Knee pain can make climbing stairs, walking the dog or getting up from a chair feel harder than it should. It can come from arthritis, an old injury, overuse or a problem elsewhere in the leg. At Innovation Spine Medical, we find what’s behind your knee pain and explain the non-surgical options that may help you stay active.
Pain with walking, stairs, squatting or kneeling
Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
Swelling or warmth around the knee
Grinding, clicking or popping
A feeling that the knee is weak, locking or giving way
Pain at the front, inside, outside or back of the knee
Gradual wear of the cartilage that cushions the joint. It’s one of the most common causes of knee pain after age 50.
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage cushion that can tear with twisting or with age-related wear.
Irritation of the tendons around the knee, such as the patellar tendon, often from overuse.
Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs around the knee.
Sprains or tears of the ligaments that stabilize the knee, often from sports or falls.
Patellofemoral pain, often linked to muscle imbalances, is common in active people.
Consider an evaluation if:
Chronic knee pain often responds best to a plan that combines treatment of the cause with strengthening.
Seek urgent care if you can’t bear weight, the knee looks deformed after an injury, or it becomes red, hot and swollen, especially with fever.
Call our office if you notice redness, warmth or drainage at an injection site, a fever, pain or swelling that keeps getting worse, or new numbness or weakness.
Seek emergency care right away if you have trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Your provider asks about your symptoms and activities, examines the knee’s stability, motion and tender areas, and reviews imaging such as X-rays or MRI. If there’s fluid in the joint, testing it can sometimes help with diagnosis.
Your plan depends on your diagnosis and may include:
In adults over 50, osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes. In younger, active people, overuse injuries and sprains are more common.
Many causes of knee pain can be managed with therapy, injections, weight management and activity changes. Surgery is generally considered when these don’t help enough.
Ice is often used for new injuries and swelling, and heat for stiffness. Ask your provider what’s best for your condition.
Stairs place extra pressure on the kneecap and joint. Pain can come from arthritis, kneecap problems or weak supporting muscles.
Innovation Spine Medical is located in Rego Park, Queens at 97-01 66th Ave, Rego Park, NY 11374. Call
Schedule an evaluation at our Rego Park office to learn what’s causing your knee pain and your options.
