Knee Pain Treatment in Bethesda, MD & Tysons, VA

Understanding Knee Pain — Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

Knee pain is one of the most common orthopedic conditions, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether caused by an injury, arthritis, or overuse, knee pain can limit movement, impact daily life, and make even simple activities uncomfortable.

At OrthoBethesda, with locations in Bethesda, MD and Tysons, VA, our orthopedic knee specialists help patients find relief through accurate diagnosis, personalized care, and the latest treatment options — from physical therapy to advanced surgical solutions.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Many factors can contribute to knee pain. The most common include:

Arthritis: Joint inflammation that causes stiffness and swelling.
Ligament injuries: Tears of the ACL, MCL, or other stabilizing ligaments from sports or trauma.
Meniscus tears: Damage to the cartilage that cushions your knee joint.
Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons from repetitive strain.
Bursitis: Swelling of small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the joint.
Patellar conditions: Problems with the kneecap such as misalignment or chondromalacia patella.
Cysts and inflammation: Such as Baker’s cysts or plica syndrome, which cause swelling behind or inside the knee.
Gout and metabolic conditions: Crystal buildup in the joint causing pain and redness.

Tip: Early evaluation helps prevent worsening damage and can reduce the need for surgery.

Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

You should see an orthopedic knee specialist if you experience:

Pain that lasts more than a few days
Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint
Clicking, locking, or grinding sounds
Difficulty bending, straightening, or bearing weight
Instability or the feeling that your knee might “give out”

Our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians in Bethesda and Tysons can determine the cause and recommend the most effective treatment plan.

Diagnosing the Cause of Knee Pain

A thorough evaluation includes:

Medical history & physical exam
Diagnostic imaging: X-rays, MRI, CT, or ultrasound
Lab tests: To identify gout, infection, or inflammatory arthritis
Arthrocentesis: Removing and testing fluid from the knee joint if needed

At OrthoBethesda, we use advanced imaging and precision diagnostics to identify the cause of your pain and build a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle.

Treatment Options for Knee Pain

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Our team prioritizes non-surgical solutions whenever possible, such as:

Conservative Care:

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and restore motion
Bracing or activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medication or injections

Minimally Invasive Options:

Knee arthroscopy: To repair meniscus tears or remove damaged tissue
Image-guided injections: Cortisone or viscosupplementation for inflammation and joint lubrication

Surgical Care:
When advanced arthritis or ligament damage limits function, our surgeons offer:

Partial and total knee replacement
Robotic-assisted procedures for improved precision and faster recovery

When Knee Pain Requires Urgent Evaluation

Seek immediate care if you notice:
Inability to walk or bear weight
Visible deformity or sudden swelling
Severe pain following an injury
Signs of infection (fever, redness, warmth)
Early diagnosis can prevent long-term complications and preserve your joint health.

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Why Choose OrthoBethesda for Knee Pain Treatment

Choosing OrthoBethesda means getting care from one of the most respected orthopedic teams in the Washington, D.C. metro region. Our knee specialists combine advanced surgical technology, evidence-based medicine, and compassionate care — helping patients move better, recover faster, and live pain-free.

What Sets Us Apart:

Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons specializing in knee and sports injuries
State-of-the-art facilities in Bethesda, MD and Tysons, VA
On-site imaging, physical therapy, and minimally invasive surgical options
Collaborative care model connecting physicians and therapists for faster recovery
Trusted by patients across the D.C. Metro area for more than 50 years

Whether you’re a weekend athlete or just want to walk without pain, our team will guide you toward lasting relief and better mobility.

Related Resource

Now that you know the common conditions and early warning signs of knee pain — or visit our Knee Care page to see your treatment options.

Contact OrthoBethesda for Knee Pain Treatment Today

There are a lot of factors that go into knee pain, that’s why it’s important to see a qualified orthopedic specialist to diagnose and offer the right treatment plan for you. Get in contact with one of our orthopedic specialists or call us at (301) 530-1010 to make an appointment today!

Knee Pain Treatment near Bethesda, MD