Knee Treatments in Missoula, Montana

Knee arthritis develops when the protective cartilage in your knee joint gradually wears away, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. We treat all types of knee arthritis, including knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis, with solutions ranging from conservative management to joint replacement. Our Missoula orthopedic specialists work with you to find the right combination of treatments that alleviates arthritis pain and preserves your joint function for as long as possible. Early intervention can significantly slow the progression of arthritis and help you maintain an active lifestyle.

Ligament injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tears, commonly occur during sports activities or traumatic accidents. These injuries can cause sharp pain, swelling, instability, and a feeling that your knee might give out during activity. We provide a comprehensive evaluation using advanced imaging to determine the severity of your ligament damage and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach. Depending on your injury and activity goals, treatment may range from bracing and physical therapy to prescribed medication or surgical reconstruction.

The meniscus acts as a cushion between your thigh bone and lower leg, and tears can occur from sudden twisting movements or gradual degeneration over time. Patients with meniscus tears often experience pain, swelling, stiffness, difficulty fully straightening the knee, and a catching sensation during movement. Our team evaluates each tear individually to determine whether conservative treatment or surgical repair offers the best outcome. We consider factors like tear location, pattern, and your activity level when developing your personalized treatment plan.

Patellar fractures occur when the kneecap breaks due to direct impact or severe stress, while dislocations happen when the kneecap slides out of its normal position. Both conditions cause severe pain, swelling, visible deformity, and inability to straighten the leg or bear weight. These injuries require prompt medical attention to prevent long-term complications, reduce stress, and ensure proper healing. Our specialists determine whether your injury requires immobilization and rest or surgical intervention to restore proper kneecap alignment and function.

Knee bursitis develops when the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your knee joint become inflamed due to repetitive pressure, direct trauma, or infection. This condition causes localized swelling, warmth, muscle weakness, and pain that worsens with movement or when kneeling. We identify the underlying cause of your bursitis and develop a treatment plan that may include rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and protective padding. In persistent cases, we may recommend aspiration or steroid shots to reduce inflammation and restore comfortable movement.

Cartilage damage in the knee can result from acute injuries, repetitive stress, or degenerative conditions that wear away the smooth tissue covering your bones. Damaged cartilage causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and may produce grinding or clicking sensations during movement. Unlike other tissues, cartilage has a limited ability to heal on its own, making professional treatment essential for preventing further deterioration. We offer advanced treatment options, including cartilage restoration procedures to repair cartilage, joint injections, and surgical techniques designed to repair or replace damaged tissue.