Getting Your Knees Ready for Summer Hiking

in , , , , , ,

Article featured on AZ Ortho

Are you an avid hiker ready to hit the trails and conquer new heights? We get the appeal—hiking is an amazing way to connect with nature while staying active at the same time. However, you have to keep an eye on your joints, especially your knees, to ensure a smooth and pain-free hiking experience.

Here are some handy orthopedic tips specifically tailored for hikers to prevent joint strain and keep your knees trail-ready.

Choose the Right Footwear

Investing in the right footwear can make a significant difference in protecting your knees while hiking. Opt for hiking boots or shoes that are specifically designed for rugged terrain. Look for features like ankle support, cushioned insoles, and durable outsoles with good traction. Properly fitting footwear also helps prevent blisters, hot spots, and discomfort that can indirectly affect your knee health.

Additional Tip: Consider Orthotic Inserts

If you have specific foot issues or pronation concerns, consider using orthotic inserts in your hiking shoes. Orthotics can provide additional support and alignment for your feet, which can help reduce stress on your knees.

Warm-Up and Stretch

Before starting your hike, spend at least 10–15 minutes warming up your muscles and performing dynamic stretches. No one should go into any type of exercise with cold muscles!

Good dynamic stretches should involve active movements that mimic the actions you’ll perform during the hike, such as leg swings, high knees, and lunges. These exercises increase blood flow to your muscles, improve flexibility, and prepare your body for the physical demands of hiking.

Additional Tip: Include Foam Rolling

Incorporate foam rolling into your pre-hike routine to release tension in your muscles and fascia. Focus on rolling out your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and IT band. Foam rolling can help improve your range of motion, reduce muscle tightness, and enhance overall mobility, which can contribute to better knee health during your hike.

Maintain Proper Posture

Proper posture lets you prevent knee strain and maintain good overall body alignment during hiking. Keep your head up, shoulders relaxed, and gaze forward to avoid rounding your shoulders or slouching. Engage your core muscles to support your spine and pelvis, which reduces strain on your lower back and knees. Periodically check your posture throughout your hike and make adjustments as needed.

Additional Tip: Use Backpack Ergonomics

If you’re carrying a backpack during your hike, make sure the straps are adjusted properly to distribute weight evenly. Use a backpack that has padded shoulder straps, a waist belt, and a chest strap to stabilize the load and prevent strain on your back and shoulders. Pack essential items strategically to minimize unnecessary weight and optimize balance while hiking.

Gradually Increase Intensity

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, it’s best to progress gradually when increasing the intensity of your hikes. Start with shorter distances and easier trails, gradually building up to longer hikes with more elevation gain. Listen to your body’s cues and take breaks as needed to rest and refuel. Pushing yourself too hard too soon can lead to overuse injuries and trouble for your knees.

Additional Tip: Incorporate Cross-Training

Incorporate cross-training activities like cycling, swimming, or yoga into your fitness routine to gain better strength, flexibility, and endurance. Cross-training can help prevent muscle imbalances, improve joint stability, and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.

Watch Your Foot Placement

Pay attention to where you step while hiking to avoid uneven terrain and obstacles that could lead to slips or falls. Take deliberate steps and use caution when navigating rocky or slippery surfaces. Choose stable footing whenever possible and use trekking poles for added balance and support, especially during descents or challenging terrain.

Additional Tip: Use Proper Descending Techniques

When descending steep slopes or rocky terrain, use proper techniques to protect your knees. Descend slowly and maintain a slightly bent knee position to absorb shock and reduce the impact on your joints. Avoid locking your knees or landing with excessive force, as this can strain your knee ligaments and cartilage.

Strengthen Your Leg Muscles

Strong leg muscles provide the support and stability your knees need during hikes. Incorporate strength training exercises into your fitness routine to target your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. Squats, lunges, calf raises, and leg presses are excellent exercises to build strength and improve knee stability. Consistent strength training can help prevent joint strain and enhance your hiking performance.

