Joint & Extremity
Knee Pain
From the first ache to total knee replacement — care at every stage.
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people see an orthopedic surgeon. The causes range widely — from arthritis to ligament tears to meniscus injuries — and the right treatment depends on a precise diagnosis. Our team combines orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, regenerative medicine, and physical therapy under one roof, so you get the right treatment without bouncing between practices.
Understanding the Condition
What is Knee Pain?
The knee is the largest joint in the body and one of the most complex. It's a hinge between the femur and tibia, stabilized by four major ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), cushioned by two C-shaped menisci, lined with cartilage, and surrounded by tendons and bursae. Pain can come from any of those structures.
Knee conditions are usually grouped as: degenerative (arthritis), traumatic (ACL tears, meniscus tears, fractures), overuse (patellar tendinitis, IT band syndrome, runner's knee), or inflammatory (rheumatoid arthritis, gout). Each has a different treatment path.
Common Causes
- Osteoarthritis (cartilage wear — most common cause after age 50)
- ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL ligament tears
- Meniscus tears (acute or degenerative)
- Patellar tendinitis or quadriceps tendinitis
- Bursitis (prepatellar, pes anserine)
- Patellofemoral syndrome (runner's knee)
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Rheumatoid or post-traumatic arthritis
Common Symptoms
- Pain with walking, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Swelling, warmth, or visible deformity
- Catching, locking, or giving way of the knee
- Decreased range of motion
- Popping or grinding sensation (crepitus)
When to Seek Care
When Should You See a Specialist?
See a specialist if knee pain has lasted more than 2–4 weeks, if pain limits normal activity, if there's significant swelling or instability, or after any injury where the knee buckled, locked, or popped. Severe acute pain, inability to bear weight, or visible deformity warrants ER evaluation first.
Treatment Options
How We Treat Knee Pain
We always begin with the least invasive treatment that's likely to work for you. Surgery is reserved for cases where conservative care has been given a fair trial — or when the situation truly requires it.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Care
- Activity modification and weight management
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy with quadriceps and hip strengthening
- Cortisone injections for arthritis flares
- Hyaluronic acid (gel) injections for osteoarthritis
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for select tendon and mild arthritis cases
- Bracing and unloading techniques
Surgical Options
- Arthroscopic meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy
- ACL reconstruction (autograft or allograft)
- Cartilage restoration (microfracture, OATS, MACI)
- Partial knee replacement (unicompartmental)
- Total knee replacement — robotic-assisted options for precision
- Revision knee replacement for failed prior surgery
Recovery & Outlook
What to Expect After Treatment
Most non-surgical knee pain improves significantly with PT and activity modification within 6–12 weeks. ACL reconstruction return-to-sport: 6–9 months. Meniscus repair: 4–6 weeks for daily activity, 3–6 months for sport. Total knee replacement: walking same day, full activity at 3–6 months, implants lasting 20–25+ years.
Related Treatments
Services That Address Knee Pain
Knee Pain — Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
You May Also Want to Read About
ACL Tear
Anterior cruciate ligament injuries common in sports, often requiring surgical reconstruction.
Sports Injuries
A wide range of athletic injuries from sprains and strains to fractures and dislocations.
Fractures & Trauma
Simple and complex bone fractures requiring expert orthopedic management.
Arthritis
Degenerative joint disease causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Get Expert Help for Knee Pain
Our specialists can diagnose your condition and design a personalized treatment plan that gets you back to the life you love.