Intrinsic Knee problems are due to anatomic injuries in the knee. The knee joint is made up of the femur or thigh bone and the tibia, the main leg bone. In the knee joint are two cartilages, or menisci which act as shock absorbers. The knee is further supported by two main ligaments in the joint (anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments) and out side the joint (medial and lateral collateral ligaments). In front of the main knee joint is the patella (knee cap). This makes another joint the patella femoral joint. Around the knee joint are multiple ligaments and tendons and bursas (fluid filled sacs).

Knee arthritis:
This disorder can be treated with exercises, braces, heel wedges, or injections. However, ultimately a knee replacement is the treatment. However, this is the last resort and only used if not relief with conservative measures.

Patellar femoral syndrome:
This disorder is the most common knee disorder and usually due to leg weakness. It can be treated with exercises. However, occasionally injections may be used to relief the pain so the exercises can be done.

Patella tendonitis:
This knee disorder is an overuse knee disorder which generally is treated symptomatically. No injections should be done.

Meniscal tear (medial or lateral):
These tears involve the cartilage shock absorbers of the knee. They only need surgery if they cause a locking or catching of the knee or the pain is not resolved with conservative measures such as exercise, braces, and possibly injections.

Anterior Cruciate ligament tear:
This ligament prevents forward slide of the leg. It generally should be repaired. However, as is most orthopedic issues this is the decision of the patient.

Posterior Cruciate ligament tear:
This ligament prevents backward slide of the leg. It Does not necessarily need to be repaired but requires proper leg strengthening.

Medial collateral ligament injury:
This ligament prevents outwards movement of the leg and needs surgical repair usually.

Lateral collateral ligament injury:
This ligament prevents inward movement of the leg and usually does not require surgical repair.

Osteocondral defect:
This is essentially cartilage damage of the knee which can be treated symptomatically with exercises to strengthen the knee, or injections. However, the “fix” requires surgery although it is not usually done.

Pes anserine burisits:
This fluid filled sac which runs under the hamstring tendons. This condition can be treated with stretching exercises and possibly injections.

Osgood schlatter:
This condition, generally doesn’t cause pain and is due to pulling of the tendons on the bone during rapid growth. This can be treated with knee pads to prevent too much pressure on the knee or at absolutely last resort surgery.

Plica:
These remnants of tissues when still a fetus generally are more in the inner part of the knee. The can be partially treated with injection or surgical resection.