Trusted Knee Pain Relief Specialist in Greater Kansas City MO for Sore Knees & Swollen Knee Issues
Non‒Surgical Solutions for Arthritis, Injuries & Post‒Surgical Knee Pain
At Core Medical Center, we specialize in non‒surgical, minimally invasive knee pain treatments that help patients return to the activities they love. Whether your knee pain is the result of injury, arthritis, repetitive strain, or even a failed knee replacement, our team offers customized, evidence-based care plans built around your goals.
We provide complete diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients and work closely with trusted referral partners when advanced procedures like surgery or Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) are needed.
What is Knee Pain?
Discomfort in the knee can signal strain, irritation, or damage in one or more structures that support the joint. It's not a condition in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying issue that needs attention.
The knee is one of the most stressed and relied‒upon articulations in the human body. It absorbs shock, supports all the weight, and allows for a wide range of motion—making it especially vulnerable to wear, injury, or imbalance.
Its stability relies on four main ligaments, surrounding muscles, and joint structures. When any part of these components is injured or weakened—due to overuse, trauma, or underlying conditions—pain can emerge.
Common Knee Conditions We Treat
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Cartilage degeneration
Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL)
Meniscus tears
Tendinitis and bursitis
Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee)
IT band syndrome
Chronic pain after knee replacement
Nerve compression
Baker’s cyst
Bone spurs
Repetitive stress injuries
Sprains, strains, and sports injuries
Osgood-Schlