Knee Pain Specialist

What causes knee pain?

Your knee is a robust hinge joint that consists of your patella (knee cap), femur (upper leg bone), and your tibia and fibula.

These bones are held together and supported by a network of ligaments and cartilage, including your meniscus, that allow your knee to bend, flex, and safely absorb shock with every step you take.

Knee pain can stem from an injury or degenerative condition in any part of your knee. For example, your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is vulnerable to sports injuries. Some of the most common causes of knee pain include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• ACL and MCL injuries
• Meniscus injuries
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Baker’s cyst
• Fractures
• Dislocation

Your risk of knee pain increases with age and if you’re overweight. Additionally, leading a sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk. Athletes also have an increased risk of injury because of the stress they put on their joints and the surrounding muscles and connective tissue.

How is the cause of knee pain diagnosed?

At Ascend Orthopaedics And Sports Medicine, Dr. Makani and his team provide comprehensive exams to identify the cause of your knee pain. In addition to examining your knee, they also use diagnostic imaging studies like X-rays and MRIs to study the internal structures of your knee.

Dr. Makani also uses minimally invasive arthroscopy to examine the inside of your knee joint to look for signs of disease and injury.

During arthroscopy, he inserts a slender surgical tube into your knee. The tube has a camera and a light on its tip so it can send images from inside your knee to a video monitor in the treatment room. This allows Dr. Makani to examine your joint and perform some minor surgical repairs.

How is knee pain treated?

Dr. Makani and the team provide customized treatment plans tailored to your condition and needs. Depending on your individual needs, they might recommend:

• Cartilage preservation treatments
• Platelet-rich plasma
• (PRP) injections
• Stem cell therapy
• Cortisone injections
• Joint aspiration
• Synvisc-One® injections

You might also benefit from physical therapy. Often, Dr. Makani prescribes treatments to relieve your pain as well as therapy to build strength and flexibility around your knees for long-term relief and to reduce your risk of future injuries.

Call Ascend Orthopaedics And Sports Medicine or make an appointment online today for expert orthopaedic treatments for knee pain.