Knee

It’s easy to take your knees for granted — until they start hurting and stop working. Experienced board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, Jonathan Frank, MD, specializes in joint preservation and replacement for patients with chronic knee problems. From physical therapy and medication to leading-edge precision medical techniques and minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Frank can help with your knee symptoms. Call the West Hollywood, California, office or book your appointment online now.

What causes knee pain?

About 25% of adults have chronic knee pain. Knee pain may occur due to sports injuries, falls, and joint degeneration, including: 

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or sprain
• Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tear or sprain
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear or sprain
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear or sprain
• Baker’s cyst
• Cartilage injuries
• Kneecap dislocation
• Fractures 
• Meniscus tears
• Multi-ligament injuries
• Osteoarthritis 
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome 
• Patellar instability
• Patellar tendon tear
• Pes anserine (knee tendon) bursitis
• Quadriceps tendon rupture
• Runner’s knee

The risk of knee pain and injuries goes up as you age. This happens due to decades of wear-and-tear and pressure on the joints. The ligaments and muscles that support your knee also weaken over the years, and your natural shock absorbers, the menisci, wear down.

When do knee issues need treatment?

Healthy knees shouldn’t hurt. Your knee joints are naturally strong and withstand a lot of pressure on a daily basis. The joints protest when they’re damaged, so knee pain, stiffness, and range-of-motion difficulties are cues for you to seek treatment. 

If you’re struggling to do your everyday activities, like rising from a sitting position, kneeling, climbing stairs, or walking, it’s especially urgent that you reach out to Jonathan Frank, MD. These problems decrease your quality of life. You don’t have to sit on the sidelines of your life if you seek treatment. 

How are knee problems treated?

Dr. Frank is a leading joint preservation specialist, so his goal is to help you get your knee joints healthy and keep them that way for as long as possible. Nonoperative treatments like physical therapy, precision medicine injections, and medication help with many knee problems.

If nonsurgical care isn’t effective, Dr. Frank can use a specialized technique called arthroscopy to correct issues inside your knee through a few very small incisions. Arthroscopy can:

• Repair or remove a torn meniscus
• Reconstruct a torn ligament
• Remove an inflamed joint lining
• Trim damaged joint cartilage
• Remove loose bodies (bone or cartilage)
• Treat knee sepsis (infection)

If you have more complex knee damage, Dr. Frank may recommend a knee replacement. He uses the state-of-the-art Mako SmartRobotics™ system to precisely remove damaged joint surfaces and position implants. Late-stage osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee replacements.

Call Jonathan Frank, MD, or click the online scheduling feature today.