Knee Pain Getting Worse? When It’s Time to Consider a Joint Specialist
Persistent knee pain can make even simple activities, such as walking the dog or climbing stairs, feel like a challenge. While occasional aches can happen to anyone, worsening symptoms may point to something more serious like joint degeneration or knee arthritis.
So how do you know when to push through the discomfort and when it’s time to see a knee specialist in Westminster? Let’s break down the signs that indicate your knee pain may require expert evaluation and what treatment options are available through the Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies (OCR).
Temporary Discomfort vs. Degenerative Joint Conditions
Knee pain can arise from overuse, injury, or underlying conditions. Minor strains often improve with rest, ice, and physical therapy. It is also easy to dismiss early knee arthritis symptoms, but symptoms may worsen if left untreated.
However, if your symptoms persist, especially without a clear cause, it may be time to consider a deeper issue, such as knee arthritis or cartilage loss.
It is also easy to dismiss early knee arthritis symptoms, but symptoms may worsen if left untreated. Conditions such as osteoarthritis involve gradual wear of the joint cartilage, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain that worsens over time. Unlike short-term injuries, degenerative conditions don’t resolve on their own and often progress without medical intervention.
At OCR, we specialize in knee disorders, and our knee specialists are devoted to providing you with the highly specialized care you need.
Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to consult with a Westminster, Colorado knee specialist:
- Pain lasting longer than six weeks
- Visible swelling that doesn’t subside
- Knee locking or catching during movement
- Instability or buckling
- Lack of response to conservative care, like rest, bracing, or over-the-counter medication
These are hallmark signs of joint degeneration and could signal the need for further imaging, evaluation, or advanced treatment.
You Don’t Have to Jump Straight to Surgery
At OCR, our joint replacement specialists don’t rush patients into the operating room. In fact, the majority of our knee patients start with non-surgical treatment. In fact, according to the Mayo clinic, many types of minor knee pain respond well to self-care measures. Physical therapy and knee braces also can help relieve pain. In some cases, however, your knee may require surgical repair.
As Dr. Nirav Shah often emphasizes, “Conservative treatments are always explored first. Surgery is only considered if pain persists despite non-surgical options.”
Non-Surgical Knee Treatment Options Include:
- Steroid or gel injections to reduce inflammation and improve lubrication
- Bracing to stabilize the joint and offload pressure
- Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
- Arthroscopy (minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and clean the joint)
These approaches can delay or even eliminate the need for knee replacement, especially in the early stages of arthritis.
Advanced Joint Care, Close to Home in Westminster
When conservative treatment is no longer effective and knee function continues to decline, outpatient knee replacement surgery may be recommended. OCR offers cutting-edge surgical options with a focus on rapid recovery, including:
- Personalized implant selection based on activity level
- Muscle-sparing techniques to preserve strength
- Same-day or next-day discharge protocols
OCR’s Westminster clinic is home to a team of knee disorder specialists and two highly experienced joint replacement surgeons:
Meet Your Local Specialists
OCR Knee Disorder Specialist Team
Knee Conditions Treated: ACL Tears, Meniscus injuries, Osteoarthritis, Knee replacements
Learn more about our Knee Disorder Specialists
Dr. Nirav Shah, MD
Hip & Knee Joint Replacement, Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine
Learn more about Dr. Shah
Dr. Gregg Koldenhoven, MD
Hip & Knee Joint Replacement, Foot & Ankle
Learn more about Dr. Koldenhoven
Dr. Dominic Torri, DO
Sports Medicine
Learn more about Dr. Torri
Together, they bring a thoughtful, patient-first approach to each diagnosis, ensuring you understand your options and feel supported, every step of the way.
Your Path to Relief Starts with a Knee Specialist
If your knee pain is getting worse instead of better, don’t wait. The sooner you address potential joint degeneration, the more treatment options you’ll have—and the better your chances for avoiding long-term damage.
Looking for a knee specialist in Westminster? Our board-certified physicians work closely with in-house therapists to support your full recovery. You don’t need to be a pro athlete to get expert care. We treat every patient with the same attention and respect.
Westminster Knee Experts: Dr. Gregg Koldenhoven & Dr. Nirav Shah
Take control of your knee health. Request an appointment with a Westminster knee specialist and take the first step toward lasting recovery.