Knee Pain

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting up to 25% of adults. At his practice in Kyle, Floresville, La Vernia, and Gonzales, Texas, fellowship-trained interventional pain management specialist Eric Miller, MD, has years of experience diagnosing and treating knee pain with a minimally invasive and integrative approach. Call the office of Dr. Eric Miller, MD, today to schedule knee pain treatment, or book your appointment online. 

Will knee pain go away on its own? 

Not necessarily. Most cases of knee pain are mild and improve with at-home treatments, like ice and rest. But if your symptoms continue for more than a few days or affect your mobility or quality of life, identifying the underlying cause is essential. Knee pain can worsen without treatment and sideline you from your favorite activities. 

What are the symptoms of knee pain?

Knee pain symptoms include:

• Popping or crunching noises
• Weakness or instability
• Swelling and stiffness
• Redness
• Warm to the touch

You might have trouble bending or straightening your knee if you have a knee fracture or a soft tissue injury, like a torn or ruptured ligament. 

When should I see a pain management specialist about knee pain?

Make an appointment with Dr. Miller if you have knee pain that lasts more than a few days and it doesn’t improve with ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medication. That’s particularly true if you have persistent swelling or difficulty completing routine tasks, like getting into the car, climbing stairs, or walking around the house. 

How does a pain management specialist diagnose knee pain?

Dr. Miller reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it’s worse during certain activities, like walking or standing. Next, he completes a thorough physical exam, checking your knee for swelling, redness, or bruising.

Dr. Miller assesses your knee’s range of motion and stability. He listens for popping or crunching sounds and gently presses on your kneecap and the surrounding skin to pinpoint sensitive areas. 

Dr. Miller orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, if these steps don’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis. These procedures let Dr. Miller identify soft tissue injuries, arthritis, or alignment problems.

How does interventional pain management treat knee pain?

Dr. Miller treats knee pain using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. He might suggest:

• Rest
• Ice
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Support with a brace, splint, or cast
• Corticosteroid injections
• Multiwave locked system (MLS) laser treatments
• Radiofrequency ablation

Most knee pain improves with one or more of these treatments, but if your symptoms continue or worsen, surgery may be necessary.

Call the office of Dr. Eric Miller, MD, to schedule treatment for knee pain today, or book your appointment online.