KNEE PAIN CAUSES & TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PAIN RELIEF
Knee Conditions
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people visit orthopedic specialists—and with good reason. The knee is a complex joint made up of bones, ligaments, cartilage, and soft tissues that all need to function together for smooth, stable movement. When one part is injured, it can quickly affect your ability to walk, exercise, or enjoy daily life.
Dr. Christopher Swanson, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, treats a wide range of knee conditions at his practices in Jacksonville, St. Johns, and Fleming Island, Florida. From athletes with ligament injuries to older adults managing arthritis, Dr. Swanson offers modern, minimally invasive care, including orthobiologics, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, and partial knee replacement.
If you’re dealing with knee pain, instability, or limited mobility, schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson and take the first step toward long-term relief.
PERSONALIZED MENISCUS TEARS TREATMENT & SURGICAL OPTIONS
Meniscus Tears
Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. Tears can result from trauma, such as twisting during sports, or from degeneration over time.
Dr. Swanson evaluates whether the tear is repairable or needs partial removal. In many cases, he can perform arthroscopic meniscal repair to preserve as much tissue as possible. If repair isn’t feasible, a partial meniscectomy may be done to remove the damaged portion. With either approach, his goal is to restore function while protecting the knee from future arthritis or instability.
ADVANCED ACL TEAR TREATMENT TO RESTORE STABILITY
ACL Tears
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a critical stabilizer of the knee. ACL tears are especially common in athletes who pivot or land awkwardly during play. When torn, the knee often feels unstable and may give out during activity.
Dr. Swanson offers arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using tendon grafts to replace the damaged ligament. His anatomic technique restores natural knee movement and is guided by detailed imaging and surgical planning. Recovery involves a structured rehabilitation program and return-to-sport protocols.
EXPERT CARE FROM AN EXPERT KNEE DOCTOR | JACKSONVILLE, FL
MCL Tears
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs along the inside of the knee and helps resist outward stress. MCL injuries often occur during contact sports or falls that push the knee inward.
Most MCL tears heal without surgery through bracing, rest, and physical therapy. However, high-grade or complex tears, especially when combined with ACL or meniscus injuries, may require surgical repair or reconstruction. Dr. Swanson takes a conservative-first approach and uses surgical intervention only when necessary.
PRECISION TREATMENTS & TAILORED PCL TEAR SURGERY
PCL Tears
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) stabilizes the knee from the back. Tears often occur from direct impact to the front of the knee, such as in car accidents or during contact sports.
While many PCL tears heal with physical therapy and bracing, surgical reconstruction may be needed in cases of severe instability or combined ligament injuries. By tailoring treatment to your specific needs, Dr. Swanson helps ensure long-term function and joint health.
CUTTING-EDGE CARTILAGE INJURY TREATMENT OPTIONS
Cartilage Injuries
Dr. Swanson specializes in biologic treatments that help restore cartilage rather than simply removing it. Two leading-edge options he offers are MACI (matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation) and BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate).
- MACI uses a patient’s own cartilage cells, which are harvested during an initial procedure, cultured in a lab, and then implanted back into the damaged area using a collagen membrane. This approach encourages long-term cartilage regeneration and is ideal for younger or active patients with focal defects.
- BMAC is a regenerative therapy that uses stem cells and growth factors taken from your own bone marrow. These cells are injected into the site of cartilage damage to stimulate natural healing. BMAC may be used alone or in combination with other procedures to enhance outcomes.
- PRP uses a concentration of platelets from your own to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. After a simple blood draw, the sample is processed and injected directly into the area of cartilage damage. PRP is often recommended for early cartilage wear, joint irritation, or to complement other treatments.
MODERN PATELLA DISLOCATION TREATMENT & SURGERY
Patella Dislocations
The patella (kneecap) can dislocate when it slips out of its groove, often due to trauma or anatomical imbalances. Once it dislocates, the risk of recurrence increases, especially in younger, active patients.
Dr. Swanson assesses the damage with imaging and may recommend physical therapy initially. For patients with repeated dislocations, MPFL (medial patellofemoral ligament) reconstruction can restore stability by tightening or reconstructing the ligaments that guide the patella.
MEET WITH A TOP KNEE SPECIALIST | JACKSONVILLE, FL
Arthritis
Knee arthritis develops when cartilage wears away, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It’s often due to age, prior injury, or genetics—and it can significantly impact your daily life.
Dr. Swanson takes a modern approach to arthritis care. Non-surgical options include physical therapy, medications, orthobiologics, viscosupplementation (gel injections), and activity modification. For patients with damage in only one compartment of the knee, he may recommend partial knee replacement, which is a less invasive alternative to total joint replacement that preserves more of the knee’s natural function.