Ask an Orthopedic Surgeon about Knee Pain
A board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Paul Perona diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the hips, knees, and shoulders using both non-surgical and surgical treatments.
Dr. Perona completed his medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago and is fellowship-trained in adult orthopedic reconstruction. He is also trained in Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery for total hip, total knee, and partial knee replacements and has performed over 1,000 robotic-assisted surgeries during his career.
Q: What should I do if I have knee pain?
Dr. Perona: If you are experiencing knee pain, it’s important to understand the source. If the pain stems from trauma, the best initial treatment is rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). If the knee is painful without a history of trauma and the pain is chronic, try RICE in combination with an anti-inflammatory medication that contains ibuprofen or naproxen. If the pain remains severe or doesn’t improve, an X-ray may be necessary to help with diagnosis.
Q: How do I know when it’s time to see an orthopedic surgeon?
Dr. Perona: If your knee pain doesn’t improve after a few weeks of at home pain management or becomes more severe, it’s time to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. During your visit, the surgeon will discuss your symptoms, and if needed, order an X-ray to assist with diagnosis.
Q: What are the treatment options for knee pain?
Dr. Perona: Treatment options for knee pain depend on its cause. For less severe pain, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen may help. When knee pain is caused by arthritis, for example, exercise is often the first line of defense. A stationary bike is an effective way to strengthen the muscles around the thighs and knees.
For more severe pain, treatments may include injections, such as cortisone or hyaluronic acid. Cortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory that reduces pain, while hyaluronic acid—extracted from rooster combs—lubricates the joint and acts as a cushion. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where all other treatments have been exhausted with little to no success.
Q: What are the benefits of having a knee replacement?
Dr. Perona: One of the main benefits of total knee replacement is that it allows patients to live a pain-free lifestyle. Improved weight-bearing on the knee helps patients move more easily and with less discomfort. Most patients are able to resume activities that were previously difficult or impossible due to pain.
Q: What is the difference between a total knee replacement and a partial knee replacement?
Dr. Perona: The difference between total knee replacement (TKR) and partial knee replacement (PKR) lies in how much of the knee needs to be replaced. A TKR involves replacing the entire knee, while a PKR involves replacing only one-third of the knee.
Q: How long does recovery take after a knee replacement?
Dr. Perona: Recovery varies for everyone. Factors such as the type of replacement impact recovery time. Patients who undergo a partial knee replacement typically recover faster because the procedure is less invasive and the knee’s ligaments are preserved.
Q: Is physical therapy needed after knee surgery?
Dr. Perona: Yes, physical therapy is essential for recovery. The duration of therapy depends on the individual, but it typically lasts between six weeks to three or four months.
Q: How long does an artificial knee last?
Dr. Perona: The longevity of total knee replacements has improved significantly over the past 28 years. Previously, patients were told replacements would last 15–20 years, but now we estimate 30 or more years. Advances in wear-resistant materials, surgical techniques, and postoperative care—along with robotic-assisted techniques—have greatly improved outcomes and extended the life of the joints.
If you have pain in your neck, back, shoulder, elbow, hand, knee, hip, foot or ankle, Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine can help!
