Knee Pain Specialist

Knee Pain Q & A

What is Knee Pain?

Knee pain can affect people of all ages. It can result from medical conditions such as gout, arthritis, or infections, or it may result from injuries like a torn cartilage or ruptured ligament. Signs and symptoms of knee pain include:

• Difficulty straightening the knee

• Weakness

• Swelling

• Stiffness

• Redness or warmth

• Popping noises

The severity and exact location of knee pain vary depending on the cause.

What Causes Knee Pain?

Knee injuries are one of the most common causes of knee pain. These injuries can include:

• ACL injuries

• Fractures

• Bursitis

• Tendonitis

• Dislocation

• Altered gait related to hip or foot pain

An injury to the knee may affect the ligaments, tendons, bones, cartilage, or the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) surrounding the knee joint.

How is the Cause of Knee Pain Diagnosed?

The experienced team at Brooklyn Pain Doctors thoroughly examines your knee and conducts imaging and tests as needed to accurately diagnose the cause of your knee pain. Almost all patients will have an X-ray to detect bone fractures or signs of degenerative joint disease. Additional tests may include:

• Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

• Ultrasound

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Once the doctor determines the cause of your knee pain, they can suggest a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain and address the underlying issue.

How is Knee Pain Treated?

Treatment options depend on the cause of the knee pain. Common knee pain treatments include:

• Medication: Mild knee pain can be treated with over-the-counter medication and rest. For more severe issues, prescription pain relievers may be needed. If you have arthritis or gout, your doctor will prescribe medications to manage the underlying condition.

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapists help you learn exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee. If you're active or participate in sports, physical therapy can also help correct movements that affect your knees.

• Joint Injections: For pain relief and swelling reduction, your doctor may recommend a knee injection. Common types of injections include corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

• Surgery: When conservative treatments don't relieve knee pain, surgery may be necessary. Common knee surgeries include:

  • Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure using a fiber-optic camera and small instruments to examine and repair joint damage.

  • Partial Knee Replacement Surgery: In this procedure, the damaged portion of the knee is replaced with metal and plastic components.

  • Total Knee Replacement: In more severe cases, the entire knee joint is replaced.

To find out if your knee pain requires surgery or other treatment, call Brooklyn Pain Doctors today or schedule an appointment online. Our experienced team will help determine the best course of action to address your knee pain and get you back to living an active life.