Expert Sports Injury
Care in San Diego

The knee is a complex joint with a network of tissues, tendons, and bones. Because of this, knee pain can be hard to diagnose and treat. A sharp twinge when you stand up, a grinding sensation as you climb stairs, or stiffness that greets you first thing in the morning are just some of the many symptoms that point to a problem inside the knee. 

The challenge is that several conditions can cause similar symptoms, including common conditions: meniscus tears and knee arthritis. Arthritis alone affects close to 33 million adults in the United States, while meniscus tears affect 60% to 70% of adults. Combined, these two conditions account for the vast majority of patients with knee pain. 

Read on to learn how these two conditions differ despite causing similar symptoms, and where to find the best orthopedic surgeon in San Diego for knee pain relief. 

A Meniscus Tear or Knee Arthritis? How to Tell the Difference 

A meniscus tear and knee arthritis affect different parts of the knee, even though they can create similar symptoms. It helps to first understand the structures that each condition affects and how each condition can start: 

• The meniscus is a piece of tough cartilage that sits between the thigh bone and shin bone. It helps cushion the joint and absorb force during movement. A meniscus tear can happen during a sudden twist, pivot, or awkward movement. It can also develop gradually as the tissue weakens with age. 
• Knee arthritis develops when the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the bones begins to wear away. As that protective surface breaks down, the bones move less smoothly within the joint. This process can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. 

The way your knee feels during daily activities offers the biggest clues about the source of your pain: 

• Pain from a meniscus tear often occurs along one side of the knee and may involve sensations such as clicking, catching, or locking. And some people feel as though something inside the joint is preventing normal movement. Additionally, symptoms usually begin suddenly after an injury or become noticeable during activities that involve twisting or squatting. 
• Arthritis-related pain tends to develop more gradually. Many people start noticing stiffness when getting out of bed or after sitting for long periods. Swelling may come and go, and the knee may feel achy after walking, standing, or climbing stairs. 

Since these symptoms can overlap, seeing the best knee pain specialist in San Diego is the best way to determine the exact cause.

How is Knee Pain Diagnosed?

An accurate diagnosis starts with a thorough discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and activity level. The best knee pain specialist in San Diego will also examine the knee for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and signs of instability. Certain movements performed during the exam can help identify a possible meniscus injury. Imaging studies are also commonly recommended. These can include: 

• X-rays used to evaluate arthritis, as they can reveal changes in joint spacing, bone spurs, and cartilage loss
• MRI imaging, which provides detailed images of the soft tissues inside the knee, can help detect meniscus tears and other internal injuries

What Are the Best Treatment Options for Meniscus Tear and Knee Arthritis?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your knee pain, the severity of your symptoms, and your goals. Many meniscus tears and some cases of knee arthritis can be managed with the best non-surgical knee pain treatments in San Diego, including: 

• Physical therapy that improves strength and stability around the joint
• Activity modifications may reduce stress on the knee while allowing you to remain active
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Knee bracing
• Orthobiologic injections like platelet-rich plasma and other regenerative treatments

When pain continues to interfere with daily life despite non-surgical treatment, knee surgery is considered next. Some meniscus tears can be repaired or trimmed through minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures, while advanced tears and arthritis may require more extensive intervention. 

Where to Find the Best Orthopedic Surgeon in San Diego for Knee Pain Relief

Knee pain can change the way you move through your day, from how you stay healthy with a morning walk to enjoying time with friends and family. Getting the right diagnosis is an important step toward finding relief and protecting the long-term health of your knee joint. 

At San Diego Performance Orthopedics & Regenerative Therapy, Dr. Sanjum Samagh brings extensive training and experience in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, with education from Stanford University, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Northwestern University. We help patients from Encinitas, Leucadia, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Torrey Pines, and throughout North San Diego County identify the true source of their knee pain and develop treatment plans that support active lifestyles.

Ready to explore the treatment options that can help you stay active for years to come with the best orthopedic surgeon in San Diego?