Additional Tip: Focus on Functional Movements

In addition to traditional strength training exercises like squats, lunges, and leg presses, prioritize functional movements that mimic hiking actions. Include exercises such as step-ups, single-leg squats, and lateral lunges to improve balance, stability, and agility. Functional training prepares your muscles for the specific demands of hiking, reducing the risk of injuries.

Listen to Your Body

Lastly, listen to your body and pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain in your knees while hiking. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or instability, seek medical attention and avoid pushing through the pain. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can help alleviate minor knee injuries, but consulting with an orthopedic specialist is needed for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Additional Tip: Implement Recovery Strategies

After your hike, prioritize recovery strategies to promote muscle recovery and reduce inflammation in your knees. Perform gentle stretching exercises, use foam rollers or massage tools to alleviate muscle tension, and apply ice packs to reduce swelling. To get fully recovered and help your joints, get a good amount of rest, hydration, and nutrition as well.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:
503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Common Swimming Overuse Injuries

in , , , , ,

Article featured on Physiopedia

Swimming is a great sport enjoyed by all age groups at all levels of ability. It is a unique sport, in that it combines upper and lower extremity strength exercises with cardiovascular training in a non-weight bearing environment. Swimmers are unfortunately prone to injuries. Most swimming injuries are classed as overuse injuries and relate to faulty biomechanics. The most common swimming injury regions are the shoulder, neck, lower back and knee.

Swimming overuse injuries usually arise from one or a combination of the below:

  • Poor stroke mechanics
  • Poor breathing technique
  • Poor flexibility or range of motion of neck or lower back
  • Hyper flexibility of joints with insufficient muscular stabilisation
  • Decreased rotator cuff or scapular muscle strength
  • Insufficient core strength/stability
  • Decreased hip muscle strength
  • Overtraining
  • Insufficient rest periods

Stretching is important for swimming because of the great range of muscles used when you’re in the water.  Unprepared muscles don’t perform as well as muscles which have been warmed up ahead of exercising. A good stretching regime including at a minimum:

  • posterior shoulder stretch
  • pectoral stretch
  • long head biceps stretch
  • upper thoracic spine mobility stretch
  • latissimus dorsi

Note – The above list gives a guide to what to look for in each of the specific conditions listed below. This page does not give full physiotherapy procedures, instead providing great links to the sites that will have relevant information.

Swimmers Shoulder

Shoulder pain is the most frequent orthopaedic injury in swimmers, with a reported prevalence between 40% and 91% in elite swimmers. Swimmer’s shoulder is a condition with a gradual onset due to repetitive activity and can be classified as microtrauma. Swimmer’s shoulder usually presents as subacromial impingement involving the rotator cuff tendon, bicipital tendon, or subacromial bursa.

Primary subacromial impingement involves compression of these structures between the acromion and greater tuberosity (due to usually a tight posterior capsule causing the humeral head to migrate anteriorly) or abnormal acromial morphology. However, primary impingement syndrome is less common in competitive swimmers than secondary impingement.

Secondary impingement occurs through a series of impairments, usually in a swimmer with increased anterior glenohumeral laxity (shoulder ROM in swimmers often exhibit excessive external rotation and limited internal rotation). This shift in ROM towards increased external rotation is an adjustment to the demands on the glenohumeral joint allowing anterior laxity and greater demand on the rotator cuff and the long head of the biceps to reduce humeral head elevation and anterior translation.

Chronic swimmer’s shoulder can result in pathology of the rotator cuff, glenoid labrum, and long head of the biceps.

Swimmers Back

The spine is also a recognized site predisposed to injury in the elite swimmer, mainly associated with butterfly swimmers ( 33.3%-58%) and breaststroke swimmers (22.2%- 47%), figures varying from differing studies.

As swimming athletes are positioned horizontally in the water, gravity and buoyancy forces are traveling through the body with the potential to cause changes at the lumbar spine. Due to the undulating motion (lumbar extension) utilised in butterfly and breaststroke, there is potential for developing pain secondary to stress on the joints.

