Get back to moving—without knee pain.
From sprains and sports injuries to arthritis and advanced joint damage, Marshfield Clinic orthopedic experts deliver complete knee care—diagnosis, treatment, rehab, and follow-up—so you can schedule with confidence and start feeling better, fast.
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Call: (866) 250-2510; Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Conditions we treat
Sports & activity injuries
- ACL tears: sudden pain, swelling, and knee instability are common right after injury. Within hours, swelling and limited motion can develop.
- PCL injuries: often from a powerful fall or motor vehicle collision; swelling and difficulty walking typically occur within hours.
- Runner’s knee: pain around the kneecap from repeated pressure or overuse.
- Meniscus tears: pain, swelling, and clicking or locking in the joint.
Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis (OA): the most common type; cartilage gradually wears away, usually progressing slowly.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): inflammatory; can damage cartilage and often affects both knees.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: develops after prior injury (fracture, ligament, or meniscus damage).
Treatments & therapies
Conservative care
Activity modifications, targeted exercises and physical therapy, bracing, heat/ice, and medications (including NSAIDs). Some patients benefit from injections such as corticosteroids or hyaluronate to help pain and function.
Cartilage restoration
For select patients—especially younger, active individuals—cartilage restoration can remove damaged tissue and replace it with healthy cartilage using techniques like microfracture, autograft (your own cartilage), or donor allograft. Recovery often involves 2–3 months with no weightbearing, then therapy; many return to higherlevel activity in ~8–10 months.
Meniscus care
Options range from activity modification and therapy to injections and arthroscopic surgery. Depending on tear type/location, treatment may be a repair (preferred when possible) or partial meniscectomy (trimming).
Ligament reconstruction (ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL)
When instability persists or for patients in pivoting/cutting sports, reconstruction using tendon grafts (patellar, hamstring, quadriceps, or cadaver allograft) restores knee stability and function, followed by structured rehab.
Total knee replacement
For advanced arthritis unresponsive to conservative options, knee replacement removes damaged surfaces and restores alignment and function. It’s one of the most common solutions in the U.S., with over 600,000 procedures performed annually.
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Frequently asked questions
What symptoms suggest a torn ACL or meniscus?
ACL tears often cause immediate pain, swelling, and instability; meniscus tears can cause pain, swelling, and clicking or locking.
If I’m not a competitive athlete, can I avoid ACL surgery?
Lower demand patients often do well with physical therapy and home exercises; your surgeon will tailor the plan to your goals.
What are my nonsurgical options for knee arthritis?
Lifestyle changes, therapy, bracing, heat/ice, and medications; injections may also help.
How is cartilage restoration performed?
Via microfracture, autograft, or donor allograft—chosen based on age, activity level, and defect size; expect staged rehabilitation.
What should I do before knee replacement?
Follow preop guidance on exercises, dental care, medication adjustments, and skin prep; bring your binder and coordinate a “coach."