Knee
Knee and ACL
Torn ligaments, meniscus tears, kneecap pain and arthritis. A clear diagnosis first, then the least you need to get back to what you do.
Typical range
ACL reconstruction, back to cutting sports
9 to 12 months or more
First, the right diagnosis.
The knee takes more sport-related injuries than any other joint. A pop on a cut, a twist on the ski hill or a knee that swells after every run all need a proper exam, not a guess.
Many knee problems settle with a focused rehab plan. Some, like a full ACL tear in someone who wants to cut and pivot again, often do better with surgery. We explain both paths with you in the room, and the choice stays yours.
What we treat
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ACL tears
Often a pop and fast swelling after a pivot or a landing.
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Meniscus tears
Catching, locking or pain along the joint line.
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MCL and other ligament sprains
Most heal with a brace and rehab.
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Kneecap pain and instability
Pain on stairs and squats, or a kneecap that slips.
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Patellar and quad tendon pain
Common in jumpers and runners.
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Knee arthritis
Stiffness and aching that build over months or years.
Your options, side by side.
MOVE · INJECT
Without surgery
- Physical therapy in our building Strength, control and a return-to-run plan written for your sport.
- Bracing and activity changes Short-term support while the knee calms down.
- Injections Cortisone or gel injections for arthritis flares, when they fit.
- Load management A plan to keep training without making it worse.
REPAIR
With surgery
- ACL reconstruction A new ligament made from your own tendon or a donor graft.
- Meniscus repair Stitching a tear that has a good chance to heal.
- Meniscus trim Removing a torn flap that keeps catching.
- Cartilage procedures and knee replacement For specific cartilage injuries or advanced arthritis.
When surgery comes up
Surgery comes up when the knee keeps giving way, a tear blocks the joint from moving, or you want to return to sports that put a torn ACL at risk. Some active adults with an ACL tear choose rehab first and do well in straight-line sports. We will tell you which group you are likely in, and why.
Recovery, in ranges.
These are typical ranges, not promises. We narrow yours at every visit as we see how you heal.
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Knee sprain or bone bruise, no surgery 2 to 8 weeks
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Meniscus trim, back to sport 4 to 12 weeks
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Meniscus repair, back to sport 4 to 6 months
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ACL reconstruction, back to running 3 to 5 months
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ACL reconstruction, back to cutting sports 9 to 12 months or more
Return to cutting and pivoting sports after ACL surgery is based on strength and hop testing, not the calendar alone. General ranges from published guidance, shown on a stretched time scale. They are not a promise about your recovery.
X-ray or MRI?
An X-ray shows bone. An MRI shows the rest.
The ACL and the meniscus are soft tissue, so they do not show up on an X-ray. We still take one, because it rules out fractures and shows arthritis. An MRI comes next only when it would change the plan, and we handle the insurance approval.
Your first visit.
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01
A hands-on exam of both knees, so we can compare.
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02
X-ray in the building the same visit when it will help.
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03
MRI ordered only when the answer would change your plan.
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04
A written plan with the options, the ranges and the next step.
Questions.
Do I need an MRI before my first visit?
No. An exam tells us a lot, and an X-ray in the building fills in the bone side. If an MRI would change the plan, we order it and handle the insurance approval.
Can I wait on ACL surgery?
Often, yes. Many people do several weeks of rehab first to get the swelling down and the motion back, which helps recovery either way. Waiting a long time while the knee keeps giving way can damage the meniscus, so we watch for that.
Will I need a brace after ACL surgery?
Some patients use a brace for a few weeks after surgery. A brace for sport later is a choice we make together. It does not replace strength.
Other care
Ready to talk about your knee?
Book a visit online in about three minutes, or walk in to ortho urgent care for a fresh injury.
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Booked visits
New injuries are usually seen within a few business days. Concussions within the week.
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Walk in
Boise Bench, 7 days. Meridian, Monday to Saturday. No appointment needed.
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Call
(208) 555-0163 weekdays from 7:30 a.m.