Common causes
- Gradual cartilage wear associated with age and cumulative load.
- Previous meniscus or ligament injury altering joint mechanics.
- Excess body weight increasing load across the joint.
- Muscle weakness or movement patterns that concentrate stress in one compartment.
- Inflammatory arthritis requiring coordinated medical assessment.
How we evaluate
History covers the pattern of pain, stiffness, swelling, previous injuries and treatments, and the activities that matter most. A hands-on osteopathic and physiatric examination assesses alignment, motion, strength, gait and the contribution of the hip and foot to knee loading. Weight-bearing X-rays and prior imaging are reviewed in context, and diagnostic ultrasound may assess selected tendon or bursa questions. The findings shape a plan that addresses symptoms and function together, with honest discussion of what each option can and cannot offer.
Treatment options
we may discuss.
Performance Health / rehabilitation
Rehabilitation focuses on quadriceps and hip strength, movement retraining, weight management support and graded return to walking, stairs and sport. Strengthening and load management are among the best-supported treatments for knee arthritis. Most people can pursue nonsurgical care first; a surgical opinion about knee replacement is sought only when pain and limitation persist despite a thorough program and the person's goals truly call for it.
Regenerative & Cell-Based Medicine
When appropriate, PRP may be discussed for selected knee osteoarthritis, where the evidence is more developed than for many other joints, though results vary and improvement is not guaranteed. Cell-based and biologic options require a separate review of evidence, risks and applicable law and are not assumed to regrow cartilage. Any injection is paired with rehabilitation rather than treated as a standalone fix.
Targeted Pain Management
Medication review and precise, image-guided care may support the plan. Genicular nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation may be considered for selected persistent knee pain, including when surgery is not desired or not yet appropriate. When it's needed, a steroid injection can calm a clearly inflamed knee. Hyaluronic acid may be discussed with a balanced view of its evidence. Procedures are image-guided, using ultrasound or X-ray guidance depending on the target.
Related treatments
From the Journal
Related conditions
Common
questions.
When to seek
care urgently.
Seek urgent medical care for a hot, swollen knee with fever, inability to bear weight after injury, or sudden calf swelling with pain.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary. Medical Disclaimer