Common Knee Injuries

Meniscus tears are the most common knee injuries and occur in either the medial or lateral meniscus. Tears often occur as a result of a twisting motion resulting in pain, swelling, and/or a “catching” or “locking” sensation. If the physical exam points toward a torn meniscus, an MRI can be ordered for confirmation. Initially, treatment is conservative with rest, ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or “NSAIDs” (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc), and may be followed up with physical therapy to help build strength and improve range of motion. In the past, arthroscopic surgery has been used to clean up the meniscus but this tends to further degenerate the joint and cause more problems down the road. Here at RAPS, we offer an alternative, non-surgical intervention using super concentrated platelets (SCP) to fill in the defect. Through the use of ultrasound guidance, the tear can be precisely treated with an injection of the patient’s own cells, allowing the tear to heal naturally. This can be done easily with local anesthetic in an outpatient setting.

Another common injury is an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear. This occurs as the result of a quick deceleration, hyperextension or rotational injury oftentimes due to a sudden change in direction. Patients commonly describe a popping sensation followed by deep pain and swelling, and often times some instability. The ACL functions by keeping the tibia (shin bone) from sliding forward on the femur (thigh bone). Depending on the extent of the tear (seen on the MRI) and level of instability, conservative care may include physical therapy and a knee brace. Once again, this type of injury can also be repaired through stem cell injections under ultrasound guidance. As a partner of Regenexx®, we provide this non-surgical treatment option to help heal and stabilize the joint.

Similarly, the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) can tear. This is less common than an ACL tear and can occur alone or in conjunction with other ligamentous injuries. The PCL functions by stabilizing the knee so that the joint doesn’t move backwards too far. The mechanism of injury involves a force to the anterior tibia (shine bone) when the knee is flexed.An MRI will provide diagnostic confirmation. This too can be treated with options from rest, bracing, therapy, traditional surgery, and regenerative injections with platelets or stem cells.

In conclusion, you can try to do everything you can to prevent injuries from happening, but when they occur, you have to assess which treatment option works best for you. By looking at the pros and cons of each option, make sure you choose the direction of treatment in which you feel most comfortable. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at 412-963-6480 or visit our website to learn about what knee conditions we treat! We all want you to get back to doing what you love!

– Melissa Erin, PA-C

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About Regenexx Pittsburgh COVID-19 Protection Zone

At Regenexx Pittsburgh, we are foremost committed to the health and safety of our patients. Our team adheres strictly to COVID-19 protection protocols and ALL staff wear masks and are COVID-19 vaccinated.

Advanced IOF Certifications

Certified at the highest level for Ankle / Foot, Wrist / Hand, Hip, Knee, Shoulder, and Spine Intradiscal

Specialized Certifications

Top available certifications in Diagnostic Ultrasound, Bone Marrow and Adipose Aspirate, and Nucleated Cell Counting

Educational Certifications

Our doctors have earned both General Instructor as well as Spine Instructor certifications.

Knee

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Knee Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Meniscus Tears
  • Patellofemoral
  • Syndrome/Chondomalacia
  • ACL Tears + PCL, LCL & MCL Tears & Sprains
  • Patellar Tendonitis
  • Pes anersine bursitis
  • Baker’s cyst
  • Instability
  • Hamstrings Tendinopathy & Biceps Femoris Insertional Tendinopathy

Lower Spine

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Spine Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Lumbar Facet Injury
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Herniated or Bulging Disc
  • Radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
  • SI Joint Syndrome
  • Many More Disc and Low Back Issues

Foot & Ankle

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Foot & Ankle Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Ankle Instability
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Peroneal tendon tear or split
  • Ligament sprain or tear
  • Sub-talar arthritis or instability
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Bunions

Cervical Spine

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Spine Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Cervical Instability
  • Cervical Facet Injury
  • Neck, Back or Rib Instability
  • Many More Disc and Cervical Issues Causing Pain

Shoulder

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Shoulder Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Arthritis of the shoulder joint
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Labral tears or degeneration
  • Rotator cuff tendonitis & tendonosis
  • AC Joint Separation
  • Recurrent shoulder dislocations

Elbow

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Elbow Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Instability
  • Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow
  • Nerve entrapment (ulnar nerve)

Hip

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Hip Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Bursitis
  • Tendinopathy
  • Labral / Labrum Tear

Hand & Wrist

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions.

View Details About Hand & Wrist Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Hand Arthritis
  • Basal Joint Arthritis or CMC / Carpometacarpal
  • Arthritis
  • Instability
  • TFCC Tear
  • Carpal Tunnel SyndromeTrigger Finger