Knee pain can affect everything from walking and climbing stairs to sports and sleep. Whether your pain stems from an injury, arthritis, or overuse, Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic is here to help. Serving the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia communities, we offer personalized, expert care through physical therapy and advanced orthopaedic surgery.

Take the first step toward lasting relief. Call (703) 348-3678 or request an appointment online through our secure form today.

A Closer Look at Your Knee

The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in your body. It connects the thigh bone to the shin bones, stabilized by ligaments and cushioned by cartilage. It’s involved in almost every movement you make—making it particularly vulnerable to stress, overuse, and injury.

You may be more likely to develop knee pain if you:

• Are overweight: Extra weight places additional stress on your knee joints
• Overuse your knee: Frequent, high-impact activities can lead to wear and tear
• Have a history of arthritis: Degenerative conditions can accelerate joint damage
  
• Lack flexibility or strength: Weak muscles or tight tissues offer less joint support
  
• Have a physically demanding job: Labor-intensive roles like construction or farming
  
• Have had a previous injury: Past trauma can increase vulnerability to future pain
  

What Are the Common Causes of Knee Pain?

Knee pain may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time due to wear and tear. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Common causes of knee pain include:

• Strain or sprain: Injuries from twisting or overexertion
  
• Dislocation: Typically involves misalignment of the kneecap
  
• Bursitis: Inflammation from pressure, injury, or overuse
  
• Fractures: Broken bones due to trauma
  
• Iliotibial band syndrome: Irritation from overuse, especially in runners
  
• Patellofemoral syndrome: Pain around the kneecap due to alignment issues
  
• Torn ligaments: Injuries such as ACL or MCL tears causing instability
  
• Meniscus tears: Cartilage damage that can cause catching or locking
  

Which Medical Conditions Cause Knee Pain?

Beyond mechanical injuries, several health conditions can lead to knee discomfort.

Medical causes of knee pain include:

• Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, or gout
  
• Baker cyst: Fluid buildup behind the knee joint
  
• Bone cancer: Malignancies that begin in or spread to the bone
  
• Joint or bone infections: Bacterial or inflammatory causes of pain and swelling
  

How is Knee Pain Treated?

Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic provides advanced, personalized treatment plans based on your specific diagnosis. We combine conservative care with innovative solutions to restore comfort and mobility.

Physical therapy is a first-line treatment option to:

• Build strength: Supporting muscles around the knee
  
• Improve flexibility: Helping reduce joint stiffness and improve function
  
• Stabilize movement: Correcting imbalances that can lead to pain or injury
  
• Aid post-surgery recovery: Accelerating healing and preventing complications
  

When surgery is necessary, options may include:

• Arthroscopic procedures: Minimally invasive surgeries for ligament or meniscus repair
  
• Joint replacement: For severe arthritis or chronic joint damage
  
• Realignment or reconstruction: Correcting structural issues
  

Our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons will guide you through your options and provide expert care every step of the way.

Additional Non-Surgical Treatments

Depending on the severity of your knee condition, your provider may also recommend:

Injections

• Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation
  
• Hyaluronic acid: To lubricate the joint
  
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): To promote tissue healing
  

Medications

• NSAIDs: To relieve pain and inflammation
  
• Acetaminophen: For pain without swelling
  

Other therapies

• Acupuncture or massage
  
• Posture and gait correction
  
• Shoe inserts or arch supports
  

Your care team will also help you monitor progress and adjust your plan as needed.

When Should I Seek Professional Treatment?

Some cases of knee pain can improve with home care, but you should see a specialist if:

• You can’t bear weight on your knee
  
• You experience severe or persistent pain
  
• Your knee buckles, locks, or feels unstable
  
• The joint is deformed or swollen
  
• You notice redness, warmth, or a fever
  
• You’ve had symptoms longer than three days without improvement
  

Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic is specially equipped to help you find answers and relief.

Preventing Future Knee Injuries

Keeping your knees healthy takes proactive effort. These tips may help:

• Warm up and cool down when exercising
  
• Stretch regularly
  
• Wear supportive footwear
  
• Avoid hard surfaces and high-impact activities
  
• Lose weight if needed to reduce pressure on joints
  
• Modify sports or work activities that strain the knees
  
• Address flat feet or alignment issues with inserts or orthotics
  

Schedule Your Appointment in the DMV Today

Don’t let knee pain hold you back. At Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic, our dedicated team provides comprehensive orthopaedic care and rehabilitation for patients across the DMV. From personalized physical therapy to advanced surgical treatment, we’ll help you regain the strength and confidence to move freely again.

Call (703) 348-3678 or request your appointment online through our secure form today.