That ache every time you take the stairs.
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people put life on hold — skipping walks, avoiding stairs, waking up stiff. For most people, it gets significantly better once we pinpoint the source and treat it directly rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.
Often seen within a few days — sometimes as soon as tomorrowRequest your first visit
Pick a day and time that works at a NASPAC office near you — we'll call you right back to lock it in.
No referral needed. We verify your insurance before you arrive.
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A NASPAC team member from a NASPAC office near you will reach out to confirm your visit and answer any questions.
What knee pain really is.
Knee pain isn't a single problem — it's a symptom with a long list of possible causes. The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body, involving bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and a fluid-filled sac called the bursa. Any of these structures can generate pain, and identifying which one is the source determines what actually works.
Common causes include arthritis (particularly osteoarthritis), meniscus tears, ligament sprains, bursitis, and tendinopathy. Pain without a clear injury is often arthritis or cartilage wear — not a sign that something is permanently broken. Pain that started after a specific event points toward a structural injury worth imaging.
The good news
Most knee pain — including arthritic knee pain — improves meaningfully with the right non-surgical treatment. The goal is to make an accurate diagnosis, reduce inflammation, restore strength around the joint, and keep you moving. Surgery is a last resort, not a first step.
Compartment and structure matter
We localize knee pain to the medial, lateral, or patellofemoral compartment and assess which structure is involved — articular cartilage, meniscus, bursa, or tendon — before selecting a treatment pathway. That distinction changes both the injection target and the rehab approach.
Common signs we treat.
Aching with stairs or kneeling
A deep, grinding ache that gets worse going up or down stairs, kneeling, or sitting for long periods — one of the most common early signs of joint-line irritation.
Swelling and stiffness
The knee feels puffy, warm, or hard to fully straighten — especially after activity or first thing in the morning, often a sign of inflammation inside the joint.
Catching or sharp pain
A sudden sharp pain or catching sensation mid-movement, sometimes with a sense that the knee might give out — can indicate a meniscus or ligament problem.
From hurting to healed.
We work from the least-invasive options upward, escalating only if you need it. Most patients improve well before surgery is ever discussed.
Diagnose the cause
A physician examines you and, if needed, reviews imaging to pinpoint exactly what's driving the pain.
Calm it down
Targeted physical therapy, activity guidance, and medication to settle the irritation and reduce inflammation.
Image-guided injections
If pain persists, a precisely targeted injection delivered to the source under imaging.
Advanced options
For the few who need more, minimally invasive interventional procedures — with surgery as a last resort.
Treatment is matched to your specific diagnosis at your visit. The options shown reflect NASPAC's general approach and should be confirmed against the practice's verified procedure list.
Still have questions?
Pain that develops gradually without a specific injury is most often caused by osteoarthritis, cartilage wear, or bursitis. These conditions build up over time through age, repetitive use, or body mechanics — and respond well to treatment even though there was no single traumatic event.
Arthritis and a meniscus tear, for example, can both cause pain along the joint line — but they have different patterns on examination and imaging. We use a combination of clinical assessment and, when needed, MRI or X-ray to tell them apart, because the treatments differ.
For many patients, image-guided injections — including corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, or PRP — significantly reduce pain and improve function. Their effectiveness depends on the specific diagnosis and the condition of the joint, which is why we assess you first rather than applying a one-size approach.
If pain limits daily activities, isn't responding to conservative care, or is significantly affecting your quality of life, it's worth a conversation about targeted procedures. We work through the least-invasive options first — injections, therapy, bracing — and only discuss surgical options when those aren't sufficient.
Stop living with the knee pain.
Book with a board-certified pain physician near you — most patients are seen within days.
Book an appointment → Or call (855) 862-7767