Get back to moving with expert knee care

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) 520-2510 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Conditions we treat

Sports and activity injuries

  • ACL tears: Sudden pain, swelling and knee instability are common right after injury
  • PCL injuries: Swelling and difficulty walking will typically occur within hours typically after a powerful fall or accident
  • 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 wearing away and it usually progresses slowly
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Inflammatory; can damage cartilage and often affects both knees
  • Posttraumatic arthritis: Develops after prior injury (fracture, ligament or meniscus damage)

Treatments and therapies

Conservative care
Activity modifications, targeted exercises, physical therapy, bracing, heat, ice and medications (including NSAIDs). Some patients benefit from injections such as corticosteroids or hyaluronate to help with pain and function.

Cartilage restoration
For select patients, especially younger and/or 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 two to three months with no weightbearing, then therapy. Many return to higher-level activity in approximately eight to 10 months.

Meniscus care
Options range from activity modification and therapy to injections and arthroscopic surgery. Depending on tear type and location, treatment may be a repair, which is preferred when possible, or partial meniscectomy (trimming).

Ligament reconstruction (ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL)
When instability persists or for patients in pivoting or 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?

Anterior cruciate ligament 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, medications or injections could help.

How is cartilage restoration performed?

Via microfracture, autograft or donor allograft. This is decided based on age, activity level and defect size; expect staged rehabilitation.

What should I do before knee replacement?

Follow pre-op guidance on exercises, dental care, medication adjustments and skin prep. Bring your binder and coordinate a “coach.”