Key Takeaways
- Ongoing knee pain lasting more than a few weeks may signal a more serious issue that requires expert evaluation.
- Swelling, stiffness, or instability often indicate ligament, cartilage, or joint damage that won’t improve with rest alone.
- Seeking timely orthopedic care can prevent long-term complications and restore full mobility.
- Modern non-surgical options like orthobiologic injections (PRP and BMAC) may reduce pain and delay surgery.
- Dr. Christopher Swanson, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Jacksonville, St. Johns, and Fleming Island, FL, offers advanced diagnosis and treatment for knee pain. He also incorporates modern orthopedic technologies, including innovations from Enovis®, a company known for developing advanced surgical guidance and implant systems, to support precise and efficient orthopedic care.
Why Knee Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Knee discomfort can start subtly, a twinge after a workout, soreness after climbing stairs, or stiffness when standing up. But when the pain persists, it’s often a sign of an underlying orthopedic problem such as cartilage damage, tendon inflammation, or early arthritis.
Because the knee supports nearly all your body weight, even small injuries can worsen quickly without proper care. Consulting a knee specialist early helps identify the root cause and prevents chronic issues that could limit your mobility.
Common Causes of Persistent Knee Pain
The knee joint is made up of bones, ligaments, cartilage, and soft tissue, any of which can become injured or inflamed. Common sources of ongoing pain include:
| Condition | Typical Symptoms | Possible Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Meniscus Tear | Sharp pain, locking, or clicking | Arthroscopic meniscus repair or removal |
| Ligament Injuries (ACL/MCL/PCL) | Instability, swelling, limited motion | Bracing, physical therapy, or reconstruction |
| Cartilage Damage | Grinding sensation, stiffness | Orthobiologic injections or cartilage restoration |
| Arthritis | Chronic aching, swelling, loss of flexibility | PRP, BMAC, viscosupplementation, or partial replacement |
| Patellar Tracking Issues | Pain behind the kneecap, instability | Physical therapy or MPFL reconstruction |
Dr. Swanson carefully evaluates each condition and develops a personalized treatment plan tailored to your activity level and goals
Signs It’s Time to See a Knee Specialist
1. Pain Lasting More Than Two Weeks
Persistent pain beyond normal recovery time from exercise or strain is a red flag. Chronic discomfort may indicate a structural issue, such as cartilage wear or a ligament injury, that requires medical imaging to diagnose.
2. Swelling or Stiffness That Doesn’t Improve
Lingering inflammation can indicate internal damage. If your knee looks puffy, feels warm, or is difficult to bend, it’s time for an orthopedic evaluation.
3. Clicking, Locking, or Catching
Mechanical symptoms often result from a torn meniscus or loose cartilage. These issues typically don’t resolve with home care and may need arthroscopic surgery for long-term relief.
4. Difficulty Bearing Weight or Walking
If walking or climbing stairs becomes painful, or if your knee gives out unexpectedly, a professional assessment is essential. Structural instability increases your risk for falls and additional injuries.
5. Previous Injury or Arthritis History
Old sports injuries, prior ligament tears, or existing arthritis can make the joint more vulnerable. Follow-up care ensures that previous damage isn’t causing new pain or mobility problems.
What to Expect at Your Orthopedic Evaluation
During your visit, Dr. Swanson will perform a comprehensive knee assessment that may include:
- A detailed medical history and physical exam
- Movement and strength testing
- Diagnostic imaging (X-rays or MRI) to pinpoint the cause
Depending on the findings, treatment may include non-surgical therapies, orthobiologic injections, or minimally invasive procedures. The goal is always to preserve natural joint function and support faster recovery.
Modern, Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatments
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP harnesses your own platelets to promote natural tissue repair. The process involves drawing a small amount of blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting them into the damaged area. PRP can reduce inflammation and pain from tendonitis, arthritis, or minor cartilage injuries.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)
BMAC therapy uses stem cells and growth factors from your bone marrow to repair moderate cartilage or tendon damage. It’s often recommended for patients who want to avoid surgery while addressing chronic pain more effectively than basic injections.
Physical Therapy and Activity Modification
Targeted exercises restore strength, flexibility, and stability. Combined with bracing or temporary rest, therapy helps prevent re-injury and promotes long-term joint health.
When Surgery Becomes the Right Choice
If conservative care doesn’t relieve pain, Dr. Swanson may recommend minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery or partial knee replacement, depending on the cause. These procedures are performed using advanced technology that enables smaller incisions, a faster recovery, and more precise results. While Enovis® systems such as ARVIS® are used in joint replacement procedures, they represent the type of modern orthopedic technology Dr. Swanson integrates into his overall approach to precision-guided surgery.
Surgical options are customized to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible while restoring pain-free movement.
How Dr. Swanson Approaches Knee Care
At his orthopedic practices across Jacksonville, St. Johns, and Fleming Island, Dr. Swanson takes a holistic and patient-centered approach. He integrates sports medicine expertise, regenerative therapy, and precision surgery to deliver optimal outcomes. His use of advanced imaging, modern arthroscopic tools, and exposure to technologies developed by Enovis®, a leader in orthopedic surgical innovation, helps ensure accuracy and consistency throughout care.
Schedule Expert Knee Pain Treatment
If knee pain is interrupting your daily routine, don’t wait until it becomes unbearable. Dr. Christopher Swanson, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and joint preservation, provides modern, patient-centered care for acute and chronic knee conditions across Jacksonville, St. Johns, and Fleming Island, FL.
Schedule your appointment online to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my knee pain is serious?
If the pain persists for more than two weeks, restricts your movement, or comes with swelling or locking, it’s time to see an orthopedic specialist for a proper diagnosis.
Can knee pain go away on its own?
Minor strains may resolve with rest, but ongoing pain often points to cartilage or ligament damage that requires medical attention. Ignoring symptoms can lead to worsening joint issues.
What treatments can help avoid knee surgery?
Non-surgical options like PRP, BMAC, physical therapy, and bracing can relieve pain and promote healing. These treatments can delay or prevent the need for surgery in many cases.
How soon can I return to activity after PRP or BMAC injections?
Most patients resume light activity within a few days, with continued improvement over several weeks as the joint heals naturally.
Are orthobiologic injections safe?
Yes. PRP and BMAC treatments use your own biological material, minimizing risk and promoting natural healing with little to no downtime.
