Knee Pain Specialist

What is knee pain?

Knee pain refers to any type of discomfort you feel in or around your knee. Your knee is a large weight-bearing joint consisting of bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and muscles that all work together so you can stand, walk, run, and climb stairs.

Any injury or damage to any of the components that make up your knee may cause knee pain. You can develop knee pain from an acute injury, overuse, or the general wear-and-tear that occurs to the joint over time.

Depending on the cause, your knee pain may be dull and achy or sharp and severe.

What are the common causes of knee pain?

You can develop knee pain from any number of injuries or conditions. Common causes of knee pain include:

• Arthritis
• Sprain or strain
• Bursitis
• Dislocation
• Fracture
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
• Meniscus injury
• Iliotibial band syndrome (injury to the band that runs from your hip to your knee)
• Patellofemoral syndrome (pain in the front of your knee)

You may also develop knee pain if you engage in repetitive movements of the knee, such as having to kneel all day for your job (common in plumbers and carpet layers). Being overweight or obese also places additional stress on the weight-bearing joint, which may result in pain.

What happens during a knee pain evaluation?

Doctors United is a multi-specialty practice with providers from many areas of medicine, including orthopedics that specializes in knee pain. What happens during your knee pain evaluation may depend on your symptoms and the suspected cause of your discomfort.

However, you can expect a comprehensive, patient-focused exam to get an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. During your visit, your provider reviews your pain symptoms, medical history, and usual activities.

They do a physical examination, paying close attention to the knee that’s causing your pain. They may run diagnostic tests, such as blood work, X-rays, or an MRI, to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. 

How is knee pain treated?

Doctors United customizes your knee pain treatment plan based on the underlying cause, the severity of your symptoms, medical history, and daily activities. Treatment may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Joint injection
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Orthotic devices

If arthritis is the source of your knee pain and medical interventions no longer provide significant relief, your orthopedic specialist at Doctors United discusses surgical options. 

For comprehensive knee pain care, call Doctors United or schedule an appointment online today.