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Knee Pain

Dr. Louis Keppler & Associates

Orthopedic Surgery & Spine Surgeries located in Independence, OH

Your knee is the largest joint in your body, and it’s responsible for a great deal in terms of support and mobility. When knee pain strikes, it can have a serious impact on your life. As orthopedic specialists, the team at Dr. Louis Keppler & Associates has extensive experience helping their patients in Independence, Ohio, regain pain-free movement in their knees, allowing them to stay active and healthy. For more information, call or use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment.

Knee Pain Q & A

What makes up the knee?

The knee is the largest joint in the human body, and it’s made up of:

  • Three bones: Patella (kneecap), femur (thighbone), and your tibia (shinbone)
  • Menisci, which are cartilage wedges that provide cushioning
  • Articular cartilage
  • Bursa sacs
  • Ligaments
  • Tendons
  • Muscles

Altogether, these components provide you with a wide range of motion as well as support for most of your body.

What are the primary causes of knee pain?

Given the complexity of your knee and the many components that come together to form the joint, there are any number of problems that can crop up and cause pain. That said, the most common causes of knee pain include:

  • Degenerative diseases
  • Arthritis
  • Ligament injuries or tears
  • Tendon injuries
  • Fractures and dislocations

If your knee pain is a result of an acute injury, you should immediately apply the RICE method, which is:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation

If your pain and swelling persist after trying the RICE method for 24 hours, you should see Dr. Keppler for a full analysis. And if your pain is moderate to severe right from the beginning, you should set up an appointment with Dr. Keppler as soon as possible.

How is knee pain treated?

Whether it’s an acute injury or a degenerative condition, Dr. Keppler starts with advanced imaging to take a closer look at what’s going on inside your knee. Armed with a diagnosis, he comes up with an appropriate treatment plan for your unique situation. His primary goal is to alleviate your pain and re-establish function, which he does through:

  • Anti-inflammatory and pain medications
  • Braces or crutches
  • Physical therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Stem cell therapy

If these more conservative measures don’t bring relief, Dr. Keppler may recommend a surgical solution to repair your knee. Whether it’s a ligament repair or a total knee replacement, Dr. Keppler uses the latest laparoscopic techniques to restore function to your knee. These techniques speed up your recovery time and cut down on any collateral tissue damage.

If you’re experiencing knee pain, call Dr. Louis Keppler & Associates for expert and advanced treatment. Or you can fill out the online form to request an appointment.