Knee complaints can inhibit your daily life significantly. Activities that used to be natural and easy, such as standing up, walking, and cycling, can suddenly become very difficult and painful.
At the Medical Centre Jan van Goyen knee clinic, we aim for a quick and adequate treatment of knee problems. Our team of physicians, orthopaedic specialists, and physiotherapists will treat your knee complaints according to the latest treatment methods.
Do you have any questions about the treatment of knee complaints or would you like to make an appointment with the knee clinic? Please contact us by phone at 020 305 5817 or complete the Contact Form in.
The knee
The knee is the largest joint in the body. The knee joint is where two bones meet: the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). At the end of these bones there is a cartilage layer that enables a supple movement of the knee.
The knee is held in place by ligaments. The menisci (plural for meniscus) act as shock absorbers and as the connection between the upper and lower leg.
The knee joint is constantly exposed to substantial forces, making it susceptible to abrasion and injuries. Many knee complaints are caused by an overburdening of the cartilage and damages to the meniscus and/or ligaments.
Causes of knee complaints
Most of the knee complaints are a result of overburdening due to sports and abrasion (arthritis), but pain can also be caused by a fall or other type of trauma or accident. In most cases there are multiple causes. Below you will find a short explanation of the most common causes.
TORN LIGAMENT OR CRUCIATE LIGAMENTS
The knee ligaments give the knee joint stability. When the ligaments are torn, you will no longer be able to bend the knee. A swelling of the knee can also be caused by accumulated fluids in the joint. When the ligaments are just ruptured, then physiotherapy can help to restore the knee function. In some cases, however, surgery will be required.
Abrasion
Abrasion, also called osteoarthritis, occurs when there is a prolonged (over)burdening of the knee. The abrasion can cause damages to the cartilage layer and surgery may be necessary. In some cases, a patient may need a knee replacement.
OVERBURDENING OF THE CARTILAGE
The overburdening of the cartilage is a very common injury with runners. In most cases, the patient feels pain a difficult to localise pain around or behind the kneecap. The injury is also called ‘chondropathy of the patella’ or ‘runner’s knee’. Many patients will need a keyhole surgery, or arthroscopy.
MENISCUS PROBLEMS
Small ruptures in the meniscus can be caused by sudden movements. The knee can get ‘locked’ when the meniscus is torn from the joint. In some cases, resting the knee can be enough to solve the problem. In other cases, the patient will need a keyhole surgery, or arthroscopy.
BONE FRACTURES
Bone fractures around the knee joint can be caused by a fall or other accident or trauma. Sometimes, physiotherapy can offer sufficient treatment, in other cases, the patient will need a keyhole surgery, or arthroscopy.
INFLAMMATION IN THE KNEE
An inflammation in the knee (arthritis) can be caused by a bacteria or, for example, rheumatism. The inflammation can be treated with cortisone.
Treatment
Medical Centre Jan van Goyen has a dedicated knee clinic to treat knee complaints. Our team of physicians, physiotherapists, and orthopaedic specialists treat the pain and other knee problems according to the latest treatment methods.
When you come to the knee clinic, we may first take X-rays when this is necessary after which you have an intake consultation with the physiotherapist who will also examine you. The physiotherapist will discuss his findings with the orthopaedic specialist and, together, they will then explain and discuss the possible treatment options with you.
When an MRI scan must be made or an arthroscopy or reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligaments is required, we can schedule this at short notice. When physiotherapy is the best treatment method, then you can choose to get this treatment at the practice of one of our affiliated physiotherapists.
