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Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common symptom with many possible causes, from sports injuries and tendonitis to arthritis. Because the right treatment depends on the source, an accurate diagnosis by an orthopedic specialist is the first step. Most knee pain is managed without surgery, and minimally invasive options are available when the joint needs repair or replacement.

What Causes Knee Pain?

The knee is a hinge joint where the thigh bone, shin bone, and kneecap meet. It is cushioned by cartilage and the two C-shaped menisci, stabilized by four major ligaments, and powered by the quadriceps and hamstring tendons. Injury or wear to any of these structures can cause pain.
 
Common injuries include meniscus tears and sprained or torn ligaments. Medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, gout, and tendonitis are other frequent causes, and pain around the kneecap is often runner’s knee. The severity ranges from mild to disabling.

Treatments For Knee Pain

Many cases of knee pain are treated with conservative care, injections, or medication. Surgery is needed only in selected cases.

Non-surgical care

  • Rest, ice, and activity modification. Calm an acute flare or injury.
  • Physical therapy. Strengthens the muscles that support the knee.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication. Reduces pain and swelling.
  • Injections. Reduce inflammation in the joint.
  • Bracing. Supports an unstable or arthritic knee.

Surgical options

Our team includes physicians specializing in both minimally invasive treatments and orthopedic surgery, so care is matched to your diagnosis.

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How Knee Pain is Diagnosed

Evaluation begins with a history of the pain and any injury, followed by an examination of swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and ligament stability. X-rays show arthritis, alignment, and fractures. MRI shows soft tissues such as the meniscus, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons in detail.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team will examine your imaging, answer your questions, and help point you toward effective treatment.
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Common Causes Of Knee Pain

Knee pain can follow an injury or develop gradually. Common causes include:

Osteoarthritis

Wear of the joint cartilage causes pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Meniscus tears

A torn cartilage cushion can cause catching, locking, and swelling.

Ligament injuries

Sprains and tears of the ACL, MCL, or other ligaments.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of the patellar or quadriceps tendon from overuse.

Runner's knee

Pain around or behind the kneecap.

Gout and inflammatory arthritis

Crystal deposits or inflammation in the joint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common causes of knee pain?

Common causes include osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, ligament sprains or tears, tendonitis, runner's knee (patellofemoral pain), and gout. Injuries and age-related wear account for most cases.

When should I see a doctor for knee pain?

See a specialist if knee pain lasts more than a few weeks, keeps returning, or comes with swelling, locking, catching, or the knee giving way. Seek prompt care after an injury with a pop, rapid swelling, or inability to bear weight.

Can knee pain be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many patients improve with activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, and injections. Surgery is reserved for structural problems that do not respond to these measures.

What does it mean if my knee locks or catches?

Locking or catching often signals a mechanical problem inside the joint, such as a torn meniscus or a loose fragment of cartilage. An examination and MRI can confirm the cause.

What is arthroscopic knee surgery?

Arthroscopy uses a small camera and slim instruments inserted through a few small incisions to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee, such as meniscus tears and ligament injuries. Most patients go home the same day.

When is knee replacement considered?

Knee replacement is considered when arthritis has worn the joint and pain limits daily life despite conservative care. Total Spine and Orthopedics offers minimally invasive knee replacement, with smaller incisions and a faster recovery.

How is knee pain diagnosed?

A physical examination tests stability, range of motion, and tenderness. X-rays show arthritis and alignment, and MRI shows the meniscus, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.

Where can I be seen for knee pain?

Total Spine and Orthopedics treats knee pain in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule an evaluation.

Signs Your Knee Needs Attention

If chronic knee pain lasts for an extended period, it is important to find the root cause. See a specialist for:

  • Pain lasting more than a few weeks or that keeps returning.
  • Swelling, warmth, or stiffness in the joint.
  • Locking, catching, or giving way when you walk or turn.
  • Difficulty with stairs, kneeling, or rising from a chair.
  • A pop at the time of injury followed by rapid swelling.
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Related Conditions

Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are a common injury to the knee, often caused by twisting or bending the knee forcefully. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and the shin bone. It helps to distribute weight evenly across the knee joint and provides stability.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, and hands.

Runner’s Knee

Runner's knee is a common injury among runners and athletes. It occurs when the knee joint experiences excessive stress or wear and tear, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for runner's knee.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence, especially among athletes and active individuals. Whether it's a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or a broken bone, sports injuries can sideline even the most seasoned athlete and impact their ability to perform at their best. Orthopedic treatments are often the go-to solution for these types of injuries, helping individuals get back on their feet and back to the sport they love.

Joint Pain

Pain in the joints is a very common symptom often experienced in the feet, hips, spine, knees, or hands. In addition to pain, joint stiffness, as well as a burning or throbbing sensation in or near the joints, are also commonly associated with joint-related issues. It is important to note that in many cases the pain or burning sensation may not be constant but can increase or decrease depending on activity.

Hip Pain

The hips are one of the most critical joints in the body, allowing you to do many of your normal daily activities such as walking, standing, and more. This makes it all the more debilitating if pain, numbness, or weakness begins to affect your hips. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, trouble sleeping, and general uncomfortableness when lying on one side or the other are all common indicators of a hip issue that may need to be addressed.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can come from rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, frozen shoulder, or a pinched nerve in the neck, and it can limit sleep and daily tasks.

Hip Labral Tears

A labral tear is an injury to the tissue between the socket and ball portions of the hip joint. This tear can cause a variety of symptoms including intense pain, difficulty moving your hip, and reduced mobility of the hip.

Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear is a very common condition in the shoulder that can cause recurring pain, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms. When the tissues connecting muscles in the shoulder to bone, commonly known as tendons, become damaged or "torn", it can create a sensation of pain or weakness. The severity and symptoms of the tear can vary depending on what caused the tear to form and other factors.

Shoulder Labral Tears

Shoulder labral tears are a common injury that can cause pain and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula), which helps to deepen the socket and stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear in this cartilage can occur due to injury, degeneration, or overuse, causing pain, weakness, and instability in the shoulder.

SLAP Tears

SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears are a type of shoulder injury that affects the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. The labrum helps to stabilize the joint and provides a surface for the shoulder blade to move on. A SLAP tear occurs when the labrum is damaged, usually from a traumatic event such as a fall or a sports injury.

When Knee Pain Needs Surgery

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How minimally invasive knee replacement compares with the traditional approach.

Traditional approachMinimally invasiveOffered at Total Spine
IncisionA longer incision to expose the joint.Smaller incisions.
Muscle and soft tissueMore muscle and soft tissue disruption.Less disruption to the surrounding muscle and tissue.
Postoperative painMore pain early in recovery.Less pain for most patients.
Hospital stayTypically one or more nights in the hospital.A shorter stay; same-day, outpatient surgery for select candidates.
RecoveryA longer return to daily activity.A faster recovery and return to daily activity.

When arthritis has worn the knee beyond repair, minimally invasive knee replacement can restore comfortable movement with smaller incisions and a faster recovery.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Orthopedic and minimally invasive care together

    Our physicians specialize in both non-surgical treatment and orthopedic surgery, so your plan fits your diagnosis.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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