Knee pain is one of the most common complaints we see at Central Ohio Spine and Joint (COSJ). Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply trying to stay active as you age, knee pain can interfere with daily life, limit your mobility, and make it hard to enjoy the activities you love.
The challenge is that not all knee pain is the same. Different conditions cause pain in different ways, and proper diagnosis is key to choosing the right treatment plan. At COSJ, we use a combination of advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments — including Focused Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) — to help patients recover faster and without unnecessary surgery.
In this post, we’ll break down the three most common types of knee pain, how to recognize the differences, and why Focused Shockwave Therapy is becoming a game-changing treatment option.
1. Osteoarthritis of the Knee
What It Is
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of knee arthritis, caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage that cushions the joint. Over time, the “wear and tear” process leads to bone-on-bone contact, stiffness, and inflammation.
Key Symptoms
- Deep, aching pain in the knee joint
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Swelling and decreased range of motion
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
How to Tell If It’s Osteoarthritis
If your pain is gradual, chronic, and worse with use, osteoarthritis may be the cause. Imaging like X-rays often confirm OA, but clinical signs are usually clear: stiffness, creaking sensations, and difficulty with weight-bearing activities such as climbing stairs.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Helps
Traditional options for OA include medications, injections, and ultimately joint replacement. But these treatments often come with side effects or invasive procedures. Focused Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive alternative that stimulates blood flow, improves tissue metabolism, and encourages cartilage and soft tissue regeneration.
Studies show that shockwave therapy can:
- Reduce pain levels
- Improve joint mobility
- Delay or even prevent the need for surgery
At COSJ, we integrate shockwave therapy into comprehensive care plans, combining it with strength training and mobility work for long-term relief.
2. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (“Runner’s Knee”)
What It Is
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), often called “runner’s knee,” occurs when the kneecap (patella) doesn’t track properly in its groove. This creates irritation between the underside of the kneecap and the femur.
Key Symptoms
- Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee
- Pain that worsens when going up or down stairs, squatting, or sitting for long periods (“theater sign”)
- Occasional grinding or popping sensations
How to Tell If It’s Patellofemoral Pain
If your knee pain is at the front of the knee and triggered by bending or loading activities, PFPS is a likely culprit. Unlike osteoarthritis, this type of pain is often activity-related and more common in younger or active populations.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Helps
PFPS is often caused by overuse, muscle imbalances, or faulty movement patterns. While physical therapy and corrective exercises are crucial, Focused Shockwave Therapy accelerates healing by reducing inflammation and stimulating tissue repair around the patellar tendon and cartilage.
For patients who have tried traditional rehab without success, shockwave provides a much-needed boost to break through the pain cycle.
3. Meniscus Injuries
What It Is
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. Tears can occur gradually with age-related degeneration or suddenly during twisting or pivoting movements.
Key Symptoms
- Sharp pain along the inside or outside of the knee
- Swelling that comes on within hours of injury
- Locking, catching, or giving-way sensation
- Pain when twisting or squatting
How to Tell If It’s a Meniscus Injury
If your knee pain started after a specific incident (a twist, squat, or awkward step) and is associated with mechanical symptoms like locking or catching, a meniscus tear is likely. MRI can confirm the diagnosis, but clinical testing and history are often sufficient.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Helps
Traditionally, meniscus tears were managed with surgery (arthroscopy). However, research shows that many tears can heal with conservative care. Focused Shockwave Therapy promotes blood flow and stimulates tissue healing in areas of the meniscus that are otherwise slow to recover.
Combined with targeted strengthening and stability training, shockwave can help patients avoid surgery while restoring normal function.
Diagnosing Knee Pain: Why It Matters
The knee is a complex joint, and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Treating osteoarthritis like it’s patellofemoral pain won’t get results — and ignoring a meniscus injury can lead to long-term damage.
At COSJ, our evaluation process includes:
- A detailed history of your symptoms and activities
- Orthopedic testing to pinpoint the pain source
- Advanced diagnostic scans (including ESWT diagnostic mapping)
- 3D movement analysis to assess faulty movement patterns
This approach ensures that you not only get the right diagnosis but also a personalized treatment plan.
Where Focused Shockwave Therapy Fits In
So, why are we highlighting Focused Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of knee pain?
Because it addresses the root cause of pain by stimulating biological healing responses. Unlike cortisone injections, which simply mask pain, or surgery, which carries risks and downtime, shockwave therapy:
- Promotes tissue regeneration — helping cartilage, tendons, and ligaments recover.
- Improves circulation — restoring oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues.
- Breaks up scar tissue and calcifications — restoring normal mobility.
- Reduces pain and inflammation — without side effects or medications.
For many patients, this means avoiding surgery, reducing reliance on pain medications, and returning to an active lifestyle faster.
When to Seek Care
If you’re experiencing knee pain that:
- Lasts more than a few weeks
- Interferes with daily activities
- Is accompanied by swelling, locking, or instability
…it’s time to get a proper diagnosis. Early treatment prevents further damage and improves outcomes.
The COSJ Difference
At Central Ohio Spine and Joint, we don’t just treat symptoms — we address the underlying dysfunction. Our 3-step process (Repair → Retrain → Reinforce) integrates:
- Repair: Shockwave therapy, dry needling, manual care to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Retrain: Corrective exercises and motor control to restore healthy movement patterns.
- Reinforce: Strength training to build resilience and prevent recurrence.
By combining advanced technology like Focused Shockwave Therapy with a functional rehab approach, we help our patients move better, feel better, and stay better.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Knees
If knee pain is holding you back, you don’t have to accept it as part of aging or overuse. The right diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference.
👉 Schedule your $49 Knee Diagnostic Shockwave Scan today to find out what’s driving your pain and whether you’re a candidate for Focused Shockwave Therapy.
Reference:
- International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ISMST) — research and clinical guidelines on ESWT.
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