Knee Pain Treatment in St. Clair Shores, MI
Knee Pain
Knee pain is most often caused by osteoarthritis, a sports or work injury, or wear on the tendons and cartilage around the joint. At Advanced Physical Medicine in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, we find the source of the pain and treat it without surgery, using ultrasound-guided injections, MLS laser, regenerative medicine and physical therapy.
Symptoms of Knee Pain
Knee problems can feel very different depending on what is injured. Common symptoms include:
- Aching or sharp pain in the front, inside or outside of the knee
- Swelling or a feeling of warmth around the joint
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Clicking, grinding or catching when you bend the knee
- The knee giving way or feeling unstable
- Pain on stairs, when kneeling or when standing up from a chair
Where the pain sits and what makes it worse are useful clues, so we ask about both at your first visit.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
The knee carries your full body weight with every step, so it is one of the joints that wears out first. Frequent causes include:
- Osteoarthritis, the gradual thinning of the cartilage that cushions the joint (see our arthritis page)
- Meniscus tears and ligament sprains, often from twisting during sports (see sports injuries)
- Patellar and quadriceps tendinitis from running, jumping or kneeling
- Bursitis, an inflamed fluid sac at the front or inside of the knee
- Pain after a knee replacement or other knee surgery
- Extra body weight, weak thigh and hip muscles, or poor alignment
How We Treat Knee Pain Without Surgery
Dr. Stephen Wilson, MD, is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine and has more than 25 years of experience treating pain. After an exam and any imaging you need, he builds a plan around your goals, whether that is walking the dog again or getting back to golf. Options include:
Ultrasound-Guided Knee Injections
We perform almost all injections under ultrasound guidance so the medication goes exactly where it is needed. Options include intra-articular injections of anti-inflammatory medication and knee joint fluid therapy (viscosupplementation) for osteoarthritis, given once a week for five weeks. Learn more about our interventional procedures.
PRP and Prolotherapy
Our regenerative medicine treatments use platelet-rich plasma from your own blood, or a dextrose solution, to support healing in worn cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Read more about PRP injections for knee pain.
MLS Laser Therapy
MLS laser therapy uses light to reduce pain and inflammation in the joint. Sessions are short and painless, with no downtime.
Physical Therapy
Strong thigh and hip muscles take load off the knee. Our physical therapy team designs exercises that build strength without flaring your pain.
Medical Massage and Pain Management
Medical massage therapy eases tight muscles around the knee, and our pain management plans tie every treatment together.
When to See a Doctor for Knee Pain
Make an appointment if knee pain lasts longer than two weeks, keeps coming back, wakes you at night or stops you from walking, climbing stairs or exercising the way you want. Swelling that does not go down with rest and ice is another reason to be seen.
Get urgent care if you cannot put weight on the leg, the knee looks deformed, or it is hot, red and swollen with a fever.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Pain
What is the fastest way to relieve knee pain at home?
For a flare-up, rest the knee, use ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, keep the leg raised and wear supportive shoes. If the pain does not settle within a week or two, an exam can find the cause.
What are the common causes of knee pain, and how can it be treated?
Osteoarthritis, meniscus and ligament injuries, tendinitis and bursitis are the most common causes. Treatment depends on the cause and may include physical therapy, injections, MLS laser or regenerative medicine.
What exercises should I avoid if I have knee pain?
Deep squats, lunges with heavy weight, jumping and running on hard surfaces can aggravate a painful knee. Low-impact exercise such as cycling, swimming and walking on level ground is usually better tolerated. Our therapists can tailor a program to your knee.
Can knee pain be treated without surgery?
Many patients improve with non-surgical care such as physical therapy, injections and regenerative medicine. If your knee needs a surgical opinion, we will tell you and help you plan the next step.
Do you accept insurance?
Advanced Physical Medicine accepts most major insurance plans. Some treatments, such as regenerative injections, may be self-pay, and our staff will go over coverage and costs with you before you start.
Get Help for Knee Pain in St. Clair Shores
Book a visit with Advanced Physical Medicine at 24345 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores, Michigan, or call us at (586) 563-3300. We will find out what is behind your knee pain and talk you through every option before anything is decided.
