As the largest joint in your body, the knee is prone to a variety of injuries and conditions that cause pain. Dr. James C. Walter diagnoses and treats all types of knee pain at his locations in Dallas and Plano, Texas. If your knee pain is severe or doesn’t go away with home care, call your nearest clinic or book an appointment online to find fast relief.

Knee Pain Q & A

What is knee pain?

Knees play an essential role in many types of movement, such as running and climbing stairs. Men, women, and children of all ages are susceptible to many injuries and conditions that cause knee pain, such as a torn ligament.

Knee pain can appear suddenly after acute trauma, such as a fall, or develop gradually. Any time you experience knee pain that doesn’t improve with simple treatments, such as rest and ice, you should seek professional care at Texas Orthopaedic Associates.

What causes knee pain?

The skilled team at Texas Orthopaedic Associates, treats a wide range of conditions that affect the knee. Common causes of knee pain include:

Sports injuries

Sports injuries are a common source of knee pain. Sports injuries that commonly affect the knees include:

  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
  • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears
  • Collateral ligament (MCL) tears
  • Meniscus tears
  • Tendinitis and tendon tears
  • Fractures and dislocations

You don’t have to be an athlete to sustain a sports injury. Many of these injuries can occur from a slip and fall accident during everyday activities.

Diseases and conditions

Arthritis is another major cause of knee pain. The most common types of arthritis that affect the knee include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gout

Knee pain associated with arthritis tends to develop gradually and worsen over time. Early treatment is the best way to ensure an optimal outcome from arthritis treatment.

What is the process for diagnosing and treating knee pain?

First, Dr. Walter thoroughly evaluates your knee and reviews your symptoms and medical history. To accurately diagnose the cause of your knee pain, he may order imaging tests such as an in-office X-ray or MRI.

Then, he recommends the best course of treatment for your unique condition. Depending on your needs, treatment for knee pain may include:

  • Pain-relieving medicines
  • Therapeutic joint injections
  • Physical therapy

If your condition is severe or doesn’t improve with conservative treatment, Dr. Walter recommend knee surgery. He offers the most advanced procedures, including total knee replacement and minimally invasive knee arthroscopy. To find relief from your knee pain, call Dr. James C. Walter at Texas Orthopaedic Associates, or schedule an appointment online.