Knee pain can stem from many sources — from injuries and arthritis to nerve irritation or inflammation. Understanding the root cause is the first step to lasting relief. At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, our board-certified physicians specialize in diagnosing the precise source of pain and treating it with non-surgical, minimally invasive procedures like genicular nerve ablation (GNA), cryoneurolysis, and image-guided injections.

“Knee pain is rarely caused by just one thing. We often see an overlap of joint degeneration, inflammation, and nerve sensitivity — which means every patient needs a different solution.”
— Thomas Pontinen, MD, LCP-C, Co-Founder, MAPS Centers for Pain Control

Why Knee Pain Happens: Understanding the Basics

Your knees are among the hardest-working joints in your body. Every step, bend, or jump requires coordination between bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Because of that complexity, even small imbalances can lead to chronic knee discomfort over time.

Knee pain doesn’t discriminate — it can affect runners, construction workers, and retirees alike. The pain might appear suddenly after a twist or fall, or develop gradually with age and wear. The challenge is that the same symptom can have several different causes, which is why accurate diagnosis matters more than ever.

At MAPS, we combine advanced imaging with hands-on evaluation to identify whether pain stems from the joint itself, nearby soft tissues, or irritated nerves — allowing for precise, targeted treatment instead of trial-and-error care.

The Most Common Causes of Knee Pain

1. Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of chronic knee pain in adults over 50. As cartilage wears down, bones begin to rub against each other, triggering inflammation, stiffness, and grinding sensations.
You might notice:

Pain that worsens with activity or weather changes
Swelling and limited flexibility
Difficulty standing up or climbing stairs

While OA is considered a “wear-and-tear” condition, newer research shows inflammation plays a huge role. That’s why nerve-based and anti-inflammatory treatments — not just joint surgery — can make such a difference.

Learn more about advanced knee pain treatments available in Chicago that can help manage arthritis without surgery.

2. Overuse and Repetitive Strain

Jobs or activities involving frequent kneeling, squatting, or running can lead to micro-injuries in the tendons or ligaments. Over time, that irritation can develop into tendinitis or bursitis, both of which cause sharp or burning pain.

Common signs include:

Pain when kneeling or bending
A tender lump or swelling below the kneecap
Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity

At MAPS, overuse pain is often treated with a combination of targeted injections, cold nerve therapy (cryoneurolysis), and customized activity modification plans — helping the tissue recover while maintaining movement.

“When we address knee pain early — before it becomes chronic — we can often prevent long-term joint damage,” says Thomas Pontinen, MD, LCP-C. “Modern pain medicine gives us the ability to intervene precisely, reduce inflammation, and help patients stay active safely.”

3. Acute or Sports-Related Injuries

Athletes and active individuals are particularly prone to ligament or meniscus injuries. A sudden pivot, impact, or awkward landing can overstretch or tear soft tissues inside the knee.

Typical injuries include:

ACL or MCL tears — causing instability or a “popping” sound at the time of injury
Meniscus tears — leading to locking, catching, or swelling
Patellar dislocation — where the kneecap slips out of place

While severe tears may require orthopedic intervention, many moderate cases respond well to interventional pain procedures that reduce inflammation and help restore normal motion faster.

4. Post-Surgical or Post-Replacement Pain

One of the most frustrating experiences for patients is ongoing knee pain after joint replacement surgery. Studies show up to 20% of patients still report discomfort months or even years later.

Because the artificial joint can’t receive injections, MAPS physicians often use Genicular Nerve Ablation (GNA) or Cryoneurolysis to desensitize the nerves around the knee that continue sending pain signals.

These treatments are:

Performed in-office under image guidance
Completed in 15–30 minutes
Minimally invasive with little to no downtime

For many patients, nerve-based therapy becomes the missing piece that finally brings lasting relief.

5. Weight and Inflammation

Extra body weight places additional pressure on the knees — roughly four pounds of force for every one pound of body weight gained. Over time, that mechanical stress accelerates cartilage breakdown and worsens pain.

Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or autoimmune disease can also trigger chronic knee swelling. Managing these underlying issues through a combination of anti-inflammatory injections, nerve modulation, and lifestyle support can dramatically reduce pain levels and protect joint integrity.

6. Nerve-Related Knee Pain

Not all knee pain starts in the knee. Sometimes, irritated nerves in the thigh, hip, or lower spine refer pain downward, mimicking a joint issue. Patients often describe burning, tingling, or radiating sensations that don’t match typical arthritis.

This is where precision nerve diagnostics — like ultrasound-guided nerve blocks — are essential. By temporarily numbing specific nerves, MAPS physicians can determine exactly where the pain originates, ensuring treatment targets the right area.

“Modern pain medicine isn’t just about numbing discomfort — it’s about understanding the body’s signaling system and resetting it safely,” explains Thomas Pontinen, MD, LCP-C. “That’s how we help people find lasting relief without relying on long-term medication or surgery.”

Recognizing Common Knee Pain Symptoms

Because the knee involves multiple structures, pain can present in several ways. Paying attention to the location, pattern, and triggers can help identify the source:

Pain Location	Possible Cause
Front of knee	Patellar tendinitis, cartilage wear
Inside of knee	MCL strain, meniscus tear
Outside of knee	IT band irritation or LCL injury
Behind knee	Baker’s cyst or hamstring strain

Other common symptoms include:

Clicking, grinding, or popping noises
Stiffness or limited motion after sitting
Swelling or warmth around the joint
Pain that wakes you up at night

If symptoms last longer than two weeks, or you notice persistent swelling or instability, it’s time to see a pain specialist for evaluation.

