The knee is the body’s largest and most heavily used joint. It is a hinge joint formed where the thighbone (femur) meets the shinbone (tibia), with the kneecap (patella) sitting in front to protect the joint.

Ligaments within the knee provide stability, while tendons connect muscles to the bones and power movement. The menisci, two wedge-shaped cartilage pads, act as shock absorbers between the femur and tibia. The joint is surrounded by synovial fluid and cushioned by cartilage to reduce friction during movement. Given the knee’s structure and function, it is especially vulnerable to wear-and-tear and injury.

Knee arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting the knee. It occurs when the protective cartilage in the joint wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone friction. Patients often experience stiffness, swelling, pain with activity, and difficulty bending or straightening the knee.

Meniscus tears

A meniscus tear can happen suddenly during a twisting injury or develop gradually in older adults due to cartilage degeneration. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, joint stiffness, and locking or catching sensations.

Patellar tendonitis

Patellar tendonitis, also called runner’s knee, affects the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Runner’s knee is common among athletes involved in sports that require running and jumping or quick directional changes. This condition causes kneecap pain at the front of the knee that worsens with activity.

Quadriceps tendonitis

Quadriceps tendonitis affects the tendon connecting the quadriceps muscles to the front of the thigh above the kneecap. Repetitive strain, poor movement patterns, or muscular imbalances can inflame this tendon, resulting in anterior knee pain, particularly during climbing or standing from a seated position.

Many patients respond well to conservative, non-invasive treatments designed to reduce pain, support healing, and restore joint function. At Vitality Orthopedics and Biologics, we tailor each care plan based on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and patient goals.

Physical therapy

Structured physical therapy is a foundational treatment for most causes of knee pain. It helps improve flexibility, rebuild muscle strength, and correct biomechanical imbalances that may be contributing to joint stress.

Lifestyle and activity modification

Avoiding high-impact activities and focusing on lower-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can prevent symptom aggravation. Supportive footwear and knee bracing can also provide relief and reduce strain on the joint.

Medication

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can help manage acute flare-ups. These medications are often used alongside other therapies to improve mobility and reduce inflammation.

Injection therapies

Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation in the joint. For some patients with knee arthritis, hyaluronic acid injections (viscosupplementation) may help lubricate the joint and improve motion.

In addition to conventional care, we offer leading-edge biologic therapies designed to promote the body’s own healing response and support long-term recovery without surgery.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy uses platelets derived from the patient’s own blood, which are concentrated and injected into the injured area. Rich in growth factors, PRP can help repair soft tissue damage and reduce inflammation, particularly in tendonitis, meniscus injuries, and mild to moderate arthritis.

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)

BMAC contains stem cells that are harvested from the patient’s bone marrow and re-injected into the knee. These cells help stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and may slow the progression of joint degeneration in patients with advanced arthritis or meniscal damage.

Red light therapy for knee pain

Red light therapy (also known as low-level light therapy or LLLT) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation. When applied to the knee, red light therapy can improve circulation, promote collagen production, and accelerate soft tissue healing. This non-invasive treatment is especially useful for chronic pain conditions like arthritis and tendonitis.

Laser therapy for knee pain

Laser therapy uses focused light energy to target damaged tissues at the cellular level. It enhances blood flow, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue regeneration. Class IV therapeutic lasers can penetrate deeper tissues in the knee joint, offering relief from pain caused by tendon injuries, arthritis, and post-surgical inflammation. Laser therapy is painless, safe, and may be used in combination with other conservative treatments or regenerative therapies to enhance outcomes.

Every patient’s experience with knee pain is unique. When deciding on treatment, we consider several factors, including age, activity level, the underlying cause of pain, and personal health goals. At Vitality Orthopedics and Biologics, our priority is to help patients avoid or delay surgery by exploring the full range of non-surgical and biologic treatment options.

Patients should also be aware that early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Waiting too long to address symptoms may result in more extensive damage and limit the effectiveness of conservative therapies. We encourage anyone experiencing persistent or worsening knee pain to schedule a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most effective treatment plan.