Knee Pain

The knee is a complex joint, and injury often happens to the bones and soft tissue in the area. At Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ, with offices in Summit and Montclair, New Jersey, sports medicine specialists Melissa Mascaro, MD, Joelle Stabile Rehberg, DO, and Christina Hector, DO, evaluate your knee pain to determine if it’s a result of a degenerative condition, injury, or overuse. Call today or use the online tool to book an appointment to have your knee pain assessed and treated. 

What causes knee pain?

Your knee is a complex joint where many muscles, connective tissue, and bones meet. While this structure makes the knee quite functional, it’s also vulnerable to injury and disease. 

Your knee pain could result from an immediate injury, like a fall, irregular twisting movement, or sports tackle. Knee pain also develops over time due to overuse or degeneration. Some of the most common causes of knee pain are: 

• Torn meniscus
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries
• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Sprains and strains
• Bursitis or tendinitis
• Dislocation

It’s also possible to break bones in the knee joint, including shattering the knee cap.

The team at Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ does a thorough review of your symptoms and seeks to understand what activities led up to your pain. They’ll also do a physical exam, which may include imaging tests, like an X-ray or MRI, to get a better understanding of what’s going on inside the joint. 

When should I see a specialist for knee pain?

Some forms of knee pain resolve with rest, ice, compression, and elevation – known as the RICE protocol. If your knee pain persists for more than a week or worsens, it’s important to seek medical care. 

If your knee pain develops over time and starts to interfere with activities like climbing stairs, walking, or getting out of a car, you should schedule an evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment of knee pain are also necessary when it affects your sports performance. 

Don’t delay in making an appointment at Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ if you: 

• Hear a popping noise at the time of injury
• Can’t bear weight on the joint
• See deformity at the joint
• Experience intense pain

You should also get immediate attention if your knee pain is accompanied by redness, swelling, or warmth. 

How do you treat knee pain?

At Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ, the team carefully considers your case and customizes treatment according to your diagnosis. 

Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following therapies:

• Ice and heat therapy
• Physical therapy 
• Movement modification
• Nonsteroidal antiinflammatories (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Osteopathic manipulations
• Ultrasound therapy

Some cases of knee pain need more intensive treatments. In these cases, the team refers you to a trusted specialist in the area.

Call today if you need treatment for knee pain. You can also use the website of Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ to book an appointment.