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It is estimated that over 20 million Germans suffer from joint pain. According to a study conducted by the Ruhr Universität Bochum, this figure increases to two out of five people in people aged 40 to 49 years. However, only every third person goes visits their doctor when suffering from joint pain, although modern therapy methods could often provide quick relief.

Causes

Causes of joint pain

The most frequent causes of joint pain are injuries and degenerative illnesses. In the case of joint injuries sustained during professional and hobby sport or occupational acute physical stress, tendons, cartilage, ligaments and bones can become damaged. Damage from wear (arthritis) is generally caused by uneven or too great a strain on the joint surface. Sport injuries to the knee (cruciate ligament tear, meniscus tear), the shoulder (rotator cuff tear, labrum tear) and other joints that have been insufficiently treated can also trigger premature arthritis.

It is important that arthritis be diagnosed at an early stage to increase the chances of recovery. The reason for this is that if arthritis is first diagnosed at an advanced stage, artificial joint replacement is often the only remedy. This is often linked to significant restrictions, especially for younger, active persons.

Inflammatory processes can also act as a trigger. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, which affects mostly the joints in the hand and foot, parts of the joint tissue are regarded as foreign by the body, for example. This generally triggers an extremely painful defence mechanism. Early diagnosis is essential to avoid consequential damage.

Our treatment options

Diagnosis

Joint pain is not only caused by injury or degenerative illness (arthritis). Numerous autoimmune diseases, bacterial infections or metabolic problems can affect the joints and lead to cartilage atrophy and inflammatory joint changes. A precise diagnosis is thus of crucial significance for the correct treatment.

To determine the cause of acute or chronic joint pain, it is necessary to perform an in-depth clinical examination and additional imaging diagnostic procedures by means of ultrasound (sonography), X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT).

Based on this information, we are able to create an individual therapy concept for our patients. This focuses initially on the broad range of conservative therapy options, as the majority of joint complaints can generally be treated safely and effectively with these.

Treatment – conservative

The basis for conservative treatment is initially specific minimally invasive pain therapy. Medication can relieve the pain and inhibit inflammation during the treatment. Depending on the cause of the joint pain, physiotherapy, strengthening and stretching of the muscles and sports that are easy on the joints such as swimming and cycling can relieve the complaints by building up the muscles and relieving the joints.

Conservative treatments also include heat and cold treatments, water and bath therapy, electrotherapy and ultrasound as well as hyaluronic acid injections and injections of blood plasma (PRP). Orthopaedic aids can also be applied depending on the problem, for example bandages, wedge pillows, booster seats, buffer heels or customised shoe inlays.

Treatment – operative

f the conservative treatment methods do not lead to the desired relief, or if there is already serious damage to the joints due to injury or wear, operative therapy options can be used as a remedy.

Most joint problems can be relieved or cured with an operation. The selection of treatment methods is based on the type and localisation of the causative disorder. As a result of the constant technical progress in medicine, we essentially use state-of-the-art, so-called minimally invasive techniques that do not damage tissue.

Arthroscopy, a gentler version of the surgical procedure on the joint, provides relief from joint pain. This method can be used on the knee to successfully treat a torn meniscus, cartilage damage or a tear in the cruciate ligament. Impingement syndrome (swimmer’s shoulder), a labrum tear (instability) or a tear in the rotary cuff on the shoulder can be extremely well-treated with keyhole surgery. We also perform arthroscopic operations very successfully on the ankle and hip joints. The surgical instruments are inserted through a small incision – reducing the healing time.

If there is acute cartilage damage, cartilage cell transplantation can eliminate the pain. This involves removing healthy cartilage cells from the joint, growing them in the laboratory and finally implanting them in the joint in a minimally invasive manner.

If the joint pain, which has been caused by wear, is too far advanced, often the only option for pain relief is a partial (hemi prosthesis, sled prosthesis) or complete end prosthesis (knee prosthesis, hip prosthesis, shoulder prosthesis). In this procedure, the damaged joint section is removed and replaced with an implant individually adapted to the needs of the patient. This operation is generally conducted in a minimally invasive manner and thus as gently as possible.

Prof. Dr. Lill OrthoCenter München

Your joint specialist Prof. Dr. Lill

YOUR CONTACT FOR JOINT PAIN

Professor Dr med. Lill would be happy to conduct a comprehensive examination of your joint to stop any progressive joint degeneration as quickly as possible. Make an appointment online with us at the OrthoCenter Munich.

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Treatment of knee pain in Munich

YOU ARE HERE Startseite > Joints > Knee

Knee

Diagnosis of knee pain in Munich

At the beginning, the focus is on a detailed discussion with the patient about the medical history and causes. This is followed by a detailed clinical examination with a movement check to determine the exact extent of the functional impairment. In many cases we use what are known as imaging procedures; these are helpful to consolidate the diagnosis. Ultrasound (sonography), x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) or computed tomography (CT) are available. We then create a therapy concept that is individually tailored to the patient and initially focuses on the broad spectrum of conservative treatment options. This will usually treat you effectively and safely for most knee complaints.

Your advantages at OrthoCenter Munich

  • Orthopedic treatment focus on spinetherapy
  • Wide range of conservative and operative procedures
  • Gentle procedures in focus: Dr. Riedel specializes in gentle pain therapy. He was head physician in various pain clinics for over 20 years
  • Joints and surgical expert: Prof. Dr. Lill specializes in the treatment of joints. He has years of experience in the field of minimally invasiveand arthroscopic ops.
  • Cooperation with clinics and research institutes worldwide
  • Renowned private practice: the OrthoCenter is internationally known and repeatedly welcomes patients from abroad who come to Munich for treatment

OUR ORTHOPEDIC SERVICES FOR KNEE IN THE SHOULDER

Torn or injured meniscus

Causes & Symptoms:

From floorers to skiers, meniscus injuries can happen to anyone who puts their knees through repeated stress. Learn more about this type of injury and the treatments available for a full recovery.

If the inner or outer meniscus tears, you may experience the following symptoms: acute pain that increases with rotational and bending stress, effusion of fluid throughout the knee joint, pressure-sensitivity on the outer edge of the meniscus and/or pain in the back of the knee and difficulty bending or stretching the leg. Not infrequently, a meniscal tear will occur together with a ligament tear or other type of knee injury. Therefore rapid assessment and treatment of the injury or injuries are necessary.

Treatment:

With the help of an x-ray and ultrasound your orthopaedic specialist will be able to make an informed diagnosis. Not every meniscus injury requires surgery. Physical therapy can also help to heal a damaged meniscus. If surgery is deemed to be necessary, you should not wait long to undergo treatment. An injured meniscus can lead to progressive cartilage damage and bone damage, ultimately leading to knee arthritis.

Torn anterior cruciate ligament

Causes & Symptoms:

A torn ligament can often affect very physically active people. Different sports, especially those where the legs and knees are heavily used, can be the cause of such a tear. The mobility of the patient is severely limited by this type of injury.

A tear of the ACL or PCL is not something that goes unnoticed. Very quickly after the injury, the patient will notice tremendous swelling in the knee and will of course experience pain. Pain is generally the indicator of such a tear but there also tends to be an accompanying popping sound. Because of the difficulty experienced in trying to diagnose a torn ligament, they often go undetected. You should therefore contact an orthopaedic specialist who can quickly make a proper diagnosis and initiate the appropriate steps for treating this injury.

Treatment:

Depending on each individual case, the orthopaedic specialist will recommend either a surgical or conservative method of treatment. Consistent weight training can restore stability in the knee joint and compensate for the now disfunctional ACL or PCL. For athletically active individuals, surgery is usually recommended. During ligament surgery, the damaged part of the ligament will be removed and replaced with tissue from elsewhere in the body.

Knee cartilage damage

Causes & Diagnosis:

Cartilage damage is an orthopaedic condition that patients should always get treated. This smooth cartilage protects the bones from wear and tear and overall destruction in the long term. Complications can be prevented by treating this condition.

Treatment:

Depending on what stage the disease has reached there is a choice of operative and non-operative treatments. If the cartilage has softened or torn, medication, injections and physical therapy can prevent advanced knee cartilage damage from occurring. In cases of defects that extend to the bone, knee surgery is advisable. As part of a knee arthroscopy, cartilage may be transplanted, loose fragments removed and further steps taken to positively impact the healing process.

Arthritis knee joint

Causes & Symptoms:

All joints are much more burdened in people who are overweight than in those who are of a normal weight. Arthritis, specifically knee arthritis, is therefore fairly common in overweight people. Knee arthritis also occurs with old age, or may alternatively be the result of a sports injury. The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis usually include pain. In the early stages, knee arthritis may not be noticeable because of the lack of pain. In all instances of suspected arthritis, early treatment is recommended to prevent stiffening of the joint and loss of knee function.

All joints are much more burdened in people who are overweight than in those who are of a normal weight. Arthritis, specifically knee arthritis, is therefore fairly common in overweight people. Knee arthritis also occurs with old age, or may alternatively be the result of a sports injury. The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis usually include pain. In the early stages, knee arthritis may not be noticeable because of the lack of pain. In all instances of suspected arthritis, early treatment is recommended to prevent stiffening of the joint and loss of knee function.

Treatment:

Untreated knee arthritis can lead to a total loss of the knee joint. The outlook after early treatment is very bright – even without surgery. If the arthritis has occurred simply because of old age, additional measures will be taken to alleviate the symptoms associated with the condition. Knee osteoarthritis, which can rapidly deteriorate, must first be treated by eliminating the causes of the condition. Weight reduction is an important therapeutic recommendation. Physical therapy should also be undertaken to help strengthen muscles around the knee. Surgery may be required in cases of severe cartilage degradation. Depending on the stage of the disease, cartilage may be able to be transplanted or the entire joint may have to be replaced. Knee pain is the first alarm that knee arthritis is affecting your knee. An orthopaedic specialist can help you prevent the rapid deterioration of the knee joint’s condition.

Deviation leg axis

Causes & Symptoms:

The incorrect loading of one or both of the legs due to a deformity or abnormal gait leads to long-term damage of the joints and must be treated as early on as possible by an orthopaedic specialist. In general, the so-called bowlegs and knock-knees are not associated with pain. Pain is normally only caused by degenerative disease resulting from these abnormalities. You should never let the condition get this far, though, because treating leg deformities is relatively easy.

Treatment:

Orthopaedic shoes, inserts and splits are the most common choices for treating leg deformities. Most gait abnormalities can be treated in this manner and thus further damage is prevented. Severe deformation of the legs must be treated surgically as part of a corrective osteotomy. Here, the affected bone is cut out, reshaped and reinserted to the correct position. Cartilage that may have already been slightly damaged is now free of pressure and other conditions can no longer arise because of the knock-knees or bowlegs. The treatment of knock-knees and bowlegs is daily business for orthopaedic specialists. An exact examination of the cause and of course of the resulting damage is absolutely necessary.

Patellar luxation

Causes:

Regardless of whether or not the patella sorts itself out or remains in the incorrect position, an orthopaedic surgeon is required to help treat a dislocated patella. Generally this condition only occurs in people who have a congenital malformation of the kneecap and floating bearing, but it is also possible to be caused by an injury. Find out how this condition manifests itself and how it is treated.

Symptoms & Treatment:

Even if the patellar luxation corrects itself, it is still important to figure out why it happened in the first place. If the kneecap itself is malformed, this will need to be corrected to prevent further dislocation. Also, it is important to determine whether or not there has been a crack in the retinaculum. Particular caution is advised when the patella remains out of position. Not only is this extremely painful, but realigning the kneecap should only be done by a professional. Doing so incorrectly may damage cartilage and bone, which in turn can cause other knee conditions.

Aching kneecap

Causes & Symptoms:

The aching kneecap is a common disease, of which many people are at least temporarily affected. Take the pain long time or do they always noticeable – for example, by stress and rest pain in the knee – an orthopedist should investigate the causes of the disease.

Treatment:

As varied as the causes of knee pain are also their treatment options. Physiotherapy is also in question as a medical treatment, orthopedic shoes as well as cold therapy. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary, preceded by a detailed study of the exact causes of an aching kneecap.

Patella dysplasia

Causes:

If the kneecap is not being used in a uniform manner, this may be because of years of wear and the onset of dysplasia. In this case, the cartilage below the kneecap will have worn out. Knee pain will follow and a timely diagnosis as well as a course of treatment are necessary to prevent this wear on the patella.

Treatment:

An x-ray of the kneecap will allude to its symmetry and form, so that dysplasia can either be ruled out or diagnosed and treated quickly. A deformed kneecap can cause pain to develop over many years in the knee, but this may never be the case. Treatment of course is only necessary in cases where pain is present. Through targeted strength conditioning of the knee extensors and stretching of the hamstring, the pain can be stopped. If this fails, depending on the type of condition the patient has, different forms of surgical treatment will be offered to correct this knee dysplasia. Knee dysplasia is an orthopaedic disease that can lead to serious injury of the knee if left untreated. If you experience long-lasting knee pain, you should let your knee be examined by an experienced orthopaedic specialist.

Knee bursitis

Causes:

Bursae perform an important role in the overall function of the knee, acting as a type of cushion that protects the knee from overuse and injury. If one subjects their knee to monotonous motions or there is a deformity in the knee joint, bursitis can develop. Injuries and accidents can also be at the root of the condition. The disease is usually characterised by swelling and pain. For each potential case a clear diagnosis and appropriate course of treatment are advised.

Treatment:

If your case of knee bursitis is caused by another knee disorder, treatment of this other disorder is also required. Incorrect movement patterns can be changed with the help of an occupational therapist in order to prevent over-burdening the knee. Physical therapy, mud therapy, electro-therapy, injection and ultrasound therapy are all types of treatment that can immediately be started. Strengthening exercises will be of great benefit. These should also offer you almost immediate relief from discomfort. Only in severe cases will surgery be required to help clear up bursitis.

Prof. Dr. Lill OrthoCenter München

Your knee specialist Prof. Dr. Lill

YOUR CONTACT FOR KNEE PAIN

The orthopaedic specialist and surgeon Professor Lill is well known for his expertise in treating and diagnosing all type of knee problems. Make an appointment with him today and allow him to relieve your knee pain.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

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Unsere Fachärzte für Orthopädie sind Mitglieder in den folgenden Gesellschaften und Organisationen. Ziel dieser Gesellschaften ist eine optimale Vernetzung der Fachärzte und der Wissenstransfer – so halten wir unser Know-How stets auf dem neuesten Stand.

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UNSERE MITGLIED-
SCHAFTEN

Unsere Fachärzte für Orthopädie sind Mitglieder in den folgenden Gesellschaften und Organisationen. Ziel dieser Gesellschaften ist eine optimale Vernetzung der Fachärzte und der Wissenstransfer – so halten wir unser Know-How stets auf dem neuesten Stand.

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