The knee joint’s structure is designed to balance flexibility with stability, making it essential for both simple and high-impact movements. With its network of ligaments and cartilage, the knee absorbs shock and provides support, allowing for a wide range of activities—from gentle walking to intense athletic performance. However, due to its role in bearing weight and facilitating movement, the knee is susceptible to wear and tear, as well as injuries from overuse or sudden impact. Conditions such as ligament tears, cartilage damage, and arthritis are common and can affect mobility and comfort. Consulting an orthopedic specialist like Dr. Darshan Bafna ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for knee issues, helping patients regain function and improve their quality of life.

The knee’s functionality extends beyond basic movement, providing support and strength for various physical activities and ensuring overall lower-body coordination.

Load Distribution: The knee joint distributes body weight evenly across the leg, reducing strain on other joints such as the hip and ankle. This weight-bearing function is essential for standing, walking, and activities that involve prolonged use of the legs.
Power and Propulsion: The knee generates power for forward movement, especially in actions like running, jumping, and cycling. The muscles surrounding the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, provide strength and control, helping propel the body forward or upward.
Flexibility and Range of Motion: The knee’s hinge-like design allows it to bend and straighten with a wide range of motion. This flexibility is essential for various actions, from crouching and kneeling to adjusting stance, making it a key joint for diverse movements.
Support for Dynamic Movements: The knee stabilizes the body during quick changes in direction or sudden stops, as seen in sports or daily activities. This dynamic stability is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing falls or further injury.

Maintaining knee function is vital for both basic mobility and athletic performance. For those experiencing knee pain or instability, Dr. Darshan Bafna offers expert orthopedic care, focusing on treatments that restore knee strength, flexibility, and stability for a full, active lifestyle.

Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Treatment: Weight management, anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, and in severe cases, knee replacement surgery in Mumbai.

3. Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber. Tears usually happen when twisting or turning quickly, often during sports.

Symptoms: Pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty straightening the leg.
Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, and sometimes arthroscopic surgery to repair the tear. For specialized care, sports injury specialists in Borivali like Dr. Bafna are available.

4. Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee)

Overuse of the knee, especially in jumping sports, can lead to inflammation of the patellar tendon.

Symptoms: Pain just below the kneecap, especially during activity.
Treatment: Rest, ice, and physical therapy of the knee.

When to See a Doctor for Knee Problems

If you experience:

• Persistent pain or swelling in the knee.
• Difficulty putting weight on the knee or walking.
• Knee instability or a sensation of the knee "giving out."
• Limited range of motion or trouble bending the knee fully.

These may indicate a serious issue, such as ligament damage or cartilage wear, and you should consult an orthopedic surgeon in Mumbai like Dr. Bafna for a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

• Imaging Tests: An orthopedic specialist may order X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to get a detailed view of the knee's structure and identify the problem.
• Non-Surgical Treatments: For many knee problems, conservative treatment like physiotherapy, bracing, and medication can manage the symptoms effectively.
• Surgical Options:
  • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery where a small camera is inserted into the knee to diagnose and repair certain conditions like meniscus tears.
  • ACL Reconstruction: Surgery to replace a torn ACL with a tissue graft to restore stability.
  • Total Knee Replacement: For severe osteoarthritis or knee damage, the knee joint is replaced with an artificial one to restore function and alleviate pain. Robotic knee replacement in Mumbai is an advanced option for greater precision during the procedure.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

• Post-Surgery Recovery: After surgery, the focus is on physical therapy to restore the knee’s range of motion, strength, and stability.
• Exercises During Recovery: Strengthening exercises like leg raises, knee extensions, and stationary cycling are key to regaining full mobility.

Innovations in Knee Surgery and Treatment

• Robotic Knee Surgery: Robotics-assisted surgery allows for greater precision during knee replacements, leading to quicker recovery and better outcomes.
• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP injections are being studied to repair damaged cartilage and treat knee osteoarthritis, with promising early outcomes.