Chronic Knee Pain – Understanding Long-Term Joint Discomfort and Lasting Relief
Overview
Chronic knee pain is defined as discomfort or stiffness that lasts six weeks or longer and can stem from injuries, overuse, or degenerative conditions such as arthritis. For some, it begins as mild soreness after activity and progresses into daily pain that interferes with walking, standing, or sleep.
Because the knee is a weight-bearing joint that supports nearly every movement, persistent pain can impact overall quality of life — limiting independence and activity.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based solutions for chronic knee pain. Patients throughout Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas receive personalized care focused on identifying the root cause, reducing inflammation, and restoring long-term joint function.
What Causes Chronic Knee Pain?
Chronic knee pain is usually a sign of underlying joint or soft-tissue damage that has not fully healed. It may develop gradually or follow an acute injury that never resolved.
Common causes include:
- Arthritis (Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis): Progressive cartilage wear or autoimmune inflammation.
- Previous injuries: Unhealed ligament, tendon, or meniscus tears.
- Overuse or repetitive strain: Repeated stress from work, sports, or exercise.
- Cartilage loss or degeneration: Surface damage causing bone-on-bone friction.
- Poor alignment or muscle imbalance: Alters movement mechanics and increases stress on the joint.
- Inflammatory or metabolic conditions: Such as gout or infection.
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Risk factors:
- Age > 40
- Obesity or excessive body weight
- Occupations requiring prolonged standing or kneeling
- Prior knee surgery or trauma
- Sedentary lifestyle leading to muscle weakness
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Symptoms
Chronic knee pain can vary from dull aching to sharp or burning sensations depending on the underlying cause.
Typical symptoms include:
- Persistent pain or stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest
- Swelling or warmth around the joint
- Clicking, grinding, or popping sounds with movement
- Weakness or instability while walking or standing
- Reduced flexibility and limited range of motion
- Fatigue or pain after moderate activity
- Discomfort during weather changes (barometric pressure sensitivity)
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Pain may worsen in the morning, after sitting for long periods, or following strenuous activity.
Diagnosis
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a detailed assessment to determine the source of long-term pain and create an individualized treatment plan.
Diagnostic steps include:
- Medical history: Onset, duration, lifestyle factors, and prior injuries.
- Physical exam: Evaluates range of motion, tenderness, and joint alignment.
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Imaging:
- X-rays: Reveal bone spurs, arthritis, or alignment issues.
- MRI: Detects cartilage loss, soft-tissue tears, or inflammation.
- Lab testing: Blood tests for inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) and rheumatoid factors help distinguish RA from OA.
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Accurate diagnosis guides treatment — ensuring the best balance between symptom relief and joint preservation.
Treatment Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics
Successful management of chronic knee pain requires addressing both symptoms and their underlying causes.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Bracing and orthotics: Stabilize the joint and correct misalignment.
- Viscoelastic (gel) injections: Replace joint lubrication for smoother movement.
- Lifestyle modification: Weight management, low-impact exercise, and ergonomic adjustments.
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- Restores flexibility, strength, and balance.
- Focuses on core and leg muscles to reduce joint load.
- Re-educates movement patterns to prevent recurrence.
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- Platelet-rich plasma injections use natural growth factors to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
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Surgical and Advanced Options
If chronic pain stems from severe degeneration or structural damage, Dr. Burke may recommend surgical intervention for lasting relief:
Arthroscopy
- Minimally invasive technique to remove damaged tissue or cartilage fragments.
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Reconstructive Surgery
- Repairs structural deformities or multi-tissue damage.
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Joint Replacement
- For advanced arthritis or cartilage loss, restores mobility with durable prosthetic components.
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MACI Stem Cell Therapy:
- Regenerates cartilage using the patient’s own cells, reducing pain and improving joint health.
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Dr. Burke tailors every treatment plan to the patient’s lifestyle, ensuring optimal recovery and function.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery varies depending on the cause and treatment method but typically progresses through structured physical therapy and gradual return to activity.
Typical timelines:
- Conservative care: Noticeable improvement within 6–12 weeks.
- Minimally invasive surgery: 2–3 months for full function.
- Joint replacement: 3–6 months for restored mobility.
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Rehabilitation goals:
- Decrease inflammation and stiffness
- Restore strength in quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles
- Improve flexibility and balance
- Rebuild confidence in joint movement
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Consistent participation in physical therapy greatly enhances long-term outcomes.
Long-Term Outlook and Prevention
Most patients achieve lasting relief when chronic knee pain is managed through a combination of medical treatment, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Prevention and management strategies:
- Maintain healthy weight to reduce joint pressure
- Engage in low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling
- Stretch and strengthen lower-body muscles
- Use proper form when lifting or exercising
- Avoid prolonged kneeling or high-impact sports without training
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Proactive care helps prevent recurring pain and supports long-term joint preservation.
When to Seek Medical Care
You should seek orthopedic care if:
- Pain or stiffness lasts longer than six weeks
- Swelling, locking, or giving-way sensations occur
- Pain interferes with sleep or daily movement
- Conservative treatments provide no improvement
- You’ve had prior surgery or injury with new symptoms
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Early evaluation prevents further deterioration and promotes quicker recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If chronic knee pain is limiting your lifestyle, advanced care can help you move freely again.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we combine precise diagnostics, regenerative therapy, and minimally invasive techniques to identify the source of pain and restore lasting comfort.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, helping patients reclaim mobility and confidence through compassionate orthopedic expertise.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in complex and chronic knee conditions.
