Knee Pain Specialist

What causes knee pain?

Knee pain has lots of potential causes because of the joint’s complex anatomy. Dr. Schwappach evaluates the bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons within your painful knee to locate the damage.

A few of the injuries and conditions commonly associated with knee pain are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fractures
• Sprains and strains
• Torn cartilage
• Tendinitis

Sports injuries often lead to damage within the knee, so you’re at a higher-than-average risk for knee pain if you take part in high-impact activities. 

Knee injuries are an especially high risk if you don’t warm up properly or if you frequently pivot or jerk the joint during play. Your risk for knee pain also increases as you get older, even if you’re not an athlete. 

How is knee pain diagnosed?

Diagnosing your knee pain accurately might require a few tests at Denver Metro Orthopedics, P.C. Dr. Schwappach will first perform a physical exam and consider your medical history while making an evaluation. He will ask you to describe the pain and its onset. 

X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and computed tomography (CT) scans can all provide detailed images of the inner structures of the knee. 

Knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that can also be used to make repairs, involves placing a lighted camera called an arthroscope through a small incision in the knee to view the inside in real-time.

How can I improve my knee pain? 

The right treatment for knee pain isn’t the same in every case. Dr. Schwappach must first make a diagnosis before he plan a treatment for you. He will also consider your preferences, age, and other factors while making his decision. The following procedures can greatly improve your knee pain and mobility:

Steroid injections

Steroids work by reducing inflammation in targeted tissues, like the muscles and tendons in your knee. Relief from steroid injections lasts 2-3 months, which gives your knee time to heal. 

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections

Hyaluronic acid is a thick, lubricating liquid that is very similar to your natural joint fluid. HA lubricates your damaged knee and can absorb shock to relieve pain when you use your knee. Relief lasts for 4-5 months in most cases, but you might notice an improvement in your knee function for up to a full year. 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

PRP comes from natural components in your blood. It’s full of growth factors that can accelerate the healing process in your knee after injections. 

Physical therapy

Physical therapy helps strengthen your knee to keep it mobile. By adding physical therapy to your treatment, you improve your chances of restoring the full function of your injured or damaged knee joint. 

Reserve your appointment by phone or book online today for expert knee pain management at Denver Metro Orthopedics, P.C.