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. Jason Thackeray, Dr. Mark Tenholder, Dr. James Watt, Dr. T. Jacob Seales, Dr. David Dean, Dr. Jake Hawkins, Dr. J. Ryan Cotton, Dr. Nicholas Crossman, Dr. Chad Mitchell, and Dr. Jack McKay 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
- CORI◊ robotics-assisted joint replacement
- Customized knee replacement
- Ligament reconstruction
- Mako® robotic-arm assisted partial knee replacement
- Mako robotic-arm assisted total knee replacement
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Partial knee replacement
- Revision total knee replacement
- ROSA® Knee robotic-assisted total knee replacement
- Rotating platform knee replacement
- Surgical fracture care
- Total knee replacement
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
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 requesting an appointment online or calling one of our five locations: Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Crestview, or Panama City.
