Knee Pain Specialist

What causes knee pain?

Knee pain can occur for many reasons, including:

• A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• A torn meniscus (cartilage tear)
• Bone fractures
• Bursitis
• Patellar (kneecap) tendinitis 
• Bone tumors
• Patellar dislocation 

Some risk factors, including obesity, age over 55, frequent overexertion, and tobacco use, could increase your chances of developing knee pain. 

When should I see an orthopedic surgeon for knee pain?

If your knee pain isn't severe or occurs only occasionally, you might wonder whether you really need to book an appointment at Valdosta Orthopedic Associates. If you can say "yes" to any of the following issues, you may need to see a doctor.

• You have knee swelling
• Your knee feels warm
• Your knee looks distended or otherwise misshapen
• You also have knee stiffness or other issues 
• Knee pain disrupts your activities
• Bearing weight is uncomfortable or difficult
• Your knee pain started with an accident
• You heard a pop at the time of injury 

Some forms of knee damage might not cause severe pain immediately. If you don't treat the problem and continue with normal activities, you can risk a severe injury. In general, with knee pain, it's wise to play it safe by seeing an experienced orthopedic surgeon.

What are the non-surgical treatments for knee pain?

Valdosta Orthopedic Associates offers a full menu of non-surgical treatments for knee pain. Most patients start with conservative approaches, including physical therapy, oral medication, steroid injections, viscosupplementation (joint lubricating) injections, shockwave therapy, and electrical stimulation.  

If your knee pain persists, the team may recommend a surgical procedure to address the root cause of your knee pain.

What does surgery for knee pain involve?

Arthroscopic surgery treats many causes of knee pain. With only a tiny incision, your surgeon can perform repairs, remove loose tissue fragments, treat infection, trim damaged cartilage, or reconstruct a torn ligament. 

In some cases, serious joint wear-and-tear or trauma may mean you need a new prosthetic joint. With joint replacement, your surgeon can restore your knee joint with custom-fitted plastic and metal surfaces. The surgeons perform both partial knee replacement and total knee replacement. 

With all knee surgeries at Valdosta Orthopedic Associates, your comfort and function come first. The team uses cutting-edge surgical techniques and rapid recovery protocols to give you outpatient surgery with excellent (and fast) results.

Your surgeon may suggest a Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement. Using the Mako-assisted robot, your surgeon will have the most precise and personalized surgical plan based on your anatomy.

If you're interested in knee pain treatments that work, reach out to Valdosta Orthopedic Associates online or by phone.