Knee pain is an extremely common complaint that affects people of all ages, from young athletes to older adults with degenerative joint conditions. The knee is the largest and most complex joint in the body, bearing enormous loads during everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and rising from a chair. Its complexity makes it vulnerable to a wide variety of injuries and conditions. In younger, more active individuals, knee pain is frequently related to sports injuries. Common causes include anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears — often occurring during sudden stops, pivots, or direct impacts — meniscal tears (injury to the crescent-shaped cartilage pads in the knee), patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee), and iliotibial band syndrome. These injuries are often accompanied by swelling, instability, or a characteristic popping sound at the time of injury. In older adults, osteoarthritis of the knee is the predominant cause of chronic pain. As the cartilage that cushions the joint degrades, patients experience deep aching pain, morning stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Other causes in this age group include prepatellar bursitis, Baker's cysts, and referred pain from hip pathology. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, X-rays to assess joint space and bony alignment, and MRI for detailed evaluation of soft tissue structures including ligaments, menisci, and cartilage. Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and may range from activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications to corticosteroid or PRP injections, and ultimately surgical intervention. Surgical options include arthroscopy for meniscal repair or debridement, ACL reconstruction using grafts, and total or partial knee replacement (arthroplasty) for end-stage osteoarthritis. Our orthopaedic surgeons at Silvaris are experienced in the latest minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques, helping patients return to the activities they love with the shortest possible recovery time.
