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Knee Pain

Knee Pain Treatment in Brooklyn, NY

Knee pain can result from injury, overuse, degeneration, or biomechanical stress affecting the joint, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or surrounding muscles. Because symptoms often overlap across conditions, accurate diagnosis is essential before selecting treatment. At Motionis Medicine, knee pain is evaluated through a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach focused on identifying the primary pain generator and guiding appropriate non-surgical care.

Care is led by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in image-guided joint and musculoskeletal care.

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What Is Knee Pain?

Knee pain refers to discomfort arising from structures within or around the knee joint, including cartilage, menisci, ligaments, tendons, bone, and supporting soft tissues. Pain may be localized to the front, inside, outside, or back of the knee and can vary based on activity and load.

Knee pain may be:

  • Acute

    following injury or sudden strain

  • Subacute

    persisting beyond expected healing

  • Chronic

    developing gradually or recurring over time

Determining the underlying cause is key to choosing effective treatment.

Common Knee Pain Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the underlying condition and may include:

Because symptoms can overlap across knee conditions, further evaluation is often required.

  • Pain with walking, climbing stairs, or standing from a seated position

  • Swelling or stiffness in the knee

  • Pain worsened by activity or weight-bearing

  • Locking, catching, or a sense of instability

  • Reduced range of motion

  • Pain after prolonged sitting or inactivity

Common Causes of Knee Pain We Evaluate

Knee pain can develop due to several factors, including:

  1. Osteoarthritis or cartilage degeneration

  2. Meniscus tears or degeneration

  3. Ligament or tendon injuries

  4. Overuse or repetitive strain

  5. Biomechanical imbalances affecting gait

  6. Prior knee injury or surgery

  7. Inflammatory conditions affecting the joint

How Knee Pain Is Evaluated

Evaluation focuses on identifying the primary source of knee pain and determining how it affects function. A physician-led assessment may include:

  • Detailed clinical history and physical examination

  • Assessment of gait, alignment, and joint stability

  • Review of prior imaging (MRI, X-ray), when available

  • Diagnostic injections, when appropriate, to clarify pain sources

This structured approach helps distinguish joint-related pain from soft-tissue or biomechanical contributors.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Knee Pain

Treatment recommendations depend on diagnosis, symptom severity, and patient goals. Non-surgical options may include:

All procedures are selected as part of a comprehensive care plan focused on improving comfort, stability, and long-term function.

When a Specialist Evaluation May Help

You may benefit from a specialist evaluation if:

  • Knee pain persists or worsens over time

  • Swelling or stiffness limits daily activities

  • Pain interferes with walking, exercise, or work

  • Physical therapy or medications have not provided relief

  • Surgery has been suggested, but non-surgical options are desired

A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify the cause of knee pain and outline appropriate next steps.

Related Joint Conditions

Schedule a Knee Pain Evaluation

If knee pain is limiting your movement or quality of life, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your options and guide appropriate non-surgical care.

Book an Appointment