Chondromalacia
Chondromalacia patella is the abnormal softening of the cartilage under the kneecap (patella). The patella is normally pulled over the end of the femur in a straight line by the quadriceps (thigh) muscles. Frequently chondromalacia patients have abnormal tracking towards the lateral (outside) of the femur.
Jumpers’ Knee or Patella Tendonitis
Often referred to as “Jumper’s Knee”, patellar tendonitis is the inflammation of the patellar tendon. Pain is usually felt below the kneecap during activity and may be felt after activity for a period of time. The pain may also be felt above the kneecap in the quadriceps tendon as well. The tendon is also very tender and may feel enlarged due to the swelling. Bracing Recommendation: There are several low profile types of braces that can assist with the healing process of this condition.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
ACL Injury: One of the most common injuries involving the knee joint is an anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) tear. The ACL is one of four ligaments critical to the stability of the knee joint. The ACL is the primary restraint to forward motion of the tibia (shin bone). The ACL also contributes stability to other rotation and angulation movements of the knee. Although patients may be able to function without a normal ACL, many sports require a fully functional ACL to perform common manoeuvres such as cutting, pivoting and sudden turns. Bracing Recommendation: There are many degrees of ligament injuries/instabilities and bracing done pre and post operative must be assessed on the severity of the injury as well as the patient’s activity level.
Medial/Lateral Cruciate Ligament (MCL/LCL) Injury
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of four ligaments critical to the stability of the knee joint. The MCL stabilizes the joint and prevents the knee from buckling inwards. This ligament attaches to the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) and runs across the inside(medial aspect) of the knee. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is also one of the four ligaments of the knee joint. The LCL stabilized the joint and prevents the knee from buckling outwards. The LCL connects the end of the thigh bone (the femur) to the top of the smaller shin bone (fibula), on the outside of the knee. Both the MCL and LCL helps to prevent excessive side-to-side movement of the knee joint. Bracing Recommendation: There are many degrees of ligament injuries/instabilities and bracing done pre and post operative must be assessed on the severity of the injury as well as the patient’s activity level.
Meniscal Injuries
The meniscus is a wedge like rubbery cushion located where the major bones of the leg connect. Meniscal cartilage curves like the letter ‘C’ at the inside and outside of each knee. It is a strong, stabilizing tissue and assists the knee joint carry weight, glide and rotate. It keeps the femur(thigh bone) and tibia(shin bone) from grinding against each other. When inflammation sets in, the knee typically feels painful and tight and there may be a collection of fluid surrounding the knee, commonly known as ‘water on the knee’. Meniscal tears can occur from twisting, pivoting and mostly in combination with other injuries. However, tears can also occur without trauma as the cartilage weakens and wears over time. Bracing Recommendation: There are several types of braces to assist in the healing process depending on the degree of injury.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) is also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. It is caused by an abnormal wearing of the articulating cartilage that covers and acts as a cushion inside the knee joint. As the bone surfaces become less protected by cartilage, the patient will experience pain upon weight bearing, including walking and standing. Due to the decreased movement, regional muscles may atrophy and ligaments may become more lax. Osteoarthritis of the knee causes knee stiffness in the morning, knee pain that intensifies when ascending or descending stairs, restricted range of motion, a crunching sensation in the knee, knee weakness, or knee swelling. Bracing Recommendation: Unloader braces target the biomechanical problem with a biomechanical solution. There are many degrees of osteoarthritis of the knee and depending on the severity and the activity level of the patient. We offer a 30 Day trial program for osteoarthritis of the knee.
Patella Femoral Syndrome
Patella Femoral Syndrome is pain in the front of the knee, around or beneath the knee cap. After remaining seated for a period of time, you may experience extreme discomfort with first few steps. It is caused by irritation of surrounding structures such as the fat pad, ligaments, or the retinaculum (a type of tendon). Bracing Recommendation: There are several low profile types of braces that can assist with the healing process of this condition.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury
The Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) is one of the four ligaments that stabilizes the knee joint. The PCL is the primary restraint to backward motion of the tibia (shin bone). The most common mechanism of injury is the so-called ‘dashboard injury’ that occurs when the knee is bent and an object strikes and forces the tibia backwards. The other common mechanism of injury is sports related and occurs when the athlete falls on the front of the knee and the knee is hyper flexed. Bracing Recommendation: There are many degrees of ligament injuries/instabilities and bracing done pre and post operative must be assessed on the severity of the injury as well as the patient’s activity level.