Knee
Knee doctors and surgeons are dedicated orthopaedic specialists who diagnose and treat injuries and conditions of the knee, such as osteoarthritis, meniscus injuries, and cartilage damage. These specialists can often treat knee pain without surgery. However, when surgery, such as knee arthroscopy or knee replacement, is needed, these doctors also have the skills required to perform the procedure.
At Orthopaedic Associates, our knee doctors, Dr. Mark Tenholder, Dr. James Watt, Dr. T. Jacob Seales, Dr. David Dean, and Dr. Jake Hawkins, are recognized experts in the diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries and conditions. Our orthopaedists have extensive training and experience in the surgical and nonsurgical care of the knee and are dedicated to providing you with the specialized, compassionate care you need to become stronger.
Expert Knee Care for a Stronger You
During an exam, our knee doctors begin assessing a patient by having them describe their knee pain as well as asking the patient details about their knee problem. Following that, our knee doctors will usually perform a physical examination to further assess the knee. They may also request an X-ray or additional tests to better understand the injury. Once they determine the diagnosis, our knee specialists will create an individualized treatment plan specific to the patient's needs.
When our knee doctors and surgeons develop a treatment plan for a patient with a knee injury or condition, such as an ACL injury or cartilage damage, their first step is always to consider nonoperative treatment options first, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or ultrasound-guided injections. Although every patient is unique, oftentimes there is a nonsurgical treatment that can improve or even eliminate knee pain. However, sometimes the patient's knee issue will not respond to nonsurgical options or becomes so problematic that knee surgery is recommended as the best choice.
If knee surgery, such as knee replacement, is the best option for you, our board-certified and specialty-trained surgeons will work with you to create a surgical treatment plan that is right for your knee issue. Our knee surgeons are equipped with state-of-the-art technology as well as the knowledge and surgical skills needed to treat your knee problem and get you on the road to becoming stronger.
Having undergone extensive training, our knee surgeons are highly skilled and are considered experts in the following knee procedures and surgeries:
- Arthroscopy
- Computer-assisted surgery
- Customized knee replacement
- Ligament reconstruction
- Mako SmartRobotics™ robotic-arm assisted partial knee replacement
- Mako SmartRobotics™ robotic-arm assisted total knee replacement
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Partial knee replacement
- Revision total knee replacement
- Rotating platform knee replacement
- Surgical fracture care
- Total knee replacement
Patient Education Center
Explore trusted resources designed to help you better understand your condition, treatment options, and recovery plan. Access expert-written articles, procedure videos, and guided exercise programs to support informed decisions and confident care.
Orthopaedic Urgent Care
Our Orthopaedic Urgent Care provides timely evaluation and treatment for acute bone, joint, and muscle injuries, helping patients be seen within 24 to 48 hours. Receive expert care without the long wait times or expense of the emergency room.
Our Knee Doctors
When pain is holding you back, our experienced doctors are here to help. From conservative care to advanced surgical solutions, we'll build a treatment plan that's right for you. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward getting back to what matters most.
Signs You May Have a Knee Injury
Common signs and symptoms you may be experiencing if you have a knee condition or injury include:
- Knee joint stiffness
- Lingering knee pain following an accident or sports-related injury
- Pain behind or around the kneecap
- Popping or snapping sound
- Severe knee pain in or behind the knee
- Swelling and tenderness
- Unable to fully bend or straighten the knee without knee pain
- Walking is difficult
If you are experiencing any of the above for more than a few days or if any of them are getting worse, make an appointment to see a knee or sports medicine doctor or a joint replacement surgeon. The knee, sports medicine, or joint replacement doctor or surgeon may diagnose you with one of the following injuries or conditions:
- A type of arthritis, including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
- Bursitis
- Cartilage damage
- Fracture
- Ligament injury
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury
- Meniscus injury, such as a meniscus tear
- Sports injury
- Sprain
- Tendon injury, such as a tendon tear
- Tendonitis
Rotating Platform Knee
Rotating platform knee replacements are specially designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee. While performing everyday activities such as walking, driving, squatting, or kneeling, your knee can bend to the right or left as much as 15°. To learn more about rotating platform knee replacement, please use the button below to learn more.
Tenex
Tenex is a minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided procedure that precisely targets and removes damaged tissue without the need for traditional surgery. With minimal downtime and lasting relief, it offers an effective path back to the activities you love. To learn more about Tenex, please use the button below to learn more.
Robotic Assisted Joint Replacement
Robotic-assisted joint replacement combines leading-edge technology with surgical precision to deliver a more personalized, accurate procedure than traditional methods. With a faster recovery and improved long-term outcomes, patients are getting back to their lives sooner than ever before. To learn more about robotic-assisted joint replacement, please use the button below.
Conditions
Treatments
Orthopaedic Associates: The Strength of Experience
At Orthopaedic Associates, we are regional experts committed to providing patient-centered care. When you are seen by one of our experienced orthopaedic providers—from our knee specialists and sports medicine and joint replacement surgeons to our physical therapists and physician assistants—you can rest assured that you are receiving treatment from an experienced orthopaedic provider who is highly skilled in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of the musculoskeletal system.
As a team, our goal is to help you, educate you, care for you, and treat you with the same high level of care and respect we would want for a member of our own family. Throughout your entire orthopaedic experience, we will be by your side for every step—from your first appointment to your last.
If you are ready to start your journey to a stronger you with less or no knee pain, take the first step by scheduling an appointment online or calling one of our three locations: Fort Walton Beach, Destin, or Crestview.