One of the most frequent causes of knee pain is knee arthritis, a degenerative condition resulting from the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joint. As cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility. Symptoms tend to progress over time and may fluctuate depending on activity level and inflammation. Patients often find it difficult to walk long distances or bend the knee fully. While arthritis is most common in older adults, athletes with a history of knee injury may develop it earlier. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through X-rays showing joint space narrowing and bone spur formation. Our joint preservation approach focuses on maintaining mobility using targeted therapies designed to reduce inflammation, strengthen surrounding muscles, and slow the progression of degeneration.
Meniscus tears
Meniscus tears are another leading cause of knee pain and are especially common among athletes and individuals who engage in twisting or pivoting movements – these are acute tears. The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage structure that absorbs shock and stabilizes the knee. When it tears, patients may experience sharp, localized pain along the joint line, swelling, stiffness, and locking or catching of the knee. Some tears occur suddenly during sports, while others develop gradually from years of degeneration. MRI is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of tear. Treatment varies based on the type (acute vs degenerative), severity and location of the tear, the patient’s age, and activity level. As a joint preservation specialist, our team prioritizes techniques that repair or preserve the meniscus whenever possible, as maintaining this structure is critical to long-term joint health.
Patellar tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis, often referred to as “jumper’s knee,” is an overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. It is common in athletes who run or participate in jumping sports. This condition causes pain just below the kneecap, especially during activity, and the pain may worsen when jumping, sprinting, or going down stairs. Over time, the tendon can weaken if not addressed promptly. Physical examination typically reveals tenderness along the patellar tendon and pain with resisted knee extension. Ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the severity of inflammation or tendon degeneration. Early and targeted treatment is essential to prevent progression to chronic tendonitis, which can be more difficult to treat.
Quadriceps tendonitis
Quadriceps tendonitis affects the tendon connecting the quadriceps muscle group to the top of the kneecap. It shares similarities with patellar tendonitis but occurs above the kneecap instead of below. Patients experience pain that increases with running, squatting, and climbing stairs. In severe cases, swelling or thickening of the tendon may occur. This condition is typically caused by repetitive overload, poor conditioning, or muscle imbalance. Diagnosis relies on physical examination findings and, when needed, imaging to evaluate tendon quality. Like patellar tendonitis, early intervention reduces the risk of long-term tendon degeneration.
Accurate diagnosis is only the beginning. Our providers emphasize early diagnosis and joint-preserving strategies to maintain motion and prevent long-term disability. This approach reduces the likelihood of chronic degeneration that may eventually require more invasive procedures. By applying advanced imaging, precise physical examination, and a detailed understanding of biomechanics, he provides patients with a clear explanation of their condition and realistic expectations for improvement.