Causes include:

  • Hyperextension of the lumbar spine during freestyle and butterfly
  • poor kick technique
  • stress fractures are a potential cause in young swimmers
  • disc degeneration and facet joint degeneration in the older swimmer. A 2007 study hypothisising that “Excessive competitive swimming activities accelerate lumbar disk degeneration” this activity may exaggerate lumbar intervertebral disk degeneration, especially in the L5-S1 intervertebral segment.
  • improper timing of this butterfly stroke increases strain on low back the possibility of neck, shoulder, or back pain.
  • poor flexibility of the spine and low back
  • insufficient core strength to maintain straight alignment of body in water
  • aggressive weight training using poor techniques
  • overuse of devices e.g. paddles on hands, fins, kick boards- exposing the open kinetic chain of swimming to different loads and exaggerating lumbar lordosis
  • tightness in the hip flexors or inadequate body roll during swimming may lead to compensation at the lumbar spine.

Swimmers Knee

Knee pain figures range from 34% to 86% for a single knee episode, being highest in breaststrokers.

Knee pain is caused mainly during breaststroke swimming. Repetitive stress is placed on the medial knee produces pain during the whip-like motion. The breaststroke kick is a high valgus load produced during sudden flexion-extension, adduction and external rotation of the knee against the hydrodynamic environment, resulting in stress to the medial compartment. Hence a strain occurs to the medial collateral ligament and compression on the lateral knee (possibly causing sprain on the MCL; irritation of the medial plica; bursal irritation at the muscular insertions of the adductor and hamstring muscles). Strain injuries may also present in the adductor muscles (adductor magnus and brevis, especially). Other knee injuries include patellofemoral pain, and medial synovitis. Treatment will focus on elimination of inflammation. Rehabilitation should focus on stabilisation exercises for hypermobile joints, postural correction, strengthening and flexibility.

A 2008 study found the 200 – 400 m breaststroke events increase the risk for knee overuse injuries more than other strokes or distances. Additionally training for more than four times a week increases the risk twofold for knee and fourfold for shoulder overuse injuries.

A 2004 study looking at competitive swimmers interestingly reports that breaststroke swimmers are at significant risk of: groin injury; groin injury is positively correlated with increased magnitude of breaststroke training; and groin injury may prevent participation in practices and competitions. So take the time to assess then groin and complete length of hip adductors, not just distally.

Swimmers Neck

Neck pain is mainly seen in the older athlete It may be due to facet joint arthritic change, and disc degeneration +/- nerve root irritation.  Muscle innervation and sensation to the shoulder region is predominantly derived from the C5/C6 nerve roots.  If these nerve roots are irritated due to degenerative change in the neck, shoulder complaints can arise.  Arthritic change may limit neck rotation making correct breathing patterns difficult.  Swimmers who unilaterally breath are more prone to neck pain.  Looking forward rather than directly downward and extending the head too high when taking a breath increases the load on the neck and create pain.

Conclusion

Swimming can be a great sport for recreational swimmers up to elite swimmers. As a physiotherapist help swimmers overcome their injuries and liaise with trainers, coaches and physicians for the best results.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

What Are ACL, MCL, and PCL Injuries?

in , , ,

Article featured on Seattle Children’s Hospital

What are ACL, MCL and PCL injuries?

ACL, MCL and PCL injuries are damage to ligaments that keep the knee from wobbling or giving out when you move. These ligaments are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). When the knee is forced into an unusual position, 1 or more of the ligaments can tear, either part way or all the way.

What are the symptoms of ACL, MCL and PCL injuries?

If the knee of a child, teen or young adult suddenly swells after an accident or injury, they may have a torn ACL, MCL or PCL or another serious knee problem. Other symptoms of knee ligament injuries include:

  • A popping sound at the time of the injury
  • Pain in the knee
  • Knee is wobbly or unstable

How are ACL, MCL and PCL injuries diagnosed?

To help prevent further injuries to the bones and joints, it is important to get a thorough evaluation and proper treatment.

