Knee Pain Uncovered: Dr. Jordan Sudberg’s Expert Guide to Common Knee Injuries and Their Treatment

Knee injuries are among the most frequent complaints seen in clinics worldwide, affecting athletes, active individuals, and even those with sedentary lifestyles. The knee joint is complex and bears the weight of the body, making it especially vulnerable to injury.

According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a pain management specialist with years of experience treating musculoskeletal conditions, understanding the types of knee injuries and their symptoms is the first step toward effective recovery.

“Knee pain can arise from a variety of injuries,” Dr. Sudberg explains. “Timely diagnosis and tailored treatment plans are essential to prevent chronic issues.”

In this post, Dr. Sudberg walks us through the most common knee injuries, their causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, highlighting how pain management plays a crucial role in healing.

Anatomy of the Knee: A Quick Overview

The knee is a hinge joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles working together to provide stability and mobility. Key components include:

• Bones: Femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap).
  
• Ligaments: ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), MCL (medial collateral ligament), and LCL (lateral collateral ligament) provide stability.
  
• Menisci: Two crescent-shaped cartilage pieces that cushion the joint.
  
• Tendons: Connect muscles to bones and facilitate movement.
  

Damage to any of these structures can lead to pain and dysfunction.

1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

The ACL is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee, especially among athletes who participate in sports involving sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction (e.g., basketball, soccer).

• Cause: Sudden pivoting or twisting motions, direct impact to the knee.
  
• Symptoms: Loud pop sound, swelling, instability, difficulty bearing weight.
  
• Treatment: Rest, ice, physical therapy, and often surgery for athletes or active individuals.
  

Dr. Jordan Sudberg notes,

“ACL injuries can cause significant pain and instability. Post-surgical pain management and rehabilitation are critical for a full recovery.”

2. Meniscus Tear

The menisci act as shock absorbers between the thigh and shin bones. Tears often occur due to twisting motions or degeneration with age.

• Cause: Twisting while bearing weight, degenerative changes.
  
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, stiffness, catching or locking sensation in the knee.
  
• Treatment: Conservative management includes rest and physical therapy; surgery may be required for severe tears.
  

“Meniscus tears can lead to chronic knee pain if untreated,” warns Dr. Sudberg. “Early intervention helps preserve joint health.”

3. Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)

This injury involves inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, common in athletes who jump frequently.

• Cause: Repetitive stress and overuse.
  
• Symptoms: Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap, swelling, stiffness.
  
• Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and strengthening exercises.
  

Dr. Sudberg advises,

“Managing inflammation early and modifying activities can prevent progression to chronic pain.”

4. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury

The MCL runs along the inner knee and can be injured from a blow to the outside of the knee or over-stretching.

• Cause: Direct impact or twisting injury.
  
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling on the inner knee, instability.
  
• Treatment: Rest, bracing, physical therapy; surgery is rare.
  

“MCL injuries usually respond well to conservative treatment, but pain control remains vital during the healing process,” says Dr. Sudberg.

5. Knee Bursitis

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. Inflammation, known as bursitis, can cause pain and swelling.

• Cause: Repetitive kneeling, trauma, infection.
  
• Symptoms: Swelling, tenderness, warmth around the knee.
  
• Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes drainage.
  

Dr. Sudberg notes,

“Pain from bursitis can limit movement, so addressing inflammation early is important.”

6. Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Although not a sudden injury, osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain resulting from the gradual wear and tear of cartilage.

• Cause: Aging, previous injuries, obesity.
  
• Symptoms: Chronic pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion.
  
• Treatment: Weight management, physical therapy, medications, and sometimes joint injections or surgery.
  

“Pain management specialists play a key role in helping osteoarthritis patients maintain function and reduce discomfort,” Dr. Sudberg emphasizes.

How Pain Management Supports Knee Injury Recovery

Pain is a major barrier to healing and mobility after a knee injury. Dr. Jordan Sudberg highlights that effective pain control:

• Improves participation in physical therapy.
  
• Reduces muscle guarding and spasm.
  
• Enhances quality of life and sleep.
  
• Prevents chronic pain development.
  

Approaches may include:

• Medications: NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or in some cases, opioids under strict supervision.
  
• Injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to reduce inflammation and improve joint function.
  
• Physical modalities: TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), ultrasound, or cold laser therapy.
  
• Interventional procedures: Nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation for persistent pain.
  

“Every patient’s pain experience is unique,” explains Dr. Sudberg. “Individualized treatment plans maximize recovery.”

Prevention Tips to Protect Your Knees

Preventing knee injuries is possible with the right habits and precautions:

• Warm up properly before exercise.
  
• Strengthen muscles around the knee to improve stability.
  
• Use proper techniques during sports or physical activities.
  
• Wear supportive footwear.
  
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.
  

Dr. Sudberg advises,

“Proactive care is the best way to keep knees healthy and avoid painful injuries.”

When to See a Specialist

If you experience any of the following after a knee injury, seek medical evaluation:

• Severe pain or inability to bear weight.
  
• Significant swelling or deformity.
  
• Persistent instability or locking.
  
• Pain that worsens despite home care.
  

Dr. Jordan Sudberg encourages early consultation:

“Prompt diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes and minimize long-term damage.”

Final Thoughts from Dr. Jordan Sudberg

Knee injuries can be painful and debilitating, but with proper care, many patients recover fully or manage symptoms effectively.

“Understanding your injury, adhering to treatment, and controlling pain are the pillars of successful recovery,” Dr. Sudberg concludes.
“Don’t ignore knee pain—address it early to keep moving strong.”