Don’t Ignore Knee Pain—Know What It’s Telling You

Your knees carry the weight of your world—literally. From walking and climbing stairs to bending and lifting, the knee joint supports nearly every movement in your daily life. So when knee pain strikes, it can quickly affect your ability to work, stay active, or even rest comfortably. The big question is: when is it just a minor strain, and when is it time to see an orthopedic specialist?

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics in Houston, we treat knee pain with a personalized approach rooted in experience, compassion, and cutting-edge care. This article will help you understand what’s causing your knee pain, how to relieve it at home, and the warning signs that mean it’s time to get professional help.

What Causes Knee Pain?

Knee pain can arise from many different sources, depending on your age, activity level, and health history. Some issues develop gradually, while others occur suddenly—often after injury or overuse.

Common Causes of Knee Pain Include:

1. Osteoarthritis – A degenerative condition that wears down cartilage over time, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
2. Ligament Injuries – Such as ACL or MCL tears from sports, sudden twisting, or trauma.
3. Meniscus Tears – Caused by twisting movements or degeneration, especially in older adults.
4. Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) – Overuse injury from repetitive motion, jumping, or squatting.
5. Bursitis – Inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs in the knee, often caused by overuse or trauma.
6. Kneecap Misalignment (Patellofemoral Syndrome) – Common in runners or those with muscle imbalances.
7. Fractures or Dislocations – Usually caused by direct trauma or falls.

Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward effective treatment. That’s where a knee specialist like Dr. Robert L. Burke comes in.

When Should You See a Doctor for Knee Pain?

It can be tempting to “wait it out,” especially if you’ve experienced occasional knee soreness in the past. But some symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.

📌 Here are 7 signs it’s time to see a knee doctor:

1. Pain lasts more than a few days – Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter meds is a red flag.
2. Swelling or warmth in the joint – Could indicate inflammation, internal bleeding, or infection.
3. You heard a pop or felt a snap – A classic sign of a ligament or meniscus injury.
4. Your knee feels unstable – Buckling, giving out, or difficulty standing may mean structural damage.
5. Decreased range of motion – Trouble bending or straightening the knee is not normal.
6. You can’t bear weight – If walking is painful or impossible, you need immediate medical attention.
7. Visible deformity or misalignment – Could signal a fracture, dislocation, or severe injury.

If you’re experiencing any of the above, Dr. Burke Orthopedics offers same-day and next-day appointments to assess your knee and get you on the road to recovery.

At-Home Knee Pain Relief: What You Can Do Right Now

For mild to moderate knee pain, especially if caused by overuse or strain, there are several strategies you can try at home.

🧊 1. RICE Method

• Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the pain
• Ice: Apply ice packs 15–20 minutes every few hours
• Compression: Use a knee brace or wrap to reduce swelling
• Elevation: Keep your knee raised above heart level when possible

💊 2. Over-the-Counter Medications

• NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can relieve both pain and inflammation.
• Always follow dosage instructions and talk to your doctor if you have other health conditions.

🧘‍♀️ 3. Gentle Stretching and Strengthening

• Focus on low-impact exercises like leg lifts, hamstring stretches, and quad sets.
• Avoid high-impact movements that put additional stress on the joint.

🦶 4. Supportive Footwear

• Shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help distribute weight more evenly across your knees.

🩹 5. Bracing or Taping

• A soft knee brace or kinesiology tape can stabilize your knee and reduce strain during movement.

While these methods can provide temporary relief, they may not address the root cause—especially if your knee pain keeps coming back.

How Dr. Burke Orthopedics Diagnoses Knee Pain

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we use a combination of clinical examination and diagnostic imaging to identify the exact source of your pain.

Our diagnostic tools include:

• X-rays: To detect arthritis, fractures, or misalignment
• MRI scans: To evaluate soft tissue damage such as ligament tears or cartilage loss
• Ultrasound: For tendon inflammation or fluid buildup
• In-office physical exams: To assess joint stability, alignment, and strength

Once we pinpoint the cause, we’ll tailor a treatment plan to fit your lifestyle, goals, and activity level.

Advanced Knee Pain Treatments Available in Houston

If conservative methods aren’t enough, or you’ve been living with chronic pain, Dr. Burke offers a wide range of advanced solutions—from injections to surgery.

Our most effective treatment options include:

💉 Injections & Regenerative Therapies

• Corticosteroid injections for inflammation
• Hyaluronic acid (gel) injections to lubricate the joint
• MACI (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) stem cell therapy for cartilage repair
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) to stimulate healing in tendons and ligaments

🤖 Robotic-Assisted Knee Surgery

• Increased precision and faster recovery for patients needing partial or total knee replacement

🔍 Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

• Minimally invasive procedure to repair ligament tears or remove damaged cartilage

🏃‍♂️ Physical Therapy Integration

• Tailored rehab plans focused on strength, mobility, and joint function

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, you won’t get a one-size-fits-all approach—we treat your knee pain at the source with leading-edge tools and genuine care.

What Happens If You Ignore Knee Pain?

Delaying treatment can lead to:

• Worsening joint damage
• Decreased mobility
• Muscle atrophy
• Permanent cartilage loss
• Increased likelihood of needing major surgery

Don’t risk long-term damage when help is just a phone call away.

Why Patients Trust Dr. Burke Orthopedics in Houston

With decades of experience treating complex orthopedic conditions, Dr. Robert L. Burke has earned a reputation for delivering life-changing results. Patients choose Dr. Burke for:

✅ Board-certified expertise in knee and sports injuries
✅ Personalized attention from diagnosis to recovery
✅ Minimally invasive options for quicker healing
✅ On-site diagnostics and convenient scheduling
✅ Compassionate, professional care that puts patients first

Whether you’re dealing with sudden pain, sports injuries, or age-related joint issues, Dr. Burke can help you move without pain again.

💬 Take the First Step Toward Lasting Relief

If you’re tired of living with knee pain or worried about a recent injury, don’t wait.

📞 Call Dr. Burke Orthopedics today at (713) 436-3488
📍 Visit our Houston clinic or book online
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