Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common joint problem that affects athletes and everyday people. Fortunately, with early intervention, you can prevent knee pain from worsening and maintain your independence and mobility. At Houston Pain Services in Houston, Texas, board-certified interventional pain management specialist Adrian C. Dumitru, MD, and the team regularly work with patients to diagnose and treat knee pain. A patient-centered and minimally invasive approach can help you return to your favorite activities. Call Houston Pain Services today to receive treatment for knee pain, or book your appointment online.

What is knee pain?

Knee pain is discomfort or stiffness in one or both of your knee joints.

Most people experience knee pain at one time or another. Sometimes, it occurs because of general wear-and-tear; other times, it results from trauma, such as a sports injury.

If you have knee pain that keeps you from work, exercise, or your normal routine, contact Dr. Dumitru and the team at Houston Pain Services.

What are the symptoms of knee pain?

Symptoms of knee pain include:

• Swelling and stiffness
• Redness
• Weakness or instability
• Popping or crunching noises
• Difficulty bending or straightening your knee

Depending on the severity of the underlying problem, you may have difficulty standing or putting weight on your knee.

Should I see a specialist about knee pain?

Make an appointment with Dr. Dumitru and the team if you have knee pain that lasts for more than a day or two and it doesn’t respond to rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medicine. That’s particularly true if your knee pain occurs alongside a fever or a visible abnormality, like bruising or swelling.

How is knee pain diagnosed?

Dr. Dumitru reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if bending your knee causes it to extend into your leg or hip.

Next, Dr. Dumitru examines your knee, looking for bruising, redness, and swelling. He checks how far you can move your leg in different directions and gently presses on your knee joint and the surrounding tissues to check the stability of your knee.

Dr. Dumitru then orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. These procedures capture photos of your knee joint, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and muscles. They help Dr. Dumitru identify the source of your pain and guide treatment.

How is knee pain treated?

At Houston Pain Services, Dr. Dumitru and his team take a minimally invasive approach to knee pain treatment. They may recommend:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Prescription arthritis medication
• Physical therapy
• Arch supports (to help take pressure off your knee)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Knee blocks
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

If your knee pain continues or worsens, you may be a candidate for surgery. Dr. Dumitru offers both minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and traditional open orthopedic surgery.

Call Houston Pain Services today to receive treatment for knee pain, or make your appointment online.