Knee pain affects millions of adults each year, often interfering with work, exercise, and daily movement. While most people start with medications, rest, or physical therapy, these approaches may not always be enough, especially when pain becomes chronic or limits mobility.
At Grand Rapids Pain, our board-certified pain management specialists, Keith Javery, DO; Girish Juneja, MD; and Mark Juska, MD, provide advanced, minimally invasive treatments designed to relieve pain at its source and restore function. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, our clinic helps patients find lasting solutions, even when standard care no longer works.
Let’s explore five signs that it might be time to consider advanced therapies for your knee pain.
1. Medications and Physical Therapy Aren’t Working Anymore
For many patients, conservative care such as physical therapy, exercise, and pain medications is the first line of treatment. These methods can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, reduce inflammation, and restore flexibility. However, if your pain persists or worsens after months of consistent effort, it may be a sign that your condition involves deeper nerve or joint issues.
When Conservative Care Falls Short
- Persistent pain despite therapy: If you’ve completed several rounds of physical therapy and still experience daily discomfort, your pain may not be purely mechanical; it could involve irritated or damaged nerves.
- Overreliance on medications: Relying heavily on anti-inflammatories or opioids for relief may indicate that your treatment plan isn’t addressing the root cause of the problem.
At Grand Rapids Pain, our specialists use advanced diagnostics, such as ultrasound-guided imaging and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCV), to uncover the true source of your pain. This ensures that your treatment plan targets the underlying cause, not just the symptoms.
2. Knee Pain Is Affecting Your Quality of Life
Chronic knee pain doesn’t just limit movement; it affects nearly every aspect of daily life. When discomfort begins to interfere with your independence, relationships, or mental health, it’s time to consider a more comprehensive approach to knee pain treatment.
How Pain Impacts Daily Function
- Difficulty performing routine tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair.
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, such as gardening or exercising.
- Sleep disruption due to persistent throbbing or stiffness.
- Increased anxiety or depression linked to constant pain.
At Grand Rapids Pain, we believe pain management is about restoring your lifestyle, not just reducing symptoms. By identifying whether your pain stems from nerve irritation, joint damage, or post-surgical complications, we can design an individualized treatment plan that helps you move confidently again.
3. You’re Experiencing Pain After Knee Replacement
Many patients assume that knee replacement surgery guarantees permanent relief, but that’s not always the case. Some individuals continue to experience knee pain even after surgery, often due to factors such as nerve irritation, implant wear, or scar tissue formation.
Why Pain May Persist After Surgery
- Nerve irritation: The small nerves surrounding the knee can remain hypersensitive even after surgical healing.
- Scar tissue (arthrofibrosis): Tight internal scarring can limit joint motion and cause deep aching or stiffness.
- Referred pain: Sometimes, discomfort felt in the knee may actually originate from the hip, spine, or surrounding tissues.
When this happens, repeating surgery is not always the answer. Instead, non-surgical knee treatments like nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), or Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) can target the problem directly, helping retrain nerve pathways and reduce pain without another operation.
At Grand Rapids Pain, our neuromodulation specialists frequently use PNS as part of an advanced pain management plan for patients with persistent or post-surgical pain.
4. You’re Seeking Non-Surgical Knee Pain Solutions
Many patients hesitate to pursue another surgery, and with good reason. Surgical interventions can involve long recovery times and uncertain outcomes, especially when pain has a nerve component. Fortunately, modern pain medicine offers effective, non-surgical solutions that address both the physical and neurological aspects of pain.
At Grand Rapids Pain, we specialize in advanced interventional techniques such as:
- Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS): Targets specific nerves responsible for chronic pain.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses heat to temporarily disable pain-signaling nerves.
- Targeted Injection Therapies: Provide diagnostic insight and therapeutic relief for inflamed joints or soft tissue.
These options are designed to reduce pain, restore movement, and shorten recovery time, helping you get back to your daily activities faster. If you’ve been searching for a “knee doctor near me” who focuses on non-surgical pain management, our specialists can help.
5. You Want to Prevent Further Joint Damage
Ignoring chronic knee pain can lead to worsening joint problems over time. Pain often triggers compensatory behaviors, like limping or shifting weight, which can strain other joints and muscles. Acting early can help prevent further degeneration and maintain joint function.
Why Early Action Matters
- Reduces inflammation: Advanced therapies can interrupt pain cycles that contribute to chronic swelling and tissue stress.
- Protects mobility: Restoring balanced movement prevents wear on surrounding joints like the hips and spine.
- Improves long-term outcomes: Patients who seek early intervention often experience better results and faster recovery.
At Grand Rapids Pain, our goal is to help you return to an active, independent lifestyle without unnecessary surgery or prolonged medication use.
How to Discuss Advanced Therapies With Your Doctor
Knowing when to see a doctor for knee pain can be challenging, especially if you’ve already tried multiple treatments. Here’s how to start the conversation:
- Be specific: Describe when and how your pain occurs, during rest, activity, or after sitting.
- Mention past treatments: Note which therapies helped temporarily and which didn’t.
- Ask about advanced options: Inquire about neuromodulation, nerve blocks, or radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.
At Grand Rapids Pain, our specialists take time to evaluate your entire pain history and lifestyle goals before recommending treatment. We focus on personalized care, helping you understand every option and make confident, informed decisions.
A New Chapter in Knee Pain Relief
If knee pain has kept you from living fully, it may be time to consider advanced, non-surgical solutions. Therapies like Peripheral Nerve Stimulation offer a safe, effective path toward lasting comfort and mobility, especially for patients who haven’t found success with standard care. At Grand Rapids Pain, we combine compassionate care with the latest innovations in pain management to help patients reclaim their independence and quality of life.
Call (616) 727-0083 or book an appointment today to learn how advanced therapies can bring lasting relief to your knee pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor for knee pain?
If your knee pain lasts more than a few weeks or affects your ability to walk, sleep, or exercise, it’s time to see a specialist.
Can advanced therapies help if I’ve had surgery?
Yes. Many patients experience significant relief from nerve-targeted therapies even after knee replacement or arthroscopy.
What is the difference between physical therapy and advanced therapies?
Physical therapy improves strength and mobility, while advanced therapies like PNS address the nerve signals that sustain chronic pain.
Is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation safe?
Yes. PNS is FDA-approved, minimally invasive, and reversible, with a strong safety record in chronic pain management.
Do I need a referral to see a pain specialist?
In most cases, no referral is required. Contact Grand Rapids Pain to schedule your consultation directly.