At our clinic, the doctor will:

  • Ask what happened before the knee began to swell and hurt.
  • Examine the knee. To doctors trained in sports medicine, knees with ACL, MCL or PCL tears often feel loose.

We cannot be sure that a knee ligament is torn until the swelling in the knee has gone down. This usually takes 7 to 10 days. At that time, we may take:

  • X-rays of the knee to get more information on what is wrong
  • An MRI if it is not clear that a ligament is torn or if we think there may be other injuries

How are ACL, MCL and PCL injuries treated?

Young people with a torn ACL need surgery to repair or reconstruct the ligament and then physical therapy (PT) to help them get back to their usual activities. If they are still growing, it’s important to receive care from a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who knows how to protect their .

For MCL and PCL injuries, we use nonsurgical methods like PT, including sports PT, whenever possible. Those who have an MCL injury may need to wear a hinged knee brace along with doing PT.

Surgery for ACL, MCL and PCL injuries

Surgery to repair a torn ACL, called transepiphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The red lines are the new ligament. The black dots show where the surgeon secures the new ligament to the thighbone above the knee and the shinbone below the knee.

Surgery is the usual treatment after an ACL injury to make the knee stable again.

During ACL surgery, the surgeon replaces the torn ligament with new tissue that will turn into ligament over time. This tissue (called a graft) is taken from another body site and transferred to the new area. Graft tissue can be taken from the patient’s own body or from a donor (cadaver). The surgeon will talk with you in advance about the pros and cons of different types of grafts.

We drill small holes in the shinbone and the thighbone. Then, we pass the new ligament through the drill holes and secure it to the bones.

This surgery requires only small incisions. The surgeon inserts a small tool called an arthroscope into the knee. They use pictures displayed on a large monitor to guide their actions.

A young person who has both an MCL injury and an ACL injury probably will need surgery to reconstruct the ACL.

Surgery is not usually used to treat PCL injuries that happen by themselves. But surgery may be needed if:

  • A PCL injury happens along with an injury to the ACL or another part of the knee.
  • An injury moves the piece of bone the PCL is attached to far from its usual place on the shinbone. Surgeons can put the bone back and attach it again.

Physical therapy for ACL, MCL and PCL injuries

PT is an important part of getting better after surgery for any knee ligament injury. It will help strengthen the muscles around the knee and make the joint stable.

If an MCL or PCL injury is mild, a child, teen or young adult may be able to recover with PT alone. Our staff is expert at devising and teaching exercise programs to help patients:

  • Recover range of motion
  • Rebuild strength and stability
  • Restore balance
  • Regain confidence in using their knee

Most patients will have PT sessions with us a couple of times a week until they meet their goals for returning to their sport or other usual activities. Afterward, our therapists may also recommend exercises to keep doing at home.

To prevent new or repeat injuries, we have a strong focus on return-to-sport testing. Our PTs know how to check when a patient is ready to be more active or go back to their sport. We have done a great deal of research to understand how to make these decisions so each patient gets the best possible results.

One of the most important ways to prevent repeat injuries is to modify activities that might hurt the knee as it heals. These activities include high-level athletics that require:

  • Jumping
  • Pivoting
  • Contact with other players
  • Playing on an uneven surface

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

The Lowdown on How Running Affects Your Knees

in , , ,

Article featured on Healthline

Lacing up and hitting the pavement for a run is great exercise. It can also be therapeutic, lower your stress levels, and boost your sleep quality, among other benefits.

But given running’s repetitive impact, it can be hard on your body, too. Many wonder whether running harms their knees, specifically.

This article investigates that question, finds the answer, and shares how to take care of your knees when you run.

Is running bad for your knees?

Running is not bad for your knees; running with poor form is bad for your knees.

In fact, most knee injuries caused by running are overuse injuries, meaning you’re putting more stress on your body than it can handle.

Whether that’s ramping up your training schedule too quickly or not resting enough between runs, running too many miles before your muscles, bones, joints, and cartilage are ready for more can increase your risk of injury.

