Knee Pain: Causes & Treatment

Overview

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons patients see an orthopaedic specialist. It can be due to age-related wear (osteoarthritis), an acute injury (ligament or meniscus tear), overuse (tendinitis), or mechanical problems around the kneecap.

Because so many structures — bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and the kneecap — meet at the knee, a careful history and examination are important to pinpoint the exact cause before starting treatment.

Who It Is For

• Knee pain that persists beyond a few days or worsens with activity
• Swelling, locking, giving way or clicking in the knee
• Knee pain after a fall, twisting injury or sports activity
• Chronic knee stiffness affecting walking, stairs or squatting

Preparation

Evaluation typically starts with a detailed history of the pain pattern and any injury, followed by a clinical examination and X-rays. MRI is advised selectively when ligament, meniscus or cartilage injury is suspected.

Procedure / How It Works

Treatment is matched to the underlying cause identified.

• Physiotherapy and activity modification for mild arthritis, tendinitis or overuse pain
• Medication for pain and inflammation as prescribed
• Injections in selected patients as an adjunct to other treatment
• Arthroscopic surgery for confirmed ligament or meniscus tears not responding to conservative care
• Joint replacement for advanced arthritis causing disabling pain

Recovery

Recovery depends entirely on the diagnosis and chosen treatment — physiotherapy-based care for mild conditions may show improvement over weeks, while surgical treatment follows the recovery pathway specific to that procedure.

Aftercare

• Follow the physiotherapy and exercise plan consistently
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce knee joint load
• Use supportive footwear and avoid activities that aggravate symptoms until reviewed
• Attend follow-up visits to track progress and adjust treatment

Risks / Possible Complications

• Persistent or worsening pain if the underlying cause is not properly treated
• Risks specific to the chosen treatment (e.g. medication side effects, or surgical risks if surgery is needed)
• Delayed recovery if activity modification and physiotherapy advice are not followed

Expected Outcomes

Many causes of knee pain respond well to timely, appropriately targeted treatment. Outcomes depend on the specific diagnosis, its severity and how consistently the recommended treatment plan is followed.

Cost Factors

Cost depends on the diagnosis, the tests required, the technology or implant chosen and the length of treatment or follow-up.

The clinic explains the full cost — tests, procedure and follow-up visits — before you agree to treatment. There are no hidden charges.

Insurance and cashless approval depend on your policy and the procedure; the front desk helps with the paperwork wherever a claim applies.

Call the clinic on 070303 11311 for current pricing and insurance details.

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

• Thorough evaluation by Dr. Vishal Murkute, Orthopaedic Surgeon (MBBS, DNB Orthopaedics)
• Accurate diagnosis before deciding on treatment, avoiding unnecessary interventions
• Guidance across the full range of options — physiotherapy, medication or surgery
• Coordination with an associated hospital when surgery is required — Sahyadri Superspecialty Hospital (Yerawada), Manipal Hospital (Kharadi) or Medipoint Hospital (Chandannagar); the team confirms the exact venue at your consultation.
• Convenient Kharadi location for consultation and ongoing knee care