Help for Hip Pain
Many people develop hip pain as they get older. Here’s what you can do about it.
Keeping Muscles Strong
Strong muscles are an important component of moving well and avoiding injuries. Learn more.
Keep Your Knees Healthy
Don’t let a knee injury keep you on the couch. Learn what you can do to protect these vital joints.
Bones, Joints and Muscles Topics
Ask an Expert
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
I had an X-ray and MRI on my right knee for severe pain. The radiologist said there was an ACL tear, but my doctor attributed it to arthritis. I don't have swelling and the pain is intermittent. If it were arthritis, wouldn't I have other symptoms?
This is a complicated question, so I'll try to break it down into two issues.First, let's talk about the ACL tear diagnosis. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main stabilizers of the knee.... continue reading about I had an X-ray and MRI on my right knee for severe pain. The radiologist said there was an ACL tear, but my doctor attributed it to arthritis. I don't have swelling and the pain is intermittent. If it were arthritis, wouldn't I have other symptoms?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
My knee locks up on occasion and pain radiates up to my hip and down my leg into my ankle. Is this something to be alarmed about? I do not have trouble walking, but it does ache more when sitting or laying in bed.
Knee pain is an extremely common complaint in an orthopedic surgeon's office. Some of the questions that we use to help sort out the cause of knee pain include:Is this an acute problem, or has is it started slo... continue reading about My knee locks up on occasion and pain radiates up to my hip and down my leg into my ankle. Is this something to be alarmed about? I do not have trouble walking, but it does ache more when sitting or laying in bed.
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
I've been having problems with my knee hurting when I bend it or straighten it out. What can I do to help the pain, and should I see a doctor?
Thanks for the question! From what you're describing, it seems that your knee hurts with full straightening (extension) and also full bending (flexion). This symptom of pain at the extremes of knee motion can b... continue reading about I've been having problems with my knee hurting when I bend it or straighten it out. What can I do to help the pain, and should I see a doctor?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
What is the RICE method of knee pain treatment?
The "R.I.C.E." method of treating mild sprains and strains in the lower extremities is a common and quite useful way to get back to normal activities.When a knee (or any other joint) becomes injured, there is o... continue reading about What is the RICE method of knee pain treatment?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
I am 79 years old and fairly fit, but I have some problems with balance and a lot of pain in my knees. An orthopedist said I had "bone-on-bone" issues. Do you have any advice for me that could help me make a decision about knee replacements?
This is an extremely common question, and I'm glad you brought it up. Osteoarthritis of the knee is a "wear and tear" phenomenon that affects the majority of the population during their later years. It is not a... continue reading about I am 79 years old and fairly fit, but I have some problems with balance and a lot of pain in my knees. An orthopedist said I had "bone-on-bone" issues. Do you have any advice for me that could help me make a decision about knee replacements?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
Why might I get swelling behind my knee when I run?
Swelling is a common concern when dealing with knee pain and knee injuries. Besides the appearance of a swollen knee, many patients complain of the discomfort and lack of motion that may coincide with the knee ... continue reading about Why might I get swelling behind my knee when I run?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
I recently heard about a new knee procedure that uses medical separators rather than total knee replacement to relieve pain from osteoarthritis degeneration. Can you tell me about this and where to find out about getting it done?
Thanks for the great question. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain - it is the "wear and tear" degeneration of the knee's cartilage layer that occurs over time. In basic terms, it is like the brake pa... continue reading about I recently heard about a new knee procedure that uses medical separators rather than total knee replacement to relieve pain from osteoarthritis degeneration. Can you tell me about this and where to find out about getting it done?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
My knee pops out consistently when I work out. I’m 19 years old, at a healthy weight and have an active lifestyle. I have quit working out several times due to painful cracks and pops. Is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening?
A knee that decides to "pop" or make cracking sounds can be quite alarming. I think that all of us at one time or another have kneeled down and had our knees make a loud noise, but no pain occurs. In the majori... continue reading about My knee pops out consistently when I work out. I’m 19 years old, at a healthy weight and have an active lifestyle. I have quit working out several times due to painful cracks and pops. Is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
What's the fastest way to recover from Achilles tendonitis? I have a case of insertional tendonitis, and it's been six weeks since I've been able to run. I'd like to get back to my activities.
Thanks for the question - this is one that we get frequently! Achilles tendon issues are quite common and can vary in severity from annoying to debilitating. Mild tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendon, can ... continue reading about What's the fastest way to recover from Achilles tendonitis? I have a case of insertional tendonitis, and it's been six weeks since I've been able to run. I'd like to get back to my activities.
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