What the science says

Quite a bit of research has investigated running’s effects on the knees .

One study followed a group of long-distance runners, as well as a nonrunner control group, for 18 years. Through a series of X-rays over the nearly two decades, researchers monitored for any presence of osteoarthritis in the knees.

The study results showed that running among healthy older adults was not associated with more prevalent osteoarthritis. In fact, at the end of the study, 20% of the runners showed signs of osteoarthritis, compared with 32% of the nonrunners.

Another study suggests that running may be beneficial for the knees.

Researchers used gait analysis and computer modeling to confirm that running does place a higher load on the knees than walking. Yet, it also causes the bone and cartilage of the knee to adapt, potentially leading to stronger knees overall.

And what if you already have knee pain? Is running completely off the table for you? Research says not necessarily.

A recent study including 82 middle-age volunteers looked at the short-term effects of long-distance running on knee joints using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Pre-training MRIs showed signs of asymptomatic damage to several knee structures in the majority of the participants. After the marathon, the MRIs showed a reduction in tibia and femoral bone damage. However, the MRIs also showed patellar cartilage deterioration.

What does all of this mean? Don’t forgo running because you’re afraid it may cause knee pain. But, as with every activity, listen to your body. When pain occurs, investigate why it might be happening.

Variables that can make running harder on your knees

However, there are a few variables that can make running hard on your knees. These include:

  • Bad form. Good running form is complex and nuanced, but the basics are looking ahead and maintaining good posture and your arms at 90-degree angles while taking quick strides with mid-foot strikes. If you strike the ground with your heel, you’ll be prone to knee pain.
  • Bad shoes. Especially if you run long distances, finding the proper shoe for your gait and foot is key. Factors like the cushion level, arch support, and width of the running shoe are important. If you’re able, visit a local running store and have your foot fitted properly.
  • Rigid surfaces. Many find running on softer surfaces like grass or a treadmill better than running on asphalt or cement. Running is high impact, and research has shown that softer surfaces like a woodchip trail may reduce impact on the tibiae — and thus the knees.

Warning signs your knees may need attention

If you develop any pain around the knee — including above, below, or behind the kneecap — during a run, your body is trying to tell you something. Regardless of whether the pain is dull or sharp, the best course of action is to stop running and rest.

Some common knee injuries in runners include:

  • Runner’s knee. This condition usually manifests as pain in the front of the knee or around the kneecap when you’re running. It’s caused by stress between the patella (your kneecap) and femur (your thigh bone), which causes the cartilage to become irritated.
  • IT band syndrome. If your outer knee is bothering you, you may have iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome, which occurs when the IT band — a long tendon that stretches from your hip down to your outer knee — is too tight.
  • Jumper’s knee. Also known as patellar tendonitis, this condition is caused by an inflamed patellar tendon, which connects your kneecap to your shin. You’ll experience pain in the front of the knee (7).
  • Bursitis. If you have knee bursitis, you’ll experience inflammation and swelling in one of the small, fluid-filled sacs, called bursa, in the knee. This may manifest as a swollen mass on the front of the knee.

If knee pain stops you from running, apply ice to the area and take it easy. If after a few days’ rest your knee is still bothering you, see your doctor for further evaluation.

Tips for protecting your knees when you run

Beyond running with proper form and wearing the right shoes, there are a few other things you can do to protect your knees while you run:

  • Start slowly and conservatively. Avoid going too hard, too fast. Your body requires time to adapt to new stressors. Many long-distance runners follow the 10% Rule, which says that you shouldn’t increase your weekly mileage by more than 10% week-on-week.
  • Stretch before and after you run. If your muscles are tight, you’re more likely to run with bad form and injure yourself. Before you run, do some dynamic stretching, then afterward, try some static stretches.
  • Consider compression sportswear. For example, wearing a knee sleeve while you run can provide some extra support to an unstable knee.

