When evaluating a lower extremity injury, it is important for the physician to obtain a full understanding of causation, the symptoms, and the onset progression of the injury. Many times, an injury in the lower extremity is not isolated so it is important to determine the cause and all locations of pain. The physician will use a combination of physical examinations as well as the use of X-Rays, MRIs, and other scans to help diagnose the problem. After running these diagnostic tests, the physician works with their team as well as the patient to determine the best course of action for treatment.
The most common knee injuries are fractures, dislocations, and sprains or tears of the soft tissues in the knee. Patellar (kneecap) fractures are the most common of fractures, most commonly caused by falls from high up. Most often, dislocations are also caused by falls from high up as well as sports related injuries. Soft tissue tears include tears to the: ACL, PCL, MCL, meniscus, and tendons. Non-surgical treatments for knee injuries include immobilization, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, many knee injuries will require surgery for repair.
The two most common ankle injuries are fractures and sprains, which involve the bones and ligaments in the ankle; however, you can also strain or tear tendons as well. A fracture refers to a break in one of the bones in the ankle or foot. A sprain refers to damage to ligaments being stretched beyond their normal range of motion, and a strain is damage to the muscles and tendons from being pulled or stretched too far. Depending on the severity of the injury, the course of treatment can range from rest to physical therapy or even surgery.
With 26 bones making up the anatomy of the foot connected to multiple joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, the foot is one of the most complex body parts to treat. Common foot related injuries and disorders include fractures and sprains, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, heel spurs, bunions, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. Many times these injuries and disorders can be treated conservatively; oftentimes they are more complicated and need to be repaired with surgery.
Dr. Mahesh Bagwe, a physician at Ortho Missouri, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship-trained in foot and ankle reconstruction. He also serves as a team physician for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Dr. Bagwe’s primary area of interest is lower extremity disorders. His specialties include: Foot and Ankle Surgery; Arthroscopic Surgery; Cartilage Repairs; Ankle Joint Replacements; Foot & Ankle Injections; Reconstructive Surgery; General Orthopedic Surgery; Sports Medicine; and Knee Surgery. He has been widely recognized and sought after for his innovative procedures that help patients regain their mobility.
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Dr. Bagwe is an Orthopedic Surgeon in St. Louis, Missouri | As a world class lower extremity specialist Dr. Bagwe treats disorders of the knee, foot and ankle which cause acute or chronic pain. With several locations in the St. Louis metro area, we offer solutions for Arthritis, Sprains and strains, Bursitis and tendonitis, Fractures, sports related injuries, work related injuries, stress fracture, Cubital tunnel syndrome, Knee ligament tear (ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL), Meniscal (cartilage) tear, Heel spurs, Plantar fasciitis, Shin splints, Hammer toe and other toe disorders, Achilles tendon problems, Bunions, and more.
