Knee Pain Treatment in Elyria, Ohio

Non-Surgical Knee Pain Relief at Xcell Medical Group

Knee pain can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, standing, exercising, or getting in and out of a chair difficult. Whether your knee pain developed gradually or began after an injury, finding the cause is an important first step toward determining the right treatment.

At Xcell Medical Group in Elyria, Ohio, we evaluate and treat a variety of knee injuries and conditions using personalized, non-surgical treatment options. We serve patients from Elyria and communities throughout Lorain County who are experiencing knee pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness, or reduced mobility.

Our approach may combine medical care, joint injections, physical rehabilitation, chiropractic care, therapeutic exercise, massage, and appropriate knee bracing based on your diagnosis and individual needs.

What Causes Knee Pain?

Knee pain can develop from an acute injury, repetitive activity, age-related changes, arthritis, or problems involving the muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or other structures surrounding the knee.

Common causes of knee pain include:

• Knee osteoarthritis
• Meniscus injuries and partial meniscus tears
• ACL and MCL injuries
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Sports and exercise injuries
• Overuse injuries
• Joint inflammation
• Cartilage damage
• Muscle strains
• Work-related injuries
• Injuries from falls or accidents

Knee pain may be temporary, or it may become a chronic problem that gradually interferes with mobility and quality of life.

When Should You See a Doctor for Knee Pain?

Occasional mild knee discomfort may improve with rest and activity modification. Knee pain that persists, becomes worse, or affects your ability to move normally should be evaluated.

Consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening knee pain
• Knee swelling
• Stiffness or loss of range of motion
• Difficulty bending or straightening your knee
• Pain while walking or climbing stairs
• Clicking, catching, or locking
• A feeling that the knee may give out
• Pain after a fall, sports injury, car accident, or work injury
• Knee pain that interferes with work, exercise, sleep, or everyday activities

Severe pain after an injury, an obvious deformity, inability to bear weight, significant swelling, or a hot, red joint accompanied by fever may require prompt medical attention.

Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatments at Xcell Medical Group

Treatment depends on what is causing your knee pain, the severity of the condition, your medical history, and your individual goals.

After evaluating your knee, the providers at Xcell Medical Group can recommend an individualized treatment plan. When appropriate, non-surgical knee pain treatment may include joint injections, physical rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, chiropractic care, massage, or knee bracing.

Knee Joint Injections

Joint injections may be considered for certain patients experiencing knee pain or inflammation when conservative measures have not provided adequate relief.

Depending on your diagnosis, injection options may include corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, or other treatments determined appropriate by your medical provider.

Ultrasound-Guided Knee Injections

When appropriate, Xcell Medical Group uses ultrasound guidance for joint injections. Ultrasound allows the provider to visualize the treatment area and guide the needle to the intended location.

The type of injection recommended depends on your diagnosis and medical history.

Corticosteroid Joint Injections

Corticosteroid injections may be used to temporarily reduce inflammation and pain associated with certain joint conditions.

A joint injection may contain a corticosteroid along with a local anesthetic. The anesthetic may provide temporary relief shortly after the procedure, while the corticosteroid generally takes longer to have an effect.

Corticosteroid injections do not repair damaged cartilage or eliminate the underlying cause of arthritis. For appropriate patients, however, reducing pain and inflammation may make it easier to participate in rehabilitation and everyday activities.

Your provider will determine whether a corticosteroid injection is appropriate based on your condition, medical history, previous treatments, and other factors.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis

Hyaluronic acid injections, sometimes called viscosupplementation, may be an option for certain patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in joint fluid and helps lubricate the joint. Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint.

Not everyone with knee osteoarthritis is an appropriate candidate, and results vary from patient to patient. Your Xcell provider can evaluate your knee and discuss whether hyaluronic acid injections may be an appropriate part of your treatment plan.

Learn more about knee osteoarthritis and hyaluronic acid injections.

PRP Injections for Knee Pain

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is an injection treatment that uses a concentrated preparation made from a patient’s own blood.

A blood sample is collected and processed to concentrate platelets. The resulting preparation is then injected into the targeted area. PRP has been studied for several musculoskeletal conditions, including knee osteoarthritis and certain tendon injuries.

PRP is not appropriate for every type of knee pain, and individual results can vary. If PRP is being considered, your provider can explain the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and alternatives based on your diagnosis.

Physical Rehabilitation for Knee Pain

Treating knee pain isn’t always about the knee joint alone. Muscle weakness, limited flexibility, balance problems, and changes in the way you move can all affect knee function.

Physical rehabilitation at Xcell Medical Group may be incorporated into your treatment plan to help:

• Improve knee strength
• Increase flexibility and range of motion
• Improve balance and stability
• Strengthen muscles that support the knee
• Restore functional movement
• Make everyday activities easier
• Reduce the likelihood of aggravating the knee during activity

Your rehabilitation program is based on your condition, abilities, and treatment goals rather than a one-size-fits-all exercise plan.

Knee Bracing

The right knee brace can provide additional support for certain injuries and conditions. However, different knee problems require different types of support.

