Knee Pain

Matt Gavin, MD -  - Orthopedics

Matt Gavin, MD

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine located in Leesburg, VA

Your knees are the largest joints in your body, and it’s easy to forget how hard they work until knee pain keeps you from the sports or daily activities you love. Matt Gavin, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician, diagnoses and treats all types of knee pain at his practice in Leesburg, Virginia. If you want lasting relief from knee pain, call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gavin.

Knee Pain Q & A

What causes knee pain?

A wide range of conditions and injuries have the potential to cause knee pain. If your knee pain begins immediately after a fall, collision, or another type of acute injury, it’s probably being caused by damage to your knee. Aside from sports injuries, knee pain can also be a symptom of a medical condition like arthritis.

Some examples of common knee injuries that cause pain include:

  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
  • Bone fractures
  • Meniscus tears
  • Dislocated kneecap
  • Loose fragments of bone or cartilage in your knee

 

If you haven’t experienced an acute injury, it’s also possible to get an overuse injury in your knee from repeating the same motion. These common overuse injuries can cause knee pain:

  • Patellar tendinitis
  • Iliotibial band syndrome
  • Knee bursitis

What are the symptoms of knee pain?

Depending on the cause of your knee pain, you may also experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Joint stiffness
  • Swelling and redness
  • A popping or crunching noise
  • Muscle weakness
  • Restricted movement
  • Inability to bear weight on your knee
  • Inability to flex or extend your knee

How is knee pain diagnosed and treated?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Gavin performs a comprehensive physical exam, including a thorough review of your symptoms and medical history. He carefully evaluates your knee by testing the joint’s strength and range of motion. He may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to help diagnose your condition.

Treatment varies depending on your type of injury, individual needs, and the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Gavin creates a personalized treatment plan to best improve your condition.

Mild knee pain often resolves on its own with home care such as rest, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medicines.

If you have a sports injury such as a torn ACL or meniscus, Dr. Gavin may recommend arthroscopic knee surgery to reduce pain and restore normal function to your knee.

Severe tissue degeneration from diseases such as arthritis may require more extensive treatment, such as MAKOplasty® or knee replacement surgery.

If knee pain is keeping you from playing sports or interfering with daily life, call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gavin today to get on the road to full health.