If knee pain is slowing you down, MU Health Care offers expert care to find answers and relief — quickly.

Knee pain can limit your ability to walk, climb stairs or even sleep comfortably. At MU Health Care, we treat the full spectrum of knee conditions, from minor injuries to advanced arthritis. 

Our team of orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine experts, physical therapists and more all work together to create a personalized treatment plan for your knee pain. Whether you need therapy, injections or surgery, we’re here to help you move forward.

Knee Pain Symptoms

Knee pain can appear suddenly or develop over time. It may be constant or flare up with activity. 

Common knee pain symptoms include: 

  • Aches or sharp pain in one or both knees
  • Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
  • Painful grinding or popping noises
  • Instability or a “buckling” feeling
  • Swelling or stiffness

When to Seek Care for Knee Pain

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if: 

  • Your knee pain lasts more than a few days or worsens with activity
  • Your knee gives out or feels unstable
  • You’ve had a recent fall or sports injury
  • You notice swelling, redness or a visible change in joint shape

If your knee pain began after an injury, you may benefit from a same-day visit to MU Health Care’s Sports Medicine Injury Clinic — a fast option for athletic or other sudden injuries.

Types of Knee Conditions We Treat

MU Health Care treats a wide range of knee problems, including: 

  • ACL and ligament injuries
  • Bursitis and tendonitis
  • Cartilage damage or bone spurs
  • Meniscus tears
  • Osteoarthritis and other forms of joint degeneration
  • Patellar dislocation or instability

Our orthopaedic specialists have advanced training in both nonsurgical and surgical approaches for each of these knee conditions.

Diagnosing Knee Pain at MU Health Care

To diagnose the source of your knee pain, we begin with a thorough evaluation and physical exam.

We may also use advanced tools like high-resolution MRIs and CT scans to understand joint alignment, bone structure and soft tissue damage. In some cases, your care team may use these scans to plan surgery with software-assisted precision.

Depending on your symptoms, your care team may also include: 

Your provider will explain your diagnosis and discuss treatment options based on your activity goals and personal needs.

How We Treat Knee Pain at MU Health Care

We take a personalized, step-by-step approach to knee care.

Nonsurgical Knee Pain Treatment

Many patients dealing with knee pain find relief without surgery. Nonsurgical treatment options available at MU Health Care include:

  • Physical therapy: Improves mobility and strength
  • Medications or injections: Reduce inflammation and relieve pain
  • Bracing or activity modification: Support healing without strain
  • Nutrition support: A dietitian may be part of your care team to help support joint health
  • Joint Health Program: Our team of experts from different fields help you manage knee pain through weight loss, nutrition and lifestyle support.

Surgical Knee Pain Treatment

When nonsurgical options don’t bring relief, surgery may be the right next step for persistent or worsening knee pain. MU Health Care offers:

  • Knee preservation: In cases where your knee cartilage is healthy, our experts can work to preserve your healthy tissue by using minimally invasive techniques to repair your knee function.
  • Knee arthroscopy: Minimally invasive arthroscopic knee surgery may be helpful to remove or repair any damaged tissue causing pain or locking/catching symptoms.
  • Knee osteotomy: If your knee is not aligned, our surgeons can reposition the joint by removing part of the bone around your knee, realigning the knee joint and holding it in position using a plate and screws. This realignment helps your knee work as it should and relieves stress on your cartilage.
  • Knee ligament repair: Orthopaedic surgeons at MU Health Care are experts at repairing torn knee ligaments. And as the official health care provider of Mizzou Athletics, you can count on the same world-class care our surgeons provide for the Tigers.
  • Knee replacement: There are multiple types of knee surgery, and your doctor will talk to you about the best approach between total or partial replacement.
  • Outpatient knee replacement surgery: Depending on the cause of your knee pain, you may be able to have an outpatient knee replacement, either going home on the day of surgery or the next day less than 24 hours after surgery.

Our knee surgeons work closely with rehabilitation and pain management specialists to ensure a safe recovery and faster return to activity. All of our treatments involve physical therapy to help reestablish your mobility and build your strength. Our behavioral health providers can also help you mentally prepare for treatment and stay motivated throughout your recovery.

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