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Opening December 1, 2027 in Bethesda, MD · Now scheduling new patients

Propel Sports and Orthobiologics
Request an Appointmentfrontdesk@propelsportsortho.com

Knee pain · Bethesda, MD

Knee pain treatment in Bethesda, MD

We treat arthritis, tendon pain, runner's knee, meniscus tears, and IT band pain, diagnosed with ultrasound and treated without surgery whenever possible.
Request an AppointmentCommon causesKnee services

Email frontdesk@propelsportsortho.com or call (301) 200-9025

What causes knee pain?

Pain at the front of the knee with stairs, squats, or sitting points to the kneecap or patellar tendon. Pain along the inside or outside joint line with twisting suggests the meniscus. Outer knee pain during runs is often the IT band, and aching, stiffness, and swelling in older adults suggest arthritis.

Most knee pain improves without surgery. The key is treating the actual source and rebuilding strength in the hip and thigh so the knee handles load again.

When to see an orthopedic doctor for knee pain

  • Knee pain that lasts more than a few weeks or keeps returning
  • Swelling after activity
  • Pain with stairs, squatting, or kneeling
  • Clicking with catching or giving way
  • Knee arthritis pain that is limiting walking or sport

Get urgent care instead if you have

  • A knee that locks and will not straighten
  • Rapid swelling right after a twisting injury or a pop
  • A hot, red, swollen knee with fever
  • Calf pain and swelling after surgery or a long trip

Common causes of knee pain

Each page covers symptoms, how we diagnose it, and your treatment options.

Knee ArthritisWorn knee cartilage that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.Patellar TendinopathyPain just below the kneecap with jumping, squatting, and stairs.Quadriceps TendinopathyPain just above the kneecap from an overloaded quadriceps tendon.Patellofemoral Pain SyndromePain around or behind the kneecap with stairs, squats, and sitting.IT Band SyndromeOuter-knee pain that flares at a predictable point in a run or ride.Meniscus TearsTears in the knee's cartilage cushions, with joint-line pain and swelling.Knee Swelling (Knee Effusion)Extra fluid inside the knee joint that makes it puffy, tight, and hard to bend, often from arthritis or an injury.Baker's CystA fluid-filled swelling behind the knee, usually a sign of another knee problem.ACL TearA torn ligament in the center of the knee, usually from a pivot or landing, that can make the knee give way.MCL SprainA stretched or torn ligament on the inner side of the knee, often from a blow to the outside of the knee.Pes Anserine BursitisPain on the inner side of the knee just below the joint, where three tendons attach to the shin.Patellar InstabilityA kneecap that slides out of its groove, causing pain, swelling, and a feeling that the knee will give way.

Knee pain treatment options

PRPPlatelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)A concentrate of platelets from a small draw of your own blood, placed precisely under ultrasound to calm pain and support tendon and joint healing.BMACBone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)A concentrate prepared from a small sample of your own bone marrow, drawn and injected in the same visit for joint and tendon problems.Lipogems (microfragmented adipose tissue)Lipogems: Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)A small amount of your own fat tissue, gently processed and injected to cushion and support an arthritic joint or damaged tendon.MSK UltrasoundDiagnostic Musculoskeletal UltrasoundReal-time imaging of tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, and nerves at the exam table, including while you move.Guided InjectionsUltrasound-Guided Joint and Tendon InjectionsOffice-based injections placed under live ultrasound, so the medicine reaches the exact structure that hurts.Cortisone InjectionCortisone (Steroid) InjectionsA targeted anti-inflammatory injection, placed under ultrasound, that calms a flare of joint, bursa, or nerve-tunnel pain so rehab can move forward.Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid (Gel) InjectionsA lubricating gel placed inside an arthritic joint under ultrasound to ease pain and stiffness. FDA-approved for knee arthritis.TenexPercutaneous Tenotomy (Tenex)Removes damaged tendon tissue through a tiny incision so healthy tissue can regenerate. Used for chronic tendinopathy and calcific tendinitis.Tendon ScrapingUltrasound-Guided Tendon ScrapingFrees a painful tendon from the irritated tissue and small nerves around it, through a needle.Nerve ModulationNerve ModulationNerve blocks and stimulators, including peripheral nerve and spinal cord stimulation, that quiet the nerves carrying pain so rehab can move forward.Nerve AblationUltrasound-Guided Nerve AblationUses controlled heat or pulsed energy to quiet the small sensory nerves carrying chronic joint or tendon pain.Joint DenervationJoint DenervationTreats the nerves that carry pain from the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, sacroiliac joint, foot, or plantar fascia; an option for people delaying or avoiding joint replacement.PNSPeripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)A thin lead placed near a nerve delivers mild electrical pulses that reduce chronic nerve or musculoskeletal pain.ShockwaveExtracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)Focused sound-wave pulses delivered through the skin, with no needles or downtime, to stimulate healing in chronic tendon and heel pain.Rehab PlanningRehabilitation and Return-to-Activity PlanningA strength-first plan, coordinated with your physical therapist, that sets clear milestones for getting back to training, work, and sport.

Questions about knee pain

What kind of doctor should I see for knee pain?
A sports medicine or orthopedic physician. Propel's physicians use ultrasound to find the cause of knee pain and treat most arthritis, tendon, and kneecap problems without surgery, referring to a knee surgeon when that is the better choice.
Can knee arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes, for many people. Strength training, weight management, guided injections, PRP and other orthobiologics, and genicular nerve treatments can ease pain and improve function. They do not regrow cartilage, but they may help delay knee replacement.
Do I need an MRI for knee pain?
Not always. An exam and ultrasound answer many questions about tendons and swelling. An MRI is useful when a meniscus or ligament tear is suspected and would change the plan.

What to expect at your visit

  1. 1.

    We listen first

    Your visit opens with a real conversation: how the problem started, what you have already tried, and the activity you want back.

  2. 2.

    Exam and in-office ultrasound

    A hands-on exam, then ultrasound at the exam table, often while you move, so your physician can see the tendon, joint, or nerve involved.

  3. 3.

    A clear diagnosis and plan

    You leave knowing what is wrong and what your options are, from strength-based rehab to procedures, and why we recommend each one.

  4. 4.

    Treatment and follow-through

    Most procedures happen here in the office. We coordinate with your physical therapist and check progress against the goals you set.

Rehab protocols

Dr. Gruner's week-by-week recovery guidelines. Your plan is individualized; follow these with your physician and physical therapist.

Opening December 1, 2027

Ready to get back in motion?

We are scheduling new patients now. Book an evaluation to find out what is causing your pain and how to treat it.

Request an AppointmentCall (301) 200-9025

Call the front desk

(301) 200-9025

frontdesk@propelsportsortho.com
Fax (301) 664-1148

Email frontdesk@propelsportsortho.com

Call (301) 200-9025Request