Knee Pain: Causes & Treatment Options

Knee pain can result from sports injuries, overuse, or conditions like arthritis. Our team of specialists identifies the cause and provides personalized treatment options to help you move comfortably again.

Knee pain affects millions of people daily, transforming simple activities like walking up stairs or getting out of bed into challenging ordeals that disrupt work, recreation, and quality of life. Whether caused by sudden injury, gradual wear, or underlying conditions, knee discomfort can range from mild irritation to debilitating pain requiring immediate medical attention.

At Oasis Medical Group, our orthopedic team understands how knee pain impacts every aspect of your daily routine and provides comprehensive diagnostic services and treatment options to restore your mobility. We work with patients throughout New Jersey to identify the root cause of knee discomfort and develop personalized treatment plans addressing both immediate pain relief and long-term joint health.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Acute injuries represent one of the most frequent sources of knee pain, often resulting from sports activities, falls, or sudden directional changes during physical activity. Ligament tears, meniscus damage, fractures, and muscle strains can cause immediate, severe pain requiring prompt medical evaluation to prevent long-term complications and ensure proper healing.

Chronic conditions develop gradually over time, frequently affecting individuals as they age or due to repetitive stress on the joint. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis create ongoing discomfort ranging from mild morning stiffness to persistent, activity-limiting pain affecting daily function and mobility.

Treatment Options for Knee Pain

Conservative treatments often provide effective relief for many knee conditions without requiring surgical intervention, including rest, ice therapy, compression, elevation, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy strengthens surrounding muscles, improves flexibility, and teaches proper movement patterns to reduce stress on the knee joint while promoting healing and preventing future injuries.

Advanced treatment options become necessary when conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief or when structural damage requires intervention. Corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and surgical procedures like arthroscopy or joint replacement may be recommended based on your specific condition, age, activity level, and treatment goals.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage and ensure optimal treatment outcomes, including severe pain following injury, inability to bear weight, visible deformity, signs of infection, or knee instability. Early intervention often leads to better results and may prevent the need for more extensive treatments later.

Persistent knee pain lasting more than a few days, recurring episodes of discomfort, or gradual worsening of symptoms should prompt consultation with an orthopedic specialist for proper evaluation. Professional assessment helps identify underlying causes and prevents minor issues from progressing to more serious conditions requiring complex treatment.

Prevention and Management Strategies

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on knee joints and decreases the risk of developing osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions over time. Regular low-impact exercise, proper warm-up routines, appropriate footwear, and strength training focusing on quadriceps and hamstring muscles provide joint stability and protection during daily activities and sports participation.

Proper body mechanics during lifting, squatting, and other activities help prevent acute injuries and reduce cumulative stress on knee structures. Learning correct movement patterns, avoiding sudden increases in activity intensity, and listening to your body’s warning signs can significantly reduce injury risk while promoting long-term joint health and function.

Managing Chronic Knee Conditions

Long-term knee conditions require ongoing management strategies to maintain function and prevent symptom progression, including regular monitoring, activity modifications, weight management, and adherence to prescribed treatment protocols. Working closely with healthcare providers ensures treatment plans remain effective as conditions evolve over time.

Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing chronic knee pain, including choosing appropriate exercises, using assistive devices when necessary, and implementing pain assessment tools to track symptoms and treatment effectiveness. These strategies help maintain independence and quality of life while managing persistent knee discomfort.

Oasis Medical Group's Comprehensive Knee Care

Our experienced orthopedic team at Oasis Medical Group provides comprehensive knee pain evaluation and treatment services across multiple New Jersey locations, utilizing advanced diagnostic imaging and evidence-based treatment protocols to address both acute injuries and chronic conditions. We coordinate care with physical therapists, pain management specialists, and other healthcare providers to ensure you receive complete, integrated treatment addressing all aspects of your knee health.

Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or long-standing knee pain, our compassionate team works with you to develop realistic treatment goals and effective management strategies. Contact Oasis Medical Group at (844) 366-8800 or request an appointment to schedule your knee pain evaluation and take the first step toward improved mobility and comfort.

What Our Patients Are Saying