Knee Care

Knee pain and problems can have many causes and can greatly impact daily life.

Look to UC San Diego Health orthopedists to find the source of your knee problem and to personalize your treatment plan to your lifestyle. We are ranked among the top 50 in the nation for orthopedic care by U.S. News & World Report.

Graphic with U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” badge for top-ranked orthopedic care

Doctors Trusted by Professional Athletes

Trust us to provide you with the same expert care that we provide to professional and collegiate athletes.

Meet the Team Doctors for the San Diego Padres, San Diego Seals and UC San Diego Tritons

When to See a Doctor

If you have knee pain that lasts more than a week, you should see a doctor. An early diagnosis and the right treatment can prevent more serious or permanent damage to the knee joint and surrounding soft tissue.

Do I Need a Referral for Orthopedic Care?

You can make an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists directly without a referral. If you have an HMO, however, your insurance plan may require a referral from your primary care physician.

Orthopedic Surgeons

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Knee Conditions Treated

UC San Diego Health treats all types of knee conditions, including:

Arthritis
ACL and MCL sprains and tears
Bursitis / per anserine bursitis
Cartilage injuries
Hamstring tendonitis
Iliotibial band syndrome
Meniscus tears
Kneecap problems
Baker's cyst
Runner's knee (patellofemoral syndrome)

Evaluation and Diagnosis

At UC San Diego Health, you receive a complete workup of your knee condition. This includes a careful review of your health history and current symptoms, a physical exam of your knee and X-rays. Your doctor may also recommend an injection or MRI (or both) if there are inconsistencies in your diagnosis, symptoms or response to treatment. In some cases, your doctor may recommend knee arthroscopy to look inside your joint. Once you have a diagnosis, you and your doctor will discuss your treatment options and goals.

Nonsurgical Care

Many knee conditions respond well to nonsurgical treatment. Your doctor will typically recommend conservative treatment before considering surgical options.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Lifestyle Modifications Because the knee is a weight-bearing joint, you may find relief with low-impact exercise such as swimming or biking, instead of running, as well as weight loss when appropriate.

Physical Therapy and Injections Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your knee can also help. If physical therapy doesn't improve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce joint inflammation.

Knee Surgery

UC San Diego Health orthopedic surgeons offer advanced surgical techniques for treating knee conditions that have not responded to conservative treatment.

Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy, also known as a "knee scope," is a minimally invasive approach for treating a range of knee problems, including meniscus, ligament and cartilage injuries. Minimally invasive knee surgery involves smaller incisions and leads to a faster recovery and better outcomes. You can usually go home the same day as your surgery. In many cases, you can return to sports at the same level of intensity or higher safely after completing your rehab.

Center for Joint Care

Hip & Knee Replacement

If you have severe joint damage or degeneration, you may be a candidate for a knee replacement. UC San Diego Health surgeons offer a range of surgical approaches, including advanced robotically assisted procedures, and are sought out for their expertise in complex revision surgeries as well.

Hip & Knee Replacement