When Self-Care Isn’t Enough

Mild knee pain from overuse or strain often improves with rest, ice, and compression. But if pain continues to interfere with walking, sleep, or daily activities, there may be more going on beneath the surface.

At MAPS, we see many patients who have tried everything — physical therapy, braces, and pain medication — with little improvement. The reason? Those approaches may not address the underlying nerve component or chronic inflammation perpetuating the pain cycle.

Our goal is to treat pain at its source using advanced interventional options tailored to each patient’s anatomy and diagnosis.

Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments at MAPS

“The key is targeting the source of pain, not just quieting the symptoms,” explains Dr. Pontinen. “With today’s image-guided and nerve-based therapies, patients can get real relief without the risks of major surgery or long recovery times.”

1. Genicular Nerve Ablation (GNA)

GNA uses gentle radiofrequency energy to quiet overactive nerves that send pain signals from the knee to the brain. The result is long-term relief — often six months to a year — without affecting strength or balance.

Benefits of GNA:

Outpatient procedure (usually under 30 minutes)
No incisions or stitches
Ideal for arthritis, chronic post-surgical pain, or failed knee replacement

2. Cryoneurolysis (Cold Nerve Therapy)

This innovative therapy uses targeted cold to interrupt pain signaling along key nerve branches. It’s quick, repeatable, and provides natural pain relief without medication.

Why patients choose cryoneurolysis:

Immediate results in many cases
Complements GNA for broader pain coverage
Safe, office-based, and non-addictive

3. Injection-Based Therapies

For pain linked to inflammation or cartilage wear, image-guided injections deliver medication precisely where it’s needed. MAPS offers:

Hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate the joint and improve movement
Growth factor injections that use concentrated components from your own blood to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation naturally.
Steroid injections to calm acute inflammation and reduce swelling

Each treatment is customized for your pain pattern and activity level, helping you return to movement faster.

4. Supportive Bracing and Stabilization

Custom knee braces can redistribute joint pressure, improve alignment, and enhance confidence while walking. Many MAPS patients use bracing as a complement to ablation or injection therapy for optimal results.

Prevention and Lifestyle Tips

Even after successful treatment, keeping your knees healthy is key. Here’s how to protect your progress:

Stay active — gently. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking help maintain strength without added strain.
Maintain a healthy weight. Every pound lost reduces pressure on your knees.
Strengthen surrounding muscles. Building hip, thigh, and calf strength stabilizes the joint.
Use proper footwear. Supportive shoes minimize impact and help align the knees.
Listen to your body. Persistent swelling or sharp pain is a signal to rest — not push harder.

When to Seek Professional Care

Seek medical evaluation immediately if you experience:

Sudden swelling or inability to bear weight
A popping sound followed by pain or instability
Fever or redness (possible infection)
Pain lasting more than two weeks despite home care

Early diagnosis prevents small issues from turning into chronic pain or permanent damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most common cause of knee pain?

The leading cause of chronic knee pain is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition where cartilage in the joint breaks down over time. However, other causes — such as ligament injuries, inflammation, or nerve irritation — can produce similar symptoms. That’s why an accurate diagnosis is essential before beginning any treatment.

Q: How do I know if my knee pain is serious?

If your pain lasts more than two weeks, is accompanied by swelling, redness, or makes it difficult to bear weight, it’s time to seek medical evaluation. Persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate arthritis, nerve involvement, or another underlying condition that needs attention.

Q: Can knee pain be treated without surgery?

Yes. At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, most patients find relief through non-surgical treatments such as genicular nerve ablation (GNA), cryoneurolysis, and image-guided injections. These procedures target the root cause of pain and help restore mobility without the downtime of surgery.

Q: What does nerve-related knee pain feel like?

Nerve-related pain is often described as burning, tingling, or radiating discomfort that doesn’t match the typical aching or stiffness of arthritis. In some cases, the pain originates from nerves higher up in the leg or spine. MAPS physicians use diagnostic nerve blocks to identify and treat these cases precisely.

Q: How long does relief from GNA or cryoneurolysis last?

Many patients experience relief for six months to a year or longer. Because the nerves can regenerate over time, these treatments can be safely repeated if pain returns. Some MAPS patients combine both therapies for broader and longer-lasting pain control.

Q: When should I see a pain specialist instead of an orthopedic surgeon?

If you’ve already tried physical therapy, rest, or medication and your pain persists, or if you’ve been told surgery is your only option, it’s worth consulting a pain management specialist. MAPS physicians focus on identifying nerve and inflammation-driven pain that may not require surgery at all.

Finding the Right Treatment Plan in Chicago

At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we take pride in helping Chicago patients find relief without surgery. Our double board-certified physicians evaluate every case individually, identifying the true cause of pain and matching it with the right non-surgical solution.

Whether you’re struggling with arthritis, nerve-related discomfort, or post-injury pain, we’re here to help you move confidently again — safely and effectively.

Your path to relief starts here.

Visit our Knee Pain Center to learn more or schedule a consultation at one of our convenient Chicagoland locations.

References

Mayo Clinic – Knee Pain: Symptoms and Causes
Comprehensive overview of common knee pain causes, including arthritis, injury, and mechanical stress.
Cleveland Clinic – Knee Pain: Causes, Treatments & Prevention
Explains common diagnoses, treatment options, and self-care tips for chronic and acute knee pain.
Johns Hopkins Medicine – Understanding Knee Pain and Treatments
Covers knee anatomy, causes of pain, and when to seek medical evaluation or interventional care.