Knee Pain Treatments in Northern New Jersey
If you or a loved one has a knee injury or condition that impacts quality of life, turn to NJ Top Doc Dr. Thomas Ragukonis at Bergen Pain Management. Serving Paramus, West New York, and Union, New Jersey, as well as the surrounding areas, Dr. Ragukonis has extensive experience treating a broad range of orthopedic conditions, including knee pain.
Knee Conditions We Treat
Whether your knee pain is the result of a sports or work-related injury, auto accident, or aging, Dr. Ragukonis can provide an accurate diagnosis and help to form an effective treatment plan for a wide range of conditions. Some of these include:
Chondromalacia Patellaeis
Also known as runner’s knee, chondromalacia patellaeis occurs when the cartilage beneath the kneecap begins to soften and deteriorate. This reduces the efficacy of the cartilage, which acts as a cushion, resulting in pain and a grinding sensation. Chondromalacia typically arises due to overuse and is most common among young, athletic individuals, though it may often appear alongside arthritis in older adults.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
The ACL ligament plays a key role in stabilizing the knee joint and preventing it from bending beyond its natural range. It is also among the most likely knee tissues to become injured. Sprains and tears commonly arise in athletes of high-demand sports, including soccer, football, and basketball, and can result in pain and reduced range of motion.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located on the inner side of the knee. Like the ACL, it is largely responsible for holding bones together and keeping the joint stable. High-contact sports often result in MCL injuries after a blow to the knee’s outer edge. This stretches the MCL, causing it to painfully sprain or even tear with a recognizable popping sensation.
Arthritis
Knee cartilage is among the first types of tissue to break down with age, causing the joint to become stiff and painful. Osteoarthritis is a common condition that arises as cartilage loses its flexibility due to wear, though it may also arise from injury or infection. Rheumatoid arthritis, meanwhile, is an immune disorder that causes the body to attack joint linings. Its symptoms are similar to those experienced with osteoarthritis, as are its treatments.
Bursitis
This painful condition causes inflammation in the bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, that cushion your knee joint. Bursae help absorb shock and allow the knee to slide smoothly. Inflammation limits this function, resulting in stiffness, pain, and swelling.
Tendinitis
Your tendons are thick, fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones and enable smooth, seamless joint movement. When a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, the resulting condition is known as tendinitis. It is common around the knee, especially in the patellar tendon that connects the patella (knee cap) to your shin (tibia).
Our Solutions for Knee Pain
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Ragukonis is well-versed in addressing knee pain with a broad range of minimally invasive procedures. He works with patients to identify the best course of treatment for their unique circumstances, which may include one or more of the following options:
- Caudal, interlaminar, and transforaminal epidural steroid injections
- Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation
- Sympathetic nerve blocks
- Intrathecal pumps
- Radio Frequency Ablation
- Trigger point injections