Knee Pain Specialist
aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics
Brian K. Rich, MD
Interventional Spine and Pain Management Physician located in Wichita Falls, TX & Decatur, TX
About 25% of American adults experience frequent knee pain. If you’re one of them and your symptoms last for a week or more, it’s important to visit the doctor. At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, interventional spine and pain management physician Brian Rich, MD, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of knee pain. Using minimally invasive measures like radiofrequency ablation, he can help you feel better. To make an appointment at the practice in Decatur, Texas, or Lawton, Oklahoma, call the nearest office today or book online.
Knee Pain Q & A
What is knee pain?
Knee pain is a common musculoskeletal problem characterized by stiffness, swelling, or decreased range of motion. Often, it occurs due to general wear-and-tear, but it can also point to underlying health problems like arthritis or a torn ligament.
Your knee joints are incredibly tough and flexible, but they bear a great deal of stress. Daily activities like lifting, kneeling, and climbing stairs can damage the hard and soft tissues in your knee, affecting your mobility and quality of life.
What are some common causes of knee pain?
Common causes of knee pain include:
- Sprained ligaments or muscles
- Strained ligaments or muscles
- Torn cartilage
- Tendonitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
You might also experience knee pain due to a sports or work-related injury.
When should I see a pain specialist about knee pain?
Most of the time, knee pain responds to conservative, at-home treatments like ice and heat therapy, rest, or activity modification. If your pain doesn’t respond to these measures or it worsens, make an appointment with Dr. Rich. That’s especially true if your pain occurs alongside swelling or increased sensitivity.
How is knee pain diagnosed?
Dr. Rich diagnoses knee pain by reviewing your medical history and asking about your symptoms, including their severity and if any activities, like stretching or standing for long periods, make them worse.
Next, Dr. Rich has you walk around the exam room to observe your joint in motion. He also gently presses on it to determine the source of your discomfort. If these tests don’t provide enough information about your knee, Dr. Rich orders diagnostic imaging like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan.
Diagnostic imaging provides detailed photographs of the hard and soft tissues in your knee, allowing Dr. Rich to determine the cause of your symptoms.
How is knee pain treated?
At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, Dr. Rich treats knee pain using minimally invasive measures of care. He might recommend:
- Physical therapy
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Joint injections
- Behavior modification
- Strengthening exercises
If your pain doesn’t respond or it worsens, surgery might be necessary. Dr. Rich can remove the damaged pieces of bone and cartilage and replace them with an artificial prosthesis.
To receive treatment for knee pain, make an appointment at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics by calling the nearest office today or scheduling online.