When bracing is appropriate, our providers can help determine the type of knee brace that best fits your condition and treatment goals.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain. It occurs as cartilage within the knee joint changes and deteriorates over time.

Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:

• Knee pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
• Pain with walking or stairs
• Symptoms that become worse after certain activities

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, but that does not necessarily mean surgery is the first or only treatment option.

Depending on the severity of your arthritis and your individual health needs, Xcell Medical Group may recommend a combination of conservative treatments to help manage symptoms and maintain function.

Learn more about knee osteoarthritis treatment at Xcell Medical Group.

Meniscus Tears and Knee Pain

The meniscus is cartilage within the knee that helps distribute weight and absorb forces between the femur, or thigh bone, and tibia, or shin bone.

A meniscus can be injured suddenly during twisting or pivoting movements or gradually through degenerative changes.

What Are the Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear?

Possible symptoms include:

• Knee pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Clicking or popping
• Catching or locking
• Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
• A sensation that the knee may give way

Xcell Medical Group evaluates partial meniscus tears and other knee injuries to determine whether non-surgical treatment may be appropriate. More severe injuries may require referral for additional evaluation or surgical consultation.

Learn more about meniscus tears and treatment options.

ACL and MCL Knee Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) help stabilize the knee and are commonly injured during sports, falls, sudden changes in direction, or direct impacts.

Symptoms of an ACL Injury

ACL injury symptoms may include:

• A popping sensation at the time of injury
• Rapid swelling
• Knee pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty bearing weight
• A feeling of instability or that the knee may give out

Symptoms of an MCL Injury

Possible symptoms of an MCL injury include:

• Pain or tenderness along the inside of the knee
• Swelling
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Knee instability
• A popping sensation at the time of injury

Because symptoms of ligament, meniscus, and other knee injuries can overlap, an evaluation is important for determining which structures may be involved.

Learn more about ACL and MCL knee injuries.

How Is Knee Pain Diagnosed?

Finding the source of knee pain begins with an evaluation.

At Xcell Medical Group, your provider may discuss how your symptoms started, where you feel pain, activities that make it better or worse, previous injuries, and how the problem affects your everyday life.

Your evaluation may include an examination of the knee’s movement, strength, stability, tenderness, and function.

When medically appropriate, digital X-rays are available on-site at our Elyria office. X-rays can help evaluate bones, joint spacing, osteoarthritis, and certain injuries. Other imaging or specialist evaluation may be recommended when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Pain

What kind of doctor should I see for knee pain in Elyria?

The right provider depends on the cause and severity of your knee pain. Xcell Medical Group in Elyria provides evaluation and non-surgical treatment for many musculoskeletal knee conditions and injuries. If your condition requires care outside our services, additional evaluation or referral may be recommended.

Does Xcell Medical Group treat knee arthritis?

Yes. Xcell Medical Group evaluates and treats knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. Treatment recommendations depend on the severity of arthritis, symptoms, medical history, and individual needs.

Can knee pain be treated without surgery?

Many causes of knee pain can initially be managed without surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, non-surgical options may include rehabilitation, exercise, bracing, activity modification, and certain joint injections. Some injuries and advanced conditions may require surgical evaluation.

Does Xcell Medical Group offer knee injections in Elyria?

Yes. Xcell Medical Group offers joint injection options for appropriate patients at our Elyria, Ohio office. The specific injection recommended depends on your diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals.

Do you offer hyaluronic acid injections for knee arthritis?

Hyaluronic acid injections may be available for appropriate patients with knee osteoarthritis. An evaluation is necessary to determine whether viscosupplementation is appropriate for your condition.

Does Xcell Medical Group offer PRP for knee pain?

PRP may be considered for certain musculoskeletal conditions. Your provider can determine whether PRP is appropriate based on your diagnosis and discuss its potential benefits, risks, limitations, and alternatives.

Can you treat a torn meniscus without surgery?

Some meniscus injuries can be managed conservatively, depending on the location and severity of the tear, symptoms, age, activity level, and other factors. Xcell Medical Group treats certain partial meniscus tears and can determine whether non-surgical care may be appropriate.

Do you have X-rays for knee pain on-site?

Yes. Digital X-rays are available on-site at Xcell Medical Group in Elyria when medically appropriate. X-rays can help providers evaluate bones, joint changes, osteoarthritis, and certain injuries.

What should I do if my knee keeps giving out or locking?

Recurring instability, catching, or locking should be evaluated because these symptoms can occur with ligament, meniscus, cartilage, and other knee problems. Your provider can examine the knee and determine whether additional imaging or treatment is appropriate.

Schedule a Knee Pain Evaluation in Elyria, Ohio

You don’t have to simply accept knee pain as part of getting older or give up the activities you enjoy without first finding out what may be causing the problem.

At Xcell Medical Group in Elyria, Ohio, our team evaluates knee pain, knee osteoarthritis, meniscus injuries, ligament injuries, and other musculoskeletal knee conditions. We develop individualized treatment plans with an emphasis on appropriate non-surgical knee pain treatment whenever possible.

We proudly serve patients from Elyria and throughout Lorain County, Ohio.

Call Xcell Medical Group today to schedule a knee pain evaluation and learn which treatment options may be appropriate for you.