Knee Pain Specialists in Austin, TX

What is Knee Pain?

Knee pain refers to discomfort, aching, or stiffness in or around the knee joint. This pain can result from acute injuries, chronic conditions, or repetitive strain and may range in severity from mild soreness to debilitating chronic pain. Knee pain may be localized to a specific area or involve the entire joint, and in some cases, may stem from issues related to poor posture, wear and tear, or referred pain from the hips or lower back. For many individuals, knee pain makes it difficult to walk, bend, or stand for long periods, affecting their ability to live an active and pain-free life.

How Does Knee Pain Affect the Body?

Knee pain can significantly limit mobility and quality of life. Whether caused by meniscus tears, arthritis, or a past injury, untreated knee issues can affect your ability to perform daily tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting comfortably for extended periods. Over time, favoring an injured knee can lead to compensatory issues in other joints and muscles, increasing your risk of further damage and potentially triggering secondary issues such as headaches or hip and back discomfort.

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we understand the toll knee pain takes on your body and offer a range of advanced treatment options designed to restore movement and reduce inflammation and pain.

A person holding their knee in pain with both hands, with the knee area highlighted in red to indicate pain or inflammation, against a grayscale background.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain can develop gradually due to wear and tear or occur suddenly following an injury. Common causes include:

Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Meniscus tears
Cartilage injuries
Bursitis
Fractures
Sports injuries
Overuse or repetitive strain
Gout

A person wearing black athletic shorts holding their thigh and knee in pain, standing outdoors near a body of water.

Symptoms of Knee Pain

Pain when walking, standing, or climbing stairs
Stiffness, especially after periods of rest
Swelling or inflammation
Decreased flexibility or limited range of motion

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A healthcare professional in blue scrubs assisting a person lying on a treatment table by bending their leg toward their chest during a physical therapy or rehabilitation session.

Knee Pain Treatment

Effective treatment begins with a physical evaluation and a review of your medical history. Depending on your diagnosis and severity of symptoms, your provider may recommend one or more of the following:

Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to evaluate joint health
Medications: NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or topical creams
Joint injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid

Minimally invasive options: Nerve blocks, ablations, or peripheral nerve stimulation

RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and ElevatIon

Lifestyle modifications: Weight management, improved posture, and regular exercise
Complementary care: Chiropractic, acupuncture, or massage therapy
Surgery: In cases where other treatments fail, knee replacement may be considered

Treatment for knee pain in the Greater Austin Area

Knee pain treatments can range from conservative to invasive in nature. Your provider will likely recommend beginning with conservative treatment such as rest, ice, compression and elevation. They may prescribe medications including NSAIDS, topical medications, or pain medicine. Treatments can also include injections such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or nerve blocks/ablations around the knee. Your pain management doctor may offer you peripheral nerve stimulation or DRG stimulation (a specialized form of spinal cord stimulator) for your knee pain.

If the above measures do not offer relief you may be a candidate for surgical intervention. You might be referred to an orthopedic specialist for consideration of surgery.

In addition to the above treatments, your doctor will likely recommend maintaining a healthy weight, remaining active and physical therapy or chiropractic care. Some patients may benefit from other treatments such as massage or acupuncture for knee pain.

Am I at Risk of Developing Knee Pain?

Anyone can develop knee pain, but certain factors can raise your risk. One of the biggest causes is extra weight. Being overweight puts more stress on your knees, which can lead to arthritis and long-term chronic pain.

If you’ve had a past injury, like a sprain, fracture, or meniscus tear, you may also be more likely to develop knee problems later. Poor posture and the way you walk or stand can add pressure on your joints and make things worse over time.

Knee pain is also common in people who play sports, have active jobs, or repeat the same movements every day. On the other hand, sitting too much or not getting enough movement can also weaken the muscles around your knees and increase your risk.

As we age, the cartilage in our knees naturally wears down, making pain more likely. Genetics, medical history, and even past surgeries like knee replacement can all play a part in how your knees feel.

If you're concerned about your risk, it’s a good idea to talk to a specialist. Early care and the right treatment options can help prevent further damage and keep your knees healthy.

Testimonials

"I am so relieved I could cry! Finally a pain specialist who listens, cares, and wants to help! Dr. Alan Silberberg has given me so much hope! As someone who has seen pain specialists for decades in different states, this is where you want to come. You NEED him in your life! My only regret is not coming in sooner."

Sarah Jean C.

"The staff is very friendly and I was seen on time. The intake process was seamless and efficient. Dr. Jarzombeck is always very kind and thorough in her explanations. These folks are a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Greater Austin Pain Center and Dr. Jarzombeck!"

Kim D.

"Everyone is always very nice and courteous. Dr. Julia is amazing! He is friendly, kind and caring and so easy to talk with. All the office staff I have had contact with has always been courteous and kind as well. Would highly recommend coming here!"

Lesley C.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I develop knee pain?

If you're experiencing knee pain, it's important to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can help identify any underlying causes and prevent further damage. Our team at Greater Austin Pain Center is here to help patients understand their symptoms and begin the right course of treatment.

What are some things I can do to treat knee pain at home?

For many patients, knee pain can initially be managed with conservative self-care methods. Common treatment options include using a knee brace, applying ice to reduce swelling, elevating the leg, and taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs. These steps may provide relief while you wait for a professional evaluation.

Will I need surgery for my knee pain?

Not all knee pain requires surgery. In fact, many patients improve with non-surgical treatment options such as physical therapy, joint injections, bracing, or nerve blocks. However, if conservative treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, your provider may recommend a knee replacement or refer you to an orthopedic specialist for further evaluation.

How do you diagnose the underlying cause of knee pain?

At Greater Austin Pain Center, our pain management specialists begin by reviewing your medical history, performing a physical exam, and possibly ordering imaging such as X-rays or an MRI. This helps us identify the underlying source of your pain—whether it's meniscus tears, arthritis, overuse injuries, problems related to posture, or even neck pain that can affect the knees.

When should I seek medical attention for knee pain?

You should contact a specialist if your knee pain is severe, persistent, or affecting your ability to walk or perform daily tasks. This is especially important if you’re experiencing swelling, instability, or pain after a traumatic injury. Early care can help reduce the risk of long-term complications and get patients back to enjoying life with less pain.

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