Knee Pain Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC
Knee pain can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or even standing for long periods uncomfortable. Whether your symptoms developed after a sports injury, overuse, arthritis, or gradual wear and tear, identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward lasting relief.
Blake Ohlson, M.D. provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for knee pain in Mount Pleasant, SC, helping patients of all ages return to an active lifestyle. Using advanced diagnostic techniques, he develops personalized treatment plans that may include physical therapy, medications, regenerative medicine therapies when appropriate, minimally invasive procedures, or surgical treatment for more complex knee conditions.
Serving patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities, Dr. Ohlson is committed to delivering patient-centered orthopedic care focused on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and improving long-term knee function.
What is Knee Pain?
Knee pain is a common condition affecting individuals of various age groups. It not only affects movement but also impacts your quality of life. An injury or disease of the knee joint or any structure surrounding the knee can result in knee pain. A precise diagnosis of the underlying cause is important to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
What is the Knee Joint Comprised Of?
The knee is one of the largest joints in the body, formed by the lower end of the thighbone or femur, the upper end of the tibia or shinbone and the patella or kneecap. Several ligaments and muscles attach to the bones of the knee joint to maintain the normal motion and stability of the joint. The articular ends of the bones are lined by smooth cartilage allowing the bones to glide over each other during movement. C-shaped pads of cartilage called menisci, located between the bone ends, act as shock absorbers during movement.
What are the Causes of Knee Pain?
Some of the common causes of knee pain include:
- Arthritis, a condition associated with inflammation of the joint due to loss of articular cartilage
- Knee ligament injuries
- Meniscal tears
- Knee joint infection
- Dislocation of the kneecap or patella
- Patellar tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone
- Knee bursitis, which is inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs located around the joints, usually between a tendon and bone
- Gout or accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints causing severe attacks of joint pain, swelling and redness
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Knee Pain?
Some of the common signs and symptoms that accompany knee pain include:
- Swelling and redness
- Inability to bend or extend the knee
- Difficulty walking
- Limping due to discomfort
- Difficulty weight-bearing
- Weakness or instability
- Popping or crunching noises
How is Knee Pain Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a detailed review of your medical history and a physical examination of the knee. Your doctor may also conduct diagnostic imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, CT, and ultrasound scans. Blood tests may be performed to identify infection or gout. Sometimes, a procedure called arthrocentesis may also be performed, where fluid from the knee joint is removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
What is the Treatment for Knee Pain?
Treatment options depend upon the underlying cause responsible for the knee pain.
Some of the common treatment options for knee pain include:
- RICE protocol: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected knee joint
- Medications
- Stretching and physical therapy
- Knee injections
Sometimes, a knee arthroscopy may be performed. Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which the internal structures of the joint are examined to diagnose as well as treat the underlying problem. In severe cases of knee pain, your doctor may advise a knee replacement as a permanent solution.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Knee Pain Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Because knee pain can result from many different conditions, choosing an experienced orthopedic specialist is essential for obtaining an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant trust Dr. Blake Ohlson because he provides:
- Board-certified orthopedic expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of knee conditions
- Comprehensive evaluations to identify the precise cause of knee pain
- Individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's symptoms, activity level, and goals
- Conservative treatment options whenever possible, including physical therapy, medications, bracing, and injections
- Expertise in regenerative medicine and biologic therapies for appropriate candidates
- Advanced minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures and surgical treatment when necessary
- Compassionate, patient-focused care aimed at restoring mobility and improving quality of life
Dr. Ohlson believes that successful treatment begins with understanding the source of your pain and creating a personalized plan designed to help you return to the activities you enjoy.
Knee Pain FAQs
What causes knee pain?
Knee pain can result from many conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Meniscus tears
- ACL and other ligament injuries
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Patellar instability
- Gout
- Joint infections
- Cartilage injuries
- Overuse or repetitive stress
When should I see an orthopedic specialist for knee pain?
You should schedule an evaluation if your knee pain:
- Persists for more than a few days
- Interferes with walking or daily activities
- Causes swelling or instability
- Follows a sports injury or fall
- Prevents full bending or straightening of the knee
- Does not improve with rest and home care
How is knee pain diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Ohlson may recommend imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound to identify the underlying cause. In certain cases, laboratory testing or joint fluid analysis may also be appropriate.
Can knee pain be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients improve with nonsurgical treatment, including activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, corticosteroid injections, regenerative medicine therapies for appropriate candidates, and lifestyle modifications.
What is knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee through small incisions. It is commonly performed for meniscus tears, cartilage injuries, and certain ligament conditions.
When is knee replacement recommended?
Knee replacement is generally considered when severe arthritis or joint damage causes persistent pain, significant loss of function, and symptoms that no longer improve with conservative treatment.
Can regenerative medicine help knee pain?
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, regenerative medicine therapies may be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Dr. Ohlson will determine whether these options are appropriate based on your diagnosis and treatment goals.
How can I prevent future knee pain?
Maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening the muscles around the knee, wearing supportive footwear, staying physically active, warming up before exercise, and addressing injuries early can help reduce the risk of chronic knee problems.
Schedule a Knee Pain Evaluation in Mount Pleasant, SC
Persistent knee pain shouldn't keep you from living an active life. Whether your symptoms are related to arthritis, a sports injury, overuse, or another orthopedic condition, an early evaluation can help identify the cause and prevent further joint damage.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Ohlson in Mount Pleasant, SC for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan for knee pain. Proudly serving patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities, Dr. Ohlson provides advanced orthopedic care focused on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and helping you get back to the activities you enjoy.