Knee Pain Treatment in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Knee pain ranges from a nuisance to debilitating. Injuries, chronic conditions, or general wear and tear are often to blame. If the pain doesn’t disappear on its own or is severe, consult a pain management specialist.

Residents of Winston-Salem often turn to Carolinas Pain Institute for knee pain. Continue reading to discover why.

Or call 704-545-8242 to make an appointment or ask questions

There are many types of pain we can experience in or around the kneecap – and knee pain is quite common. According to a 2023 study, about 5% of all primary care appointments are related to knee pain.

Knee pain can be sudden or gradual. Typically, knee pain is due to either overuse, injury, or a medical condition. For patients over 45, the most common cause is osteoarthritis.

Treatment options and outlooks vary greatly depending on the cause and where the pain is in the knee.

Locations of Knee Pain and Potential Causes

• Pain in kneecap: arthritis, bursitis, chondromalacia, patella, patella tracking
• Pain above kneecap: quadriceps tendon or swelling
• Pain behind kneecap: Baker’s cyst or arthritis
• Pain on the inside or outside: arthritis, meniscus, or collateral ligament tears
• Pain below: Osgood-Schlatter disease

*The causes for each location are non-exhaustive and adapted from a graphic by the National Library of Medicine.

Causes vary, but the most common include:

• Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, lupus, and gout
• Baker’s Cyst, fluid-filled swelling on the back of the knee
• Bursitis, inflammation from repeated knee pressure
• Dislocation or fracture in the kneecap
• Iliotibial band syndrome, injury stemming from the band running from the hip to the knee
• Infection in the bones or joints around the knee
• Osgood-Schlatter disease, painful swelling right below the knee
• Patellofemoral syndrome, pain in the front of kneecap
• Strain or sprain in or around the knee
• Tendinitis, inflammation of tendons in or around the knee
• Torn ligament, often due to an ACL injury or a similar injury that impacts the knee

Certain risk factors put you at greater risk of knee pain, including being overweight, having a history of arthritis, and partaking in activities with repetitive strain on the knee, such as running.

A physical exam and a review of medical history can diagnose most knee pain. Physical exams often assess mobility and pain in the knee, hips, and other parts of the leg.

Depending on the cause, your doctor may also order:

• An MRI
• CT scan
• Joint fluid culture
• X-ray

When to see a Doctor

Some cases of knee pain will resolve without medical care. However, seeing a doctor can be useful and necessary, depending on the cause.

Tell-tale signs it’s time to contact a doctor include:

• An accident or injury caused knee pain
• Pain is severe
• You can’t bear weight on the knee
• The knee buckles, clicks, or locks
• Redness, swelling, or warmth near the knee
• The knee is misshapen or deformed
• You also have a fever
• Pain doesn’t disappear with at-home treatment

If required, book an appointment with a primary care doctor. They will refer you to the right type of specialist, such as a pain management doctor, physical therapist, or rheumatologist.

Treatment varies greatly, depending on the cause and pain level. Common treatment options include:

• Steroid or viscosupplementation injections to reduce inflammation and pain
• Over-the-counter or prescription medications
• Medication for the underlying cause, such as arthritis
• Physical therapy to rehabilitate the knee
• Surgery

If traditional treatments fail, genicular nerve ablations (GNA) or peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) may be recommended:

• GNA uses controlled radiofrequency energy to target specific pain points on the knee. It is often used to treat arthritis pain and is successful at reducing short-term and long-term pain.
• PNS is a newer way to manage chronic pain. Through surgery, a small electrical device is placed next to a peripheral nerve. This device provides a stimulation that helps manage pain.

Carolines Pain Institute provides care to patients in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and the surrounding areas.

Along with medical treatment, you can take some at-home steps to reduce pain. These include:

• Avoid activities that caused the pain until the knee feels better
• Apply ice
• Keep the knee raised to reduce inflammation and swelling
• Sleep with one or two pillows underneath your knee
• Wear well-made shoes with ample cushioning

Finding the Right Pain Management Doctor

If a primary care doctor refers you to a pain management specialist, it’s important to explore your options and choose the best doctor in the Winston-Salem area.

A pain management institute should have a proven track record for helping others with knee pain and a high level of commitment to their patients. For many patients in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the team at Carolinas Pain Institute fit the bill.

Call us together to schedule an appointment at our office near you:

The Charlotte office is located at
330 Billingsley Road, Suite 210,
Charlotte, N.C. 28211
(704) 545-8242