Treatment for Knee Pain

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you’ve suffered a sudden injury or are dealing with chronic degeneration, persistent knee pain can interfere with your ability to walk, climb stairs, or even rest comfortably. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our goal is to restore your mobility and quality of life with personalized care. If you’re in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, or Mesa, our pain clinic offers effective solutions to help you get back on your feet.

Knee Pain Overview

The knee is a complex joint that absorbs much of your body’s weight and is crucial for movement. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia), supported by ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and muscles. With this much responsibility, it’s no surprise that the knee is prone to pain and injury.

Knee pain can result from trauma, overuse, mechanical problems, or medical conditions like arthritis. At our clinic, a pain specialist will assess the underlying cause of your knee pain and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Symptoms of Knee Pain

Knee pain symptoms can vary widely based on the source and severity of the issue. Some symptoms may develop suddenly, while others worsen gradually over time. Common symptoms include:

• Swelling or stiffness

• Redness or warmth around the knee joint

• Instability or weakness while standing or walking

• Popping or crunching noises

• Inability to fully straighten the knee

• Pain with activity, such as walking or bending

• Discomfort after long periods of rest

If you’re experiencing these symptoms in Gilbert, scheduling an evaluation at our local pain clinic is the first step toward finding relief.

Diagnosing Knee Pain

Diagnosing knee pain begins with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. Your pain doctor will check for swelling, tenderness, strength, and range of motion. Depending on the findings, they may recommend diagnostic tests to get a clearer view of the joint, such as:

• X-rays to identify fractures or arthritis

• MRI scans to view soft tissues like ligaments and cartilage

• CT scans for a more detailed cross-section of the knee

• Ultrasound to detect fluid buildup or structural abnormalities

Once the cause is identified, your pain specialist will create a comprehensive treatment plan to help you return to an active lifestyle.

Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain can stem from a variety of sources. Some are related to wear and tear, while others are the result of trauma or disease. Common causes include:

• Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout

• Meniscus tears caused by twisting injuries

• ACL, MCL, or ligament injuries

• Tendinitis due to repetitive activity

• Bursitis, an inflammation of the cushioning sacs around the knee

• Dislocation or fractures from accidents or sports injuries

• Mechanical issues like misalignment or poor posture

Residents of Scottsdale often experience knee pain due to overuse injuries from hiking and outdoor sports, while patients in Mesa may present with arthritis-related stiffness due to age.

Types of Knee Pain

There are two primary types of knee pain:

• Acute Knee Pain results from sudden injuries like falls, twists, or trauma. Pain is often sharp and immediate.

• Chronic Knee Pain persists longer than three months and may stem from conditions like arthritis or improperly treated past injuries.

Understanding the type of pain helps our team choose the most effective intervention.

Knee Pain Treatment Options

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we offer a variety of treatments to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore function—often without surgery. Your pain doctor will recommend a personalized combination of the following options:

Rest and Activity Modification

In the early stages of injury, rest allows tissues to heal. However, excessive rest may cause stiffness. Our team will guide you in balancing movement and recovery to support healing.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Heat can help relax muscles and increase circulation, while cold therapy reduces swelling and numbs sharp pain. Alternating between the two is often effective for managing flare-ups.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen reduce inflammation and discomfort. These are especially helpful for arthritis-related pains and are used under medical supervision.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage knee pain. Targeted exercises build strength in the muscles around the knee and improve mobility. We often recommend this treatment first for our patients in Mesa before considering more advanced options.

Low-Impact Exercise

Exercise is crucial for knee health, even when you’re in pain. Swimming, yoga, or tai chi can reduce stiffness and promote joint lubrication without adding stress to the knee.

Knee Braces

Supportive devices can stabilize the knee during activity and prevent further injury. These are especially useful during recovery or while transitioning back into exercise.

Steroid Injections

Injections of corticosteroids into the joint reduce inflammation and pain, often providing relief that lasts several months. This is a common treatment option for our Phoenix patients seeking quick but minimally invasive relief.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is a last resort when conservative measures fail. Procedures may include arthroscopy to repair damaged tissue or partial/full knee replacement. Our pain specialists help patients navigate all options before making this decision.

Facts About Knee Pain

• Nearly 20% of adults experience chronic knee pain during their lifetime.

• Women are more likely than men to develop knee issues and undergo joint replacement.

• Early treatment can prevent minor knee pain from becoming a long-term disability.

• The knees are especially prone to wear due to their role in bearing weight and supporting movement.

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Contact The Pain Experts of Arizona Today

Knee pain is common, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or managing arthritis, a pain doctor at The Pain Experts of Arizona can help you take the next step toward healing. Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa, our experienced team provides advanced care for knee pain tailored to your unique needs.

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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