Dr. Szerlip has joined forces with Austin Orthopedic Institute
Located at: 11675 Jollyville Road Suite 207, Austin, TX 78759
and 1410 Blue Ridge Dr. Ste 100, Georgetown, TX 78626
Call 512-856-1000 to request an appointment.
The knee is one of the most complex and hardworking joints in the body. Because it supports weight and allows for a wide range of motion, the knee is highly susceptible to injury. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who enjoys an active lifestyle, knee injuries can be painful, debilitating, and challenging to manage.
Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, provides expert care for knee injuries in Austin and Georgetown, Texas. As a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Szerlip is dedicated to supporting your recovery with effective, personalized treatment options. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you get back to your routine!
The knee is a large hinge joint that relies on a complex combination of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues:
The bones that make up the knee are the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap).
Ligaments help keep your knee stable. The four main ligaments of the knee include the following:
Articular cartilage covers the ends of the femur and tibia and the back of the patella. It helps knee bones glide smoothly during movement.
Each knee has two menisci. These C-shaped pieces of cartilage sit between your femur and tibia. The meniscal cartilage acts as a shock absorber.
The tendons around the knee contribute to movement and stability. For example, the quadriceps tendon connects the quadriceps muscles to the patella, and the patellar tendon connects the patella to the tibia. They work together to straighten the leg at the knee.
These structures allow for walking, running, jumping, and turning. Unfortunately, these same actions can lead to injuries.
Understanding the different types of knee injuries can help in both prevention and early detection. Here are some of the most common knee injuries:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are often the result of sudden stops, twists, or jumps. They are among the most common knee injuries, particularly in sports that involve pivoting. An ACL injury often produces an audible pop, immediate pain, and swelling.
The Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) is injured less frequently than the ACL, but PCL injuries can still occur, often from direct impact to the knee. A PCL injury often causes pain, swelling, and patellar instability when the knee is bent, but it may not be as severe as an ACL tear.
Both the MCL and LCL can sustain injuries when the knee is pushed to either side. Collateral ligament injuries are common in contact sports and may cause pain, swelling, and limited movement.
The meniscus, a C-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee, can tear due to forceful twisting or sudden stops. Meniscus tears can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Tendon tears commonly occur in the quadriceps and patellar tendons.
The patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the tibia, is susceptible to injury, especially in activities that involve repetitive jumping. Patellar tendon injuries, or tendinitis, can cause pain and swelling, particularly just below the kneecap.
Quadriceps tendon injuries occur when the tendon connecting the quadriceps muscle group in the thigh to the top of the kneecap is overstretched or torn. These injuries are often caused by sudden forceful movements, heavy lifting, or direct impact to the knee.
Quadriceps tendon injuries can range from mild strains to complete tears, resulting in symptoms like pain above the kneecap, swelling, and difficulty straightening the knee.
A dislocated knee occurs when the bones that make up the knee are forced out of alignment. This is a severe injury caused by high-energy trauma and may require surgery. Symptoms include visible deformity, severe pain, and swelling.
Other knee injuries may include fractures or bursitis.
Dr. Benjamin Szerlip offers comprehensive treatments tailored to each patient’s specific knee injury. Some of the treatment options include:
Many knee injuries can often be treated using non-surgical options. This may include the following:
When surgery is recommended, minimally invasive options are usually favored for their quicker recovery times and reduced risks. Minimally invasive surgery includes the following:
When ligaments and tendons rupture, reconstruction surgery may be necessary. Reconstruction procedures include the following:
Our personalized approach means that each treatment plan is designed with the patient’s lifestyle and goals in mind. Whether recovery involves surgery or non-invasive treatments, our team is dedicated to guiding patients back to their activities with long-term knee health as a priority.
If you’re experiencing knee pain or have suffered a knee injury, Dr. Szerlip is here to help. Our practice in Austin and Georgetown, TX, offers a full spectrum of treatments designed to restore your mobility and ease your pain.
Don’t let knee injuries hold you back. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and start your journey to recovery!
Some of the most common knee injuries include ACL tears, PCL tears, MCL and LCL injuries, meniscus tears, patellar tendon injuries, quadriceps tendon injuries, and knee dislocations.
Signs of a serious knee injury may include severe pain, significant swelling, instability, an audible popping sound at the time of injury, difficulty bearing weight, or visible deformity. A medical evaluation can determine the extent of the injury.
Many knee injuries can be treated successfully with non-surgical methods such as physical therapy, bracing, activity modification, and medications. However, severe ligament tears, tendon ruptures, and certain meniscus injuries may require surgery.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat knee problems, including meniscus tears and damaged cartilage.
Recovery time depends on the type and severity of the injury. Minor injuries may improve within a few weeks, while more significant injuries requiring surgery can take several months of rehabilitation to achieve full recovery.
Dr. Szerlip has joined forces with Austin Orthopedic Institute
Located at: 11675 Jollyville Road Suite 207, Austin, TX 78759
and 1410 Blue Ridge Dr. Ste 100, Georgetown, TX 78626
Call 512-856-1000 to request an appointment.