The bottom line

Don’t let a fear of hurting your knees stop you from running. By taking the appropriate precautions — strength training, stretching, wearing proper gear, and being conservative in your training — the benefits of running may very well outweigh the risks.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Potential Causes & Common Treatment of Patella Alta

in ,

Article featured on Atlas Pain Specialists

You may be wondering , what are some causes and treatment of patella alta? Patella alta, also known as ‘high-riding patella,’ is a knee condition characterized by an abnormally high position of the patella or kneecap in relation to the femur, the thigh bone. This condition may lead to discomfort, knee pain, instability, and an increased risk of patellar dislocation or patellar subluxation.

A full understanding of patella alta requires a look at its potential causes, symptoms, diagnosis methods, and treatment options.

Possible Causes of Patella Alta

Patella alta is a condition that can result from various causes, both genetic and acquired. Here are some possible causes of this condition:

  1. Genetic Predisposition: Patella alta can be congenital, meaning a person is born with it. In these cases, the individual’s patellar tendon, which anchors the kneecap to the shinbone, is naturally longer than average, causing the kneecap to sit higher than usual.
  2. Growth Abnormalities: In children and adolescents, damage to the growth plate can cause the patellar tendon to grow longer than the femur, leading to patella alta. This is often associated with conditions that affect growth plates, such as Osgood-Schlatter disease and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome.
  3. Trauma or Injury: Any form of trauma to the knee that results in inflammation or damage can potentially lead to patella alta. This could include sports injuries, accidents, or falls that affect the knee region.
  4. Surgical Complications: Patella alta can also be an unintended consequence of knee surgeries. In particular, surgeries involving the patellar tendon, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, may inadvertently lead to an elongation of the tendon, causing the kneecap to ride higher than normal.
  5. Chronic Conditions: Certain chronic conditions, including patellar tendinitis or jumper’s knee, can cause the patellar tendon to elongate over time. This progressive elongation can eventually lead to patella alta.
  6. Certain Medical Procedures: Some medical procedures, such as casting or bracing of the knee for extended periods, may lead to a temporary or even permanent elongation of the patellar tendon, which could result in patella alta.

In some cases, the exact cause of patella alta may remain unknown. It’s also possible for multiple factors to contribute to the development of this condition.

Diagnosing Patella Alta

Diagnosing patella alta involves assessing the patient’s medical history, conducting a physical examination, and using diagnostic imaging. The healthcare provider collects information about previous knee injuries, surgeries, and existing conditions while noting symptoms such as knee pain, instability, or recurring patellar dislocation. 

During the physical examination, the doctor evaluates the range of motion and stability and performs specific tests to assess the position and movement of the patella. Measurement ratios and indices like the Insall-Salvati ratio, the Caton-Deschamps index, and the Blackburne-Peel ratio are commonly employed to evaluate the patella position.

These measurements are obtained through X-ray imaging or specialized radiographic views of the knee. X-rays, MRI, or CT scans provide detailed images of the knee joint, enabling visualization of patellar alignment and any associated abnormalities. Dynamic imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or specialized MRI sequences may assess patellar tracking during knee movements.

Following the diagnosis of the patella alta, the healthcare provider develops an appropriate treatment plan based on severity and individual needs. Accurate diagnosis is vital for effective treatment, so it is advised to consult a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized guidance toward suitable management options.

Treatment of Patella Alta

The treatment of patella alta typically depends on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of the patella’s displacement. Here are the possible treatment options:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Bracing and Taping
  • NSAIDs
  • Surgery
  • Lifestyle Modification

Physical Therapy

This is often the first line of treatment for patella alta, particularly for mild cases. Therapy exercises aim to strengthen the quadriceps muscle, which helps stabilize the kneecap and improves the flexibility and strength of the knee joint.

Bracing and Taping

Sometimes, a doctor might recommend wearing a knee or patellar stabilizing brace. These devices help hold the kneecap in a more normal position, which can help reduce discomfort and improve stability. Kinesiology taping techniques might also be used to offer support to the patella.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Medications can manage pain and inflammation associated with patella alta. This is typically an adjunct to other treatment modalities, such as physical therapy.

