Overview
The knee is a complex joint supported by bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and fluid-filled structures. Sprains, strains, meniscus injuries, inflammation, arthritis, fractures, and other problems can affect how it moves and bears weight. Pain may be associated with swelling, stiffness, clicking, or a sense of instability. A timely assessment is useful when symptoms persist, limit activity, or follow an injury.
Common symptoms
- Bruising or swelling around the knee
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Popping or clicking with movement
- A feeling that the knee may give way
- Pain that worsens with standing or bending
- Limping or changes in the way you walk
Conditions we evaluate
- Sprains and strains
- Meniscus tears
- Bursitis
- Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)
- Tendinitis
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Chondromalacia patella
- Arthritis
- Fractures
Diagnosis
Evaluation starts with a discussion of your symptoms, history, and activities, followed by a physical examination. The clinician may move the knee through its range of motion and check for stiffness, swelling, popping, cracking, grinding, tenderness, and joint stability. X-rays or an MRI may be recommended in some situations to clarify the cause of pain and the extent of damage. Findings guide a discussion of treatment options.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and effect of knee pain on daily activities. Options may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, hot or cold therapy, physical therapy, prescription pain medicine, temporary work restrictions, and lifestyle counseling. Joint injections or other regenerative medicine approaches may also be discussed. If symptoms do not improve adequately with conservative care, minimally invasive treatment or joint replacement may be considered. Any stem cell therapy requires an individualized discussion of eligibility, expected benefits, alternatives, costs, and potential risks; it is not a guaranteed cure.