Knee
Knee joint injuries are one of the most common types of injuries that athletes suffer from. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, knee joint injuries can sideline you from your favorite activities. Fortunately, Laura Timmerman, M.D. in Walnut Creek, California, can help you get back on your feet. Dr. Timmerman offers a full range of knee treatments, from conservative measures to cutting-edge procedures. Whether you're dealing with a meniscal tear or ligament damage, we can develop a treatment plan that gets you back in the game.
Comprehensive Orthopaedic Care for Knees
Dr. Timmerman is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine. She specializes in treating the following knee injuries:
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most common types of injuries suffered by athletes. The ACL is a ligament that connects the femur to the tibia and helps to stabilize the knee joint. When the ACL is torn or damaged, it can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. ACL injuries often occur during high-impact activities such as football, basketball, or soccer.
Dr. Timmerman will assess your ACL injury and construct a specialized plan for your condition. Treatment options for ACL injuries may include knee arthroscopy and ligament repair. Regardless of the type of ACL injury you encounter, we ensure the best possible ACL injury treatment for your case.
Articular cartilage is the firm but slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones and allows the joints to move smoothly. When this cartilage is damaged, it can cause pain, swelling, and a loss of joint mobility. Knee articular cartilage restoration is a surgical procedure to repair this damage and restore function to the joint. There are various types of articular cartilage restoration, including abrasion arthroplasty, mosaicplasty, and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). These techniques involve the transplantation of healthy tissue or cells into the damaged area.
In some cases, artificial cartilage may be used instead of healthy tissue. Articular cartilage restoration can be an effective treatment for severe damage to the cartilage. It can help to improve your quality of life and prevent further damage to the joint.
Knee instability can be a debilitating condition that makes walking, running, or even standing difficult. The knee is a complex joint, and when one of the muscles, ligaments, or tendons that support the knee becomes weak or damaged, the knee can become unstable. There are a number of treatment options available for knee instability, depending on the extent of the injury.
In some cases, physical therapy and bracing may be enough to stabilize the joint. However, more severe cases may require surgery to repair the damage. With Dr. Timmerman, you’ll be sure of getting the best treatment for knee instability.
One type of knee injury that can be particularly debilitating is a meniscal injury. The meniscus is a C-shaped disc of cartilage that sits between the thighbone and shinbone, and its main function is to absorb shock and protect the knee joint. There are two menisci in each knee, and they can be injured in a number of ways. Common meniscal tears include an incomplete/partial tear, flap tear, radial tear, and complete meniscal tear.
One common cause of meniscal injuries is a sudden change in direction while the foot is planted, which can cause the meniscus to tear. Meniscal injuries can also occur as a result of degenerative changes or overuse. Symptoms of a meniscal injury include pain, swelling, and stiffness. In severe cases, the knee may “catch” or “lock” when trying to straighten.
Dr. Timmerman will work with you to develop the right treatment plan for your meniscal injury. Treatment often includes partial meniscectomy or repair.
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. It can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common form is osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage, which is the tissue that cushions the ends of the bones in the joint. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, and a decreased range of motion.
Another common type of knee arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune condition, which means that your body’s immune system attacks the healthy joint tissues in the knee. This results in inflammation, pain, and joint mobility issues.
With early diagnosis and treatment, many people with arthritis are able to live full and active lives. Treatment could include medication, physical therapy, injections (including steroids, viscosupplementation, PRP, or Regenokine®), and in some cases, surgery is required.
Loose bodies are small pieces of bone or cartilage that float freely within the joint space. They can cause pain and swelling and may eventually lead to arthritis if they are not treated. Loose bodies typically form as a result of trauma to the knee, but they can also occur due to degenerative changes within the joint. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the loose body from the knee using arthroscopy, in which a small camera is used to help remove the loose body from knee.
Knee Pain Treatment in Walnut Creek, CA
Dr. Timmerman is a leading sports medicine specialist in Walnut Creek, California, who specializes in treating knee pain. She has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating all types of knee injuries, and she offers a wide range of treatment options to suit each patient’s individual needs. The goal is always to help her patients return to their full level of activity as quickly and safely as possible. If you are suffering from knee pain, Dr. Timmerman can provide the expert care and treatment you need to get back on your feet. To schedule an appointment, please call (925) 952-4080 or request an appointment online.