Surgery

For severe cases of patella alta, especially when conservative treatments have failed, surgery might be considered. The goal of surgery is to lower the position of the kneecap by shortening the patellar tendon. Surgical techniques include tibial tubercle osteotomy, where a section of bone where the patellar tendon attaches is moved downwards, and patellar tendon grafting, which involves using a graft to shorten the tendon artificially.

Weight Management

If the patient is overweight, weight loss can help by reducing pressure on the knees and alleviating the symptoms of patella alta.

Lifestyle Modification

Avoiding activities that strain the knee or incorporating exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee can help manage the symptoms and prevent the worsening of the condition.

The treatment choice should be based on the individual’s specific symptoms, the extent of the patella alta, and the person’s overall health and lifestyle. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan. 

Please note that this information is a general guide, and one should always consult with a healthcare provider for the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific condition.

Conclusion

Patella alta is a condition that requires proper medical attention, as it can potentially lead to more severe knee problems if left untreated. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have this condition, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. As with many health conditions, early diagnosis and treatment of patella alta can lead to more positive outcomes.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

What is Patellar Subluxation

in ,

Article featured on Nationwide Children’s

Subluxation means partial dislocation of a bone. Kneecap (patellar) subluxation means the kneecap has briefly slid out of its normal place in the groove at the center of the bottom end of the thigh bone.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Torn MCL Average Recovery Time

in , ,

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Can Surgery Help Your Knee Arthritis?

in , ,

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Osgood-Schlatter Disease in Children

in ,

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

4 Things to Know About Meniscus Repair

in , ,

Article featured on Noyes Knee Institute

Injuries to the meniscus are common, especially among athletes and individuals involved in physical activities. Pain, inflammation, and restricted mobility can result from torn or injured meniscus. Here are four things to know about meniscus repair:

1. The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of a meniscus tear results in prompt and effective treatment. If left untreated, meniscus tears can worsen over time, leading to more significant pain and potential damage to the knee joint. As soon as symptoms like knee pain, swelling, and limited range of motion arise, consult an orthopedic knee surgeon for a thorough evaluation.

An early diagnosis allows the knee surgeon to recommend appropriate treatment options, including conservative measures like rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, meniscus repair surgery may be the best course of action to restore knee function.

2. Meniscus Repair Surgery

Orthopedic knee surgeons perform meniscus repair surgery to mend the torn meniscus tissue and restore knee stability. The surgery can be done through minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques involving small incisions and a tiny camera called an arthroscope that guides the surgeon’s instruments.

During the surgery, the surgeon will carefully suture the torn edges of the meniscus together. This allows the tissue to heal and regain its strength. The success of meniscus repair largely depends on the type and location of the tear, as well as the patient’s age and overall knee health.

3. Rehabilitation and Recovery

Following meniscus repair surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is recommended to promote healing and regain knee function. Orthopedic surgeons work closely with physical therapists to design a personalized rehabilitation plan for each patient.

Rehabilitation typically involves exercises to improve knee strength, flexibility, and stability. Patients are advised to diligently follow their physical therapy regimen and avoid activities that may strain the healing meniscus excessively. The recovery period after meniscus repair surgery varies from patient to patient. While some individuals may resume light activities within a few weeks, others may require several months to recover fully and return to more vigorous activities.

4. Complication Awareness

If the medial meniscus has been destroyed, the only treatment is to remove the damaged portions and repair the remaining area. As with any surgical procedure, meniscus repair surgery carries some risks and potential complications. Infection, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia are possible but rare. Patients are encouraged to discuss any concerns or medical conditions with their orthopedic knee surgeon before the procedure.

In some cases, meniscus tears may be too severe or located in a region with limited blood supply, making repair surgery unfeasible. The surgeon may opt for a meniscectomy, a procedure to trim and remove the damaged portion of the meniscus. While a meniscectomy provides symptom relief, it may also increase the risk of early-onset osteoarthritis in the knee joint.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm