Knee Pain Causes & Advanced Knee Treatment Options
Dr. Abhishek Saxena
Published on February 17, 2026
Understanding Knee Pain: Causes & Advanced Treatment Options | Dr. Abhishek Saxena
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints we encounter at Bone & Joints Clinic in Ajmer. It can affect people of all ages, from young athletes to older adults. While it can be a debilitating condition, the good news is that a wide range of effective treatments exists today, from simple lifestyle changes to advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques. This guide will help you understand why your knee hurts and what modern orthopedic science can do to help you return to a pain-free, active life.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain isn't a single condition; it's a symptom with many possible underlying causes. Accurate diagnosis is the first and most crucial step toward effective treatment.
| Cause | Description & Common Symptoms | Who It Affects |
|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis (OA) | A degenerative, 'wear-and-tear' arthritis where the cushioning cartilage in the joint gradually wears away. Symptoms include gradual-onset pain, stiffness (especially in the morning or after sitting), and swelling. | Most common in adults over 50, but can occur earlier due to genetics or previous injury. |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) | An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the joint lining (synovium). This causes painful inflammation, warmth, swelling, and can lead to joint deformity. | Can occur at any age and often affects both knees symmetrically. |
| Meniscal Tears | A tear in the meniscus, the 'C'-shaped cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your thighbone and shinbone. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, locking of the knee, and a feeling of the knee giving way. | Common in athletes during twisting movements, but also in older adults as the meniscus weakens with age. |
| Ligament Injuries (ACL, MCL, PCL) | Injuries to the tough bands of tissue connecting bones. An ACL tear is a classic sports injury, often causing a loud 'pop,' immediate severe pain, and rapid swelling. | Common in sports involving sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction (e.g., football, basketball, skiing). |
| Tendinitis & Bursitis | Inflammation of tendons (e.g., patellar tendinitis, or 'jumper's knee') or bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint). Pain is usually focused on the front of the knee and worsens with activity. | Often results from overuse, repetitive jumping, or prolonged kneeling. |
| Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome | Pain in the front of the knee, around or behind the kneecap (patella). It's often a dull, aching pain that worsens with squatting, running, sitting for long periods, or climbing stairs. | Very common in runners, cyclists, and young adults, especially women. |
When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist?
While minor knee pain can often be managed with rest and home care, you should seek professional help if you experience:
- Inability to bear weight on your knee or stand comfortably.
- Significant swelling, warmth, or redness around the joint.
- A audible pop or grinding sensation at the time of injury.
- Knee locking, catching, or giving way (instability).
- Persistent pain that doesn't improve with rest after a few weeks.
- Visible deformity in the leg or knee.
Advanced Knee Treatment Options: From Non-Surgical to Surgical
At my practice, we always prioritize conservative, non-surgical treatments first. Surgery is considered only when these options have been exhausted and the patient's quality of life is significantly impacted. Our philosophy is outlined in our approach to modern orthopedic treatments.
Non-Surgical (Conservative) Treatments
- Lifestyle Modifications & Physical Therapy: This is the cornerstone of treatment. It includes weight management (to reduce joint load), activity modification, and a tailored exercise program to strengthen the muscles supporting the knee, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings. I often share best exercises for healthy joints with my patients.
- Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Powerful anti-inflammatory injections that can provide significant, though often temporary, relief from arthritis flare-ups.
- Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronic Acid Injections): Sometimes called a 'gel injection,' this involves injecting a lubricating fluid into the joint to supplement the natural joint fluid, providing cushioning and pain relief, particularly for osteoarthritis.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: An advanced regenerative treatment where a concentration of a patient's own platelets is injected into the knee to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. It's a cutting-edge option we explore for certain conditions.
Surgical Treatment Options
When surgery becomes necessary, the goal is always to preserve as much of your natural joint as possible and utilize the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques available.
- Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera (arthroscope) and instruments inserted through tiny incisions. It's used to diagnose and treat problems like meniscal tears, remove loose bodies, and reconstruct ligaments like the ACL.
- Osteotomy: A procedure where the surgeon cuts and reshapes the shinbone or thighbone to shift weight off the damaged part of the knee. This is often a good option for younger, active patients with early-stage arthritis, potentially delaying the need for a joint replacement.
- Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty): If arthritis is confined to just one compartment of the knee, only that damaged portion is replaced. This preserves more of the patient's natural bone and ligaments, leading to a more natural-feeling knee and a faster recovery than a total knee replacement.
- Total Knee Replacement (TKA): For widespread arthritis causing severe pain and disability, this procedure resurfaces the damaged ends of the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap with artificial components. Modern techniques and implant designs offer excellent long-term results. You can learn more about the expertise required for such procedures in our guide on how to choose an orthopedic surgeon.
Why Choose Dr. Abhishek Saxena for Your Knee Care in Ajmer?
As an orthopedic surgeon dedicated to the Ajmer community, my approach to knee pain is comprehensive and patient-centered. At Bone & Joints Clinic, we offer:
- Accurate Diagnosis: We take the time to understand your history and use advanced imaging to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Your treatment is tailored to your specific diagnosis, activity level, and personal goals. We explore all non-surgical avenues first, including physical therapy, medications, and nutritional advice for joint health.
- Advanced Surgical Expertise: If surgery is the best path, I am trained in the latest techniques, including minimally invasive and computer-assisted joint replacement, ensuring precision and faster recovery.
- Continuum of Care: From the first consultation through rehabilitation and long-term follow-up, our team is with you every step of the way, guiding you on how to maintain your knee health after 40 and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Living with chronic knee pain is not inevitable. With a clear understanding of the cause and access to a full spectrum of modern treatments, you can look forward to a future with less pain and greater mobility. If you are struggling with knee pain, I encourage you to seek a thorough evaluation.
📞 Phone: +91 86182 43967
🌐 Website: https://boneandjoints.in
📍 Address: Near Jeevan Jyoti Hospital, Lajpat Nagar, Ramganj, Ajmer
🕒 Clinic Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM
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