Knee Pain

The knee sustains more stress than nearly every other joint in the human body. At Sporting Medicine in Charlotte, North Carolina, sports medicine specialist William Graham, MD, uses motion capture technology, muscular retraining, and anti-inflammatory injections to diagnose and treat knee pain. Call Sporting Medicine today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about knee pain.

What causes knee pain?

The knee is a complex joint that connects the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shin bone). A protective shield, the patella (kneecap), covers the knee joint and allows the leg to extend. Many injuries and degenerative diseases can damage these structures and cause knee pain, including:

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that can damage the space outside or inside a joint. As arthritis develops, the joint swells and causes pain and stiffness.

Torn meniscus

The meniscus is rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock absorber for the femur and tibia. If the meniscus inflames or tears, it can cause pain and reduce your mobility.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury

The ACL is a ligament that runs diagonally across the knee. It stops the tibia from shifting in front of the femur. ACL injuries are among the most common causes of knee pain and instability.

Sprains and strains

The ligaments, tendons, and muscles that support the knee can stretch or tear, leading to pain, stiffness, and instability that can diminish your mobility.

What are the signs of knee pain?

Common signs of knee pain include:

• Visible swelling
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Popping or clicking noises when walking
• Difficulty straightening the leg
• Inability to bear weight

If your knee feels unstable or painful when you stand, the joint may not have the support it needs.

How is knee pain diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosing knee pain is performing a physical exam and medical history review. Dr. Graham may analyze your gait and movement to identify deficiencies that may cause knee pain. At Sporting Medicine, Dr. Graham offers advanced biomechanical evaluations in his onsite motion capture lab to help determine the cause of your pain.

After your exam, Dr. Graham may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasounds, to pinpoint the location of your knee pain.

What are the treatments for knee pain?

Sporting Medicine offers multiple treatments for knee pain, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Regenerative medicine
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Massage therapy

Call Sporting Medicine today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about knee pain.