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Knee Pain

Expert Knee Pain Treatment in Houston & Pearland | Dr. Burke Orthopedics


Expert Knee Pain Treatment in Houston & Pearland | Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Your knees are the foundation of nearly every step you take — from walking and climbing stairs to exercising and working. When knee pain strikes, it can limit mobility and impact your overall quality of life.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in advanced, personalized treatments for all types of knee pain and injury. Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, provides comprehensive care backed by decades of experience and innovation — serving patients across Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas.
Our mission is to help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and restore confidence in your movement.

  • Revolutionary Cartilage Restoration
  • Long-Lasting Results
  • Minimally Invasive Procedure

Common Causes of Knee Pain

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

1. Knee Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Knee arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic joint pain. It occurs when cartilage — the smooth tissue that cushions the bones — breaks down, causing stiffness, swelling, and discomfort. Osteoarthritis is degenerative, while rheumatoid arthritis results from autoimmune inflammation.

Symptoms:


  • Pain, stiffness, and swelling that worsens with activity or after rest
  • Grinding or clicking sounds within the joint
  • Difficulty walking, standing, or bending the knee


How Dr. Burke Treats It


  • Dr. Burke tailors treatment based on disease severity, often starting with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and joint-supportive bracing. Weight management and activity modification are integrated for long-term relief.


Surgical Options:


  • For advanced arthritis, Dr. Burke may recommend total or partial knee replacement to restore function and alleviate pain.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical relief can occur in a few weeks. After replacement surgery, recovery typically takes 3–6 months, with guided physical therapy being essential.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

2. Knee Bursitis

Knee bursitis develops when small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) near the joint become inflamed — often from repetitive kneeling, overuse, or trauma.

Symptoms:


  • Swelling and tenderness in the front or sides of the knee
  • Pain when kneeling or climbing stairs
  • Warmth and redness if infection is present


How Dr. Burke Treats It


  • Most cases resolve with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory care. Targeted therapy can reduce inflammation and prevent recurrence.


Surgical Options:


  • For chronic or infected bursitis, Dr. Burke may drain or remove the inflamed bursa to restore comfort.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Typical recovery is 4–6 weeks without surgery; 6–8 weeks after surgical drainage with therapy.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

3. Knee Fractures

Knee fractures involve breaks in one or more of the bones forming the knee joint (femur, tibia, or patella). These are serious injuries that require immediate orthopedic care.

Symptoms:


  • Severe pain, swelling, and bruising around the knee
  • Inability to walk or bear weight
  • Visible deformity in severe cases


How Dr. Burke Treats It


  • Dr. Burke uses X-rays and advanced imaging to assess the fracture. Depending on the injury, treatment may involve casting, bracing, or surgical fixation.


Surgical Options:


  • Complex fractures may require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates or screws to restore stability.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical recovery is typically 6–8 weeks. Post-surgery recovery ranges from 10–12 weeks, with physical therapy vital for mobility.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

4. Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is the cartilage that cushions and stabilizes your knee. Tears often occur from twisting or sudden impact — common in athletes and active adults.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and swelling, especially when twisting the leg
  • Locking, catching, or instability in the knee
  • Difficulty bending or straightening the leg fully


How Dr. Burke Treats It


  • Mild tears often respond well to rest, ice, compression, and targeted therapy. Strengthening the surrounding muscles helps restore joint function.


Surgical Options:


  • For larger or persistent tears, arthroscopic surgery allows Dr. Burke to trim or repair damaged tissue with minimal downtime.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Conservative recovery: 4–6 weeks. Arthroscopic recovery: 3–6 months with guided rehabilitation.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

5. Knee Tendonitis

Tendonitis is caused by inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to the knee — often seen in athletes or those performing repetitive movements.

Symptoms:


  • Pain above or below the kneecap during activity
  • Tenderness and swelling that worsens after exertion
  • Stiffness and discomfort when squatting or jumping


How Dr. Burke Treats It


  • Treatment includes activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce strain and inflammation.
  • Eccentric strengthening exercises are key to recovery.


Surgical Options:


  • In chronic cases, minimally invasive surgery may be performed to remove damaged tendon tissue and promote healing.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical recovery: 4–6 weeks. Surgical recovery: up to 3–6 months with rehab.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

6. Ligament Tears (ACL, PCL, MCL Injuries)

Ligaments stabilize the knee joint. Tears can occur from sudden twists, impact, or sports injuries, causing instability and pain.

