What Causes Knee Pain?
Knee pain can arise from a variety of conditions, particularly those that affect the joints, cartilage, tendons, and surrounding structures. Common contributors to knee pain include degenerative conditions, inflammation, injury, and overuse.1
At DFW Spine Institute, we treat knee pain caused by a wide range of conditions, helping patients regain mobility and comfort. Below are some of the most common conditions that contribute to chronic knee pain:
- Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of cartilage in the knee joint, often resulting in joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion and protect the knee joint, often caused by repetitive pressure or overuse.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the knee, often due to overuse or repetitive stress from activities like running or jumping.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and swelling in the knee joint, leading to chronic pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatism: A broad term for conditions characterized by inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints and connective tissues. Rheumatism can affect the knee, causing chronic discomfort and limiting mobility.
- Gout: A buildup of uric acid crystals in the knee joint can cause sudden and intense pain, along with swelling and redness.
- Chondromalacia Patella: Softening and breakdown of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap, causing pain in the front of the knee, often associated with overuse.
- Joint Injuries: Sprains, fractures, or other injuries to the knee can lead to long-term joint pain if not properly treated.
- Meniscus Tears: Tears in the cartilage (meniscus) that act as a shock absorber in the knee. This injury often results from sudden twists or heavy lifting.
- Ligament Injuries: Damage to any of the four primary ligaments in the knee (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL) can cause significant pain and instability, often resulting from sports or traumatic injuries.
- Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee): Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone, frequently caused by repetitive jumping activities.
Treatment for Knee Pain
At DFW Spine Institute, we offer a range of effective treatments to address knee pain, from advanced non-surgical therapies to surgical procedures when necessary. Our approach is focused on identifying the root cause of your pain and tailoring a treatment plan that aligns with your individual needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes for pain relief and improved knee function.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Knee Pain
We prioritize non-surgical options whenever possible, offering a variety of therapies to reduce pain and inflammation and improve joint function:
- Physical Therapy: Customized exercise programs strengthen the muscles around affected joints, improving mobility and reducing strain.
- Medication Management: Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers are often used to manage chronic pain and reduce inflammation in joints throughout the body.
- Pain Mapping: This diagnostic tool helps pinpoint the exact source of joint pain, allowing for targeted treatment.
- Joint Injections: These injections, including options like corticosteroids and other therapeutic agents, are administered directly to the affected joint to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility.
- Nerve Blocks: This treatment involves injecting an anesthetic near specific nerves to temporarily block pain signals. It’s particularly effective for patients with severe, localized joint pain.
- Ketamine Infusion Therapy: Used for chronic pain management, ketamine can help reduce severe joint pain, particularly in cases where other treatments haven’t been effective.
- Lumbar Radiofrequency Neurotomy: This procedure uses heat to disable nerves that transmit pain signals from the joints in the spine, providing long-term relief for chronic pain.
- Rhizotomy – Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This technique uses radiofrequency energy to heat and disable nerves transmitting pain signals, providing long-term relief for patients with chronic joint pain in various areas, including the back, neck, and larger joints.
- Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: A non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate peripheral nerves, reducing pain and improving joint function. This treatment can be particularly effective for patients with chronic joint pain who seek relief without surgery or medication.
Surgical Treatment for Knee Pain
While non-surgical treatments are often effective, there are cases where surgery is the best option to relieve knee pain and restore function. At DFW Spine Institute, surgical intervention is considered when conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief or if the condition is significantly impacting your quality of life. Our skilled surgeons are experienced in a variety of advanced knee procedures designed to address structural problems, repair damage, and improve overall joint stability.
Whether it involves repairing torn ligaments, removing damaged tissue, or replacing parts of the joint, our surgical team works closely with you to determine the most appropriate solution. We prioritize minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce recovery time and improve outcomes, helping you get back to the activities you enjoy with less pain and greater mobility.
Contact Us
If knee pain is interfering with your daily life, the specialists at DFW Spine Institute are here to provide the care you need. Serving patients throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, and the greater DFW, TX area, our team offers advanced, personalized treatments to help alleviate your knee pain and restore mobility. Our experienced professionals will work with you to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and create a customized plan for effective relief. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
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FAQs about Knee Pain
When should I seek medical attention for knee pain?
If knee pain persists for several weeks or is accompanied by symptoms like noticeable swelling, warmth, instability, or restricted movement, it’s important to consult a specialist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Can knee pain be treated without surgery?
Absolutely. Many instances of knee pain can be effectively controlled using non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy, joint injections, or nerve blocks. Surgery is typically only considered if these treatments fail to bring adequate relief.
How long do knee joint injections provide relief?
Joint injections for the knee, including corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, can provide pain relief for several weeks to a few months, depending on the type of injection and the individual’s condition.
Is Rhizotomy/Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) safe for knee pain?
Yes, Rhizotomy, also known as RFA, is a reliable and effective option for managing chronic knee pain. This minimally invasive procedure works by interrupting the nerve pathways responsible for transmitting pain signals, providing lasting relief.
Can physical therapy help with chronic knee pain?
Yes, physical therapy can be an excellent approach for addressing chronic knee pain. It helps improve mobility, reduces discomfort, and slows further joint damage. A personalized exercise plan focuses on strengthening the muscles supporting the knee, which enhances stability and helps alleviate pain.
