Diagnosis: Identifying the Cause of Knee Pain
To pinpoint the source of knee pain, our specialists conduct:
- Comprehensive medical history and physical examination
- Advanced imaging, including X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI
- Lab tests, if needed, to evaluate for infections, inflammation, or systemic conditions
Get an accurate diagnosis and start your recovery today—schedule a consultation at OPS Surgery Center.
If you have arthritis in your knee, platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) may help. It uses parts of your own blood to help your body heal itself. PRP can help your knee feel better and work better.
Your thigh has groups of powerful muscles. The quadriceps, the adductors and the hamstring muscles handle high loads of stress. They may suffer from overstretching and tearing. This is called a muscle "strain." It is a common injury among athletes who play sports that require sudden starts and stops.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can be categorized into three primary causes:
1. Injuries
- Meniscal Tears – Damage to the shock-absorbing cartilage in the knee
- Ligament Tears (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL) – Injuries affecting knee stability and movement
- Fractures – Bone breaks from trauma or osteoporosis
- Bursitis – Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around the knee
- Tendonitis – Irritation or inflammation of tendons in the knee
- IT Band Syndrome – Inflammation of the iliotibial band, causing pain on the outer knee
2. Arthritis & Degenerative Conditions
- Osteoarthritis – Wear-and-tear arthritis, causing cartilage breakdown
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Autoimmune arthritis that leads to joint inflammation and damage
- Gout – Build-up of uric acid crystals, causing severe joint pain
- Septic Arthritis – Joint infection that requires urgent medical attention
3. Post-Total Knee Replacement Pain
- Occurs in 20% of patients and can lead to chronic pain if untreated.
- Chronic pain after knee replacement is more common than after total hip arthroplasty.
(Sources: EFORT Open Rev. 2018 Aug; 3(8): 461–470; BMJ Open. 2012; 2(1):e000435.)
Treatment Options for Knee Pain
At OPS Surgery Center, we offer a variety of non-surgical, minimally invasive, and surgical treatments based on the severity and cause of your knee pain.
Conservative Treatment Approaches
- Physical therapy, rest, ice, NSAIDs – Helps reduce pain, inflammation, and improve mobility
Injection-Based & Regenerative Medicine Therapies
- Steroid Injections – Reduces inflammation and provides pain relief
- Hyaluronic Acid Injection – Lubricates the joint and can provide relief for up to six months
- PRP & Stem Cell Therapy – Uses growth factors to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and delay osteoarthritis progression
(Sources: Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2018 Dec; 11(4): 583–592; Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 23;22(11):5492.)
Advanced Interventional Pain Management
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – Uses heat to desensitize pain-causing nerves
(Source: Reg Anesth Pain Med. Jul-Aug 2016;41(4):501-10.) - Nerve Block & Peripheral Nerve Stimulation – Targets specific nerves to block pain signals
- iovera° Therapy – Uses cold therapy to numb pain receptors
Surgical Options
- Arthroscopic Surgery – Minimally invasive procedure to repair meniscus tears, remove damaged cartilage, or smooth bone spurs
- Joint Replacement Surgery – Total or partial knee replacement for advanced arthritis or severe joint damage
Find the right treatment for your knee pain—schedule an appointment at OPS Surgery Center today!
Regain Mobility & Find Relief at OPS Surgery Center
Knee pain can limit mobility and quality of life, but with the right treatment, you can return to an active lifestyle. At OPS Surgery Center, we provide expert diagnosis and advanced treatment solutions to help you move pain-free.
