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Knee Pain

Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis, or “jumper’s knee,” is a common cause of knee pain. This condition primarily affects athletes and individuals engaged in repetitive jumping or running activities. It occurs due to the inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. The constant strain on this tendon can lead to pain, swelling, and tenderness below the kneecap.

Common Symptoms of Patellar Tendinitis:

  • Knee pain, particularly below the kneecap
  • Swelling and tenderness in the affected area
  • Increased discomfort with physical activity
  • Stiffness in the knee joint
  • Difficulty in kneeling or bending the knee
  • Possible weakness in the leg muscles surrounding the knee.

Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis is a degenerative joint condition marked by the gradual breakdown of the protective cartilage within the knee. The most common form, osteoarthritis, typically develops with age or following previous injuries, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own joint tissue.

Both forms can lead to chronic pain, swelling, joint stiffness, and a reduced range of motion, significantly affecting your ability to stay active. At Westlake Sports Medicine, we specialize in helping patients manage knee arthritis with personalized, non-surgical strategies focused on restoring function and improving quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Knee Arthritis:

• Persistent knee pain, especially during activity
• Swelling and inflammation around the knee joint
• Stiffness in the knee, especially after periods of inactivity
• Audible cracking or popping sensations in the knee
• Limited range of motion, making it difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee
• Weakness in the leg muscles around the affected knee
• Potential deformity or changes in the knee joint’s shape over time

Chondromalacia Patellae

Chondromalacia patellae is a condition where the cartilage underneath the kneecap softens and deteriorates. It is a common cause of knee pain, especially among athletes and individuals with improper knee alignment. Chondromalacia can result from overuse, injury, or misalignment of the patella, leading to pain, grinding sensations, and swelling in the front of the knee.

Common Symptoms of Chondromalacia Patellae:

• Persistent, dull pain in the front of the knee
• Grinding or popping sensations when moving the knee
• Swelling or inflammation around the kneecap
• Increased discomfort when climbing stairs or sitting for extended periods
• A feeling of knee weakness or instability
• Limited range of motion and difficulty fully straightening the knee

Treatment Options for Knee Pain

At Westlake Sports Medicine, we begin with a comprehensive assessment to determine the root cause of your knee pain—combining physical examination, medical history, and advanced imaging as needed. Once your diagnosis is clear, we curate a personalized treatment plan that focuses on conservative, evidence-based therapies designed to reduce pain, restore function, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: This treatment involves extracting a sample of the patient’s own blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the resulting PRP directly into the knee joint. The high concentration of platelets in PRP releases growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
  • Stem cell injections: Stem cell therapy utilizes stem cells harvested from the patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue or from a donor source to facilitate tissue regeneration and repair within the knee joint. These cells have the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types, aiding in the regeneration of damaged cartilage, ligaments, and other structures.

Your Treatment Plan may Include

Physical Therapy

Customized rehab programs are central to long-term success. Through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and advanced modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation, physical therapy helps strengthen surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and restore healthy joint movement.

Cortisone Injections

Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications delivered directly into the joint to offer fast, short-term relief. These injections can help manage acute flare-ups and create a window of opportunity for engaging in physical therapy and other long-term strategies.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or Exosome Injections

PRP therapy uses healing components from your own blood to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance joint health. This regenerative option is ideal for many patients with knee osteoarthritis or soft tissue irritation, offering natural, non-surgical relief.

Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronic Acid Injections)

This treatment involves injecting a gel-like substance into the joint to improve lubrication and cushioning. Often used for osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid acts as a shock absorber, reducing friction, easing pain, and improving overall mobility.

Arthroscopic Surgery (When Necessary)

While our approach is always conservative-first, in cases where structural damage such as torn cartilage or ligaments limits progress, we may coordinate with trusted orthopedic surgeons to explore arthroscopic knee surgery. This minimally invasive procedure allows for precise repair with smaller incisions and faster recovery.

Other Possible Causes of Knee Pain:

  • Knee bursitis
  • Knee meniscus tears
  • Ligament injuries (e.g., ACL, MCL)
  • Tendinitis in knee tendons
  • Iliotibial band syndrome
  • Knee infections

Knee Pain FAQs

Lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, poor diet, and high-impact activities can contribute to knee pain. Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on the knees, while inactivity can weaken muscles supporting the joint. A balanced diet and regular, low-impact exercise can help manage and prevent knee pain.
Yes, knee pain is more common in athletes due to the repetitive stress and strain placed on their knees during training and competition. High-impact sports, sudden movements, and overuse can lead to injuries such as ligament tears, tendonitis, and meniscus damage, making knee pain in Toluca Lake a frequent issue among athletes.
Physical therapy can significantly help with knee pain by strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving flexibility, and increasing the range of motion. A tailored physical therapy program can also teach patients proper techniques to avoid further injury, promote healing, and alleviate pain through targeted exercises and therapies.
If you have knee pain, avoid high-impact activities like running, jumping, and deep squats, which can exacerbate the condition. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking on even surfaces.
Surgery for knee pain is typically recommended when conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes fail to provide relief. Conditions like severe arthritis, significant ligament tears, or meniscus damage may require surgical intervention to restore function and alleviate pain.
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