracture?
• Recovery Timeline from Orthopaedic Surgery for an Arm Fracture

When life takes an unexpected turn, and you find yourself facing an arm fracture, the expertise of an orthopaedic surgeon becomes invaluable. 

Orthopaedic treatment for arm fractures aims to restore functionality and relieve pain while minimizing discomfort and recovery time. William W. Baldwin, M.D., a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine, Knee & Shoulder Surgery at Orlando Orthopaedic Center, has helped numerous patients regain their strength and mobility. 

One such patient, Henry, had never experienced a broken bone before, but he shared his exceptional experience with Dr. Baldwin after suffering a bike accident and humerus (upper arm) fracture. He went through a combination of surgery and diligent physical therapy and cut his recovery time in half. 

“Dr. Baldwin and his team were smart, really understood what they were doing, and he was fast. I’m not a spring chicken; honestly, I have never broken a bone,” Henry shares.

From physical therapy to orthopaedic surgery for arm fractures, treatment typically involves the surgical realignment and stabilization of broken arm bones, allowing them to heal correctly. Orthopaedic care is essential when non-surgical methods, such as casting or bracing, are insufficient for a full recovery.

Orthopaedic surgery and physical therapy may become necessary when arm fractures are severe, complex, or displaced. Surgery might be the most effective way to restore the arm’s structural integrity and function in these cases. However, physical therapy can improve movement and strength in other cases, especially after your arm has been immobilized in a cast or sling.

The decision to undergo orthopaedic surgery for an arm fracture depends on factors like the type of fracture, its severity, and its impact on daily activities. Surgery is often recommended when non-surgical approaches are insufficient for a full recovery.

During surgery for an arm fracture, anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort throughout the procedure and post operative period. Dr. Baldwin and his team make small incisions at the fracture site to realign the broken bones. Specialized instruments secure the fracture with pins, plates, or screws. The incisions are then closed, and you will be moved to a recovery area.

Physical therapy is often recommended after surgery. If you are already in a cast and slowly healing, working with a physical therapist can decrease your recovery time. 

William W. Baldwin, M.D.
Sports Medicine, Knee & Shoulder Surgery
The recovery period following an arm fracture varies depending on the fracture’s complexity and individual factors. The timeline generally includes the following phases:

Immediate postoperative period: After the surgery, you will spend a short time in recovery. Once cleared, you may go home the same day.

Initial healing phase: In the first few days, you might experience mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the surgical site although modern anesthesia methods and medications greatly minimize this pain. Pain medication and proper wound care are essential during this phase.

Rehabilitation and physical therapy: Physical therapy is a crucial part of recovery. Dr. Baldwin will recommend a personalized rehabilitation program to improve your arm’s range of motion, strengthen the muscles, and restore function.

Return to activities: The timeline for resuming normal activities varies based on the extent of the surgery and your healing progress. Light activities can be resumed within a few weeks, while more strenuous activities may require a more extended recovery.

Don’t let an arm fracture limit your quality of life. If you’re facing persistent arm pain or have been diagnosed with a complex arm fracture, schedule an appointment at Orlando Orthopaedic Center to explore the potential benefits of orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Baldwin and his team are here to help you regain your arm’s strength and functionality.