Symptoms:


  • A popping sound at injury onset
  • Rapid swelling and instability
  • Difficulty walking or pivoting


How Dr. Burke Treats It


  • Mild sprains are treated with rest, bracing, and rehabilitation. For complete tears, surgical repair is often necessary for full recovery and knee stability.


Surgical Options:


  • Dr. Burke performs ligament reconstruction, including robotic-assisted ACL and MCL repair, for precise, minimally invasive results.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical recovery: 6–8 weeks. Post-surgical: 6–9 months for athletes to return to full activity.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

7. Cartilage Damage (MACI Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine)

Cartilage loss can result from injury or aging. Dr. Burke offers FDA-approved regenerative cartilage therapy (MACI) that uses your own cells to restore joint surface health.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and stiffness deep in the joint
  • Swelling after activity
  • Decreased range of motion and joint noise


How Dr. Burke Treats It


  • Dr. Burke uses MACI (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) — where healthy cartilage cells are grown in a lab and re-implanted into damaged areas — promoting natural regeneration.


Surgical Options:


  • Performed arthroscopically for minimal downtime and improved precision.


Recovery Timeline:


  • MACI recovery averages 3–6 months, with structured therapy ensuring durable results.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

8. Chronic Knee Pain

Chronic pain can stem from multiple causes — including old injuries, arthritis, or repetitive stress. Dr. Burke specializes in finding and addressing the root cause to provide long-term relief.

Symptoms:


  • Pain lasting more than six weeks
  • Stiffness, swelling, or aching with daily activities
  • Reduced mobility or knee fatigue


How Dr. Burke Treats It


  • Dr. Burke combines physical therapy, joint injections, regenerative medicine, and minimally invasive options to restore comfort and function.


Surgical Options:


  • If needed, robotic-assisted techniques allow precise, tissue-preserving procedures to restore natural movement.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Recovery varies by diagnosis, but most patients see measurable improvement within 6–12 weeks.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Why Patients Across Houston & Pearland Trust Dr. Burke Orthopedics

  • Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with decades of surgical and regenerative expertise
  • Comprehensive care — diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation all under one roof
  • Evidence-based approach for faster, lasting recovery
  • Trusted by patients across Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Get Same-Day Diagnosis and
Treatment for Knee Pain

Don’t let knee pain slow you down. Dr. Burke Orthopedics offers same-day appointments to diagnose and treat your knee condition quickly and effectively. Whether you’re struggling with arthritis, ligament tears, or cartilage damage, Dr. Burke and his team are ready to help you regain mobility and comfort.

(713) 436-3488

Disclaimer:


The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional care based on information you have read here. Click For The Full Declaimer

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do I know if my knee pain requires medical attention?
    If your knee pain persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by swelling, stiffness, or difficulty walking, or if you’ve experienced a traumatic injury, it’s time to see Dr. Burke for an evaluation. Early treatment can prevent further complications.
  • Can knee conditions heal without surgery?
    Many knee conditions, such as tendonitis, bursitis, and minor meniscus tears, can heal with non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medications. Dr. Burke will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
  • What is robotic knee surgery, and how does it benefit me?
    Robotic-assisted knee surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses advanced technology to guide the surgeon in performing precise movements. This approach improves accuracy, reduces recovery time, and leads to better outcomes for patients. Dr. Burke specializes in this innovative technique for knee replacements and ligament repairs.
  • How long does it take to recover from knee surgery?
    Recovery time depends on the type of surgery. Most patients recover from knee replacement or ligament repair surgery within 3-6 months, with physical therapy playing a key role in regaining strength and mobility. Dr. Burke will provide a personalized rehabilitation plan to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.
  • What is MACI treatment for knee cartilage damage?
    MACI (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) is a revolutionary procedure where cartilage cells are harvested from the patient, grown in a lab, and implanted into the knee to repair damaged cartilage. This regenerative treatment helps the body heal naturally and can significantly improve knee function and reduce pain.
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"At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, our focus is on you. With personalized care, advanced orthopedic treatments, and a commitment to getting you back to what you love, we’re here to support your journey to better health and mobility."