Knee Injuries Specialist
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Gregg K. Satow, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist located in Monterey, CA
Your knees play a large role in propelling you through the world, so when an injury strikes, your world can become significantly smaller. At his private practice in Monterey, California, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Gregg K. Satow, MD, has decades of experience helping his patients regain function after a knee injury using the latest techniques for faster recovery. If you’ve injured your knee, call the office or schedule an appointment online today to get the expert care you need.
Knee Injuries Q & A
What is the structure of the knee?
Your knees are not only the largest joints in your body, they’re also fairly complex, which makes sense given all they’re responsible for. From walking and running to jumping and twisting, your knees provide a wide range of motion, while supporting your body at the same time.
To accomplish all of this, your knees are made up of:
- Three bones — femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap)
- Ligaments
- Menisci
- Tendons
- Articular cartilage
Surrounding your knees are large muscle groups that also play critical roles in the function of this joint.
What are the most common knee injuries?
Given the complexity of your knees and the many moving parts involved, knee injuries aren’t uncommon and they can involve one or more of the different components. That said, some knee injuries are more prevalent than others, such as:
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears
- Meniscal tears
- Tendonitis and tendon tears
- Bursitis
- Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it gives you an idea of the myriad ways your knee can be compromised.
When should I see a doctor for a knee injury?
Whether you suffer an acute injury or your injury develops over time, there are a few rules of thumb when it comes to seeking Dr. Satow’s help.
First, if your pain doesn’t subside despite at-home treatments (icing and rest), as well as anti-inflammatory medications, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with Dr. Satow. Additionally, if swelling and stiffness in your knee limit your movement, it’s time to see the doctor.
The bottom line is that you should always err on the side of caution when it comes to your knees. Untreated injuries can wreak havoc down the road, causing irreversible damage through degenerative processes.
How are knee injuries diagnosed and treated?
When you first come in, Dr. Satow sits down with you to review your symptoms and examine your knee. From there, advanced imaging, such as X-rays, give him a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your knee.
Once he identifies the problem, Dr. Satow addresses your injury using any number of treatments, including:
- Bracing
- Injections (steroid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and hyaluronic acid)
- Physical therapy
- Surgery, including knee replacement
It’s extremely important to seek the help of an experienced orthopedic specialist like Dr. Satow to ensure that your injury is handled correctly the first time around to avoid long-term complications.
For expert knee injury care, call Gregg K. Satow, M.D. or schedule an appointment online today.
