Conditions Behind Knee Pain
Knee pain has many sources. Identifying the injured structure is the first step toward the right treatment.
Often a pop and rapid swelling after a pivot or landing, followed by a sense of the knee giving way.
ACL treatment →Knee SurgeryMeniscus TearsJoint-line pain, swelling, and catching or locking that may develop over hours to days after a twisting injury.
Meniscus treatment →Joint PreservationCartilage DamageActivity-related pain and recurrent swelling from a focal defect in the joint surface.
Cartilage restoration →KneecapPatellar InstabilityKneecap dislocation or partial slipping, often with apprehension during cutting and a risk of recurrence in young athletes.
Patellar instability →Knee & Sports MedicineOther Knee ConditionsLigament, tendon, and degenerative conditions evaluated as part of comprehensive knee care.
Knee surgery overview →Young AthletesYouth Sports Knee InjuriesGrowth-related and sport-specific knee injuries in adolescent athletes.
Youth sports guide →A Measured, Conservative-First Approach
Most knee conditions improve without surgery. Operative care is considered when the diagnosis and your goals support it.
Accurate Diagnosis
A careful history, examination of ligament stability, meniscus, and kneecap tracking, and imaging when it will change management.
Nonoperative Care First
Structured physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, and injections when indicated, including corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, or PRP.
Surgery When Indicated
Considered when nonoperative care has not restored function, or when the injury itself, such as a complete ACL tear in a pivoting athlete, favors surgery.
A Defined Recovery Plan
Every surgical patient receives a written, milestone-based rehabilitation protocol, advanced by objective criteria.
What to Expect at Your Evaluation
Your first visit is focused on understanding the problem and outlining clear options.
How the pain started, when swelling appeared, prior episodes, and your sport or work demands, followed by a focused knee examination.
X-rays are usually obtained first. MRI is used when a soft-tissue injury or surgical planning requires more detail.
Findings and options are explained in plain language, with time for your questions.
When to Have Knee Pain Evaluated
- Rapid swelling after an injury
- The knee giving way or feeling unstable
- Locking, catching, or inability to fully straighten
- Swelling that returns with activity
- A kneecap dislocation
- Pain lasting more than a few weeks despite rest
From Conservative Care to Surgical Options
Treatment is matched to the diagnosis. Each surgical option links to a dedicated page with details and recovery outlines.
Nonoperative Treatment
- Physical therapy for quadriceps, hip, and neuromuscular control
- Activity modification
- Bracing or taping when indicated
- Corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, or PRP injections in selected cases
This page is educational and does not replace an individual evaluation. Recovery timelines vary with the procedure and healing; see the ACL surgery recovery timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Evaluation is appropriate after an injury with rapid swelling, when the knee gives way or feels unstable, when it locks or cannot fully straighten, or when pain persists beyond a few weeks of rest and activity modification. Acute injuries and fractures can often be seen within 24–48 hours.
No. Nonoperative care is first-line for most knee conditions and may include physical therapy, bracing or taping, activity modification, and injections such as corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, or PRP when indicated. Surgery is considered when nonoperative care has not restored adequate function, or when the injury pattern itself favors surgery.
Dr. Hendel commonly treats ACL injuries, meniscus tears, articular cartilage injuries, patellar instability, and related sports and degenerative knee conditions. Surgery, when indicated, is performed at St. Luke's Orthopedic Hospital — West End Campus in Allentown.
Call (484) 526-1735 during office hours or schedule online through St. Luke's. New patient consultations are typically available within one to two weeks, and acute injuries and fractures can often be seen within 24–48 hours.
Referral requirements vary by insurance plan. Many plans allow direct access to orthopedic specialists, while others require a referral from your primary care physician. Office staff can verify your plan's requirements when you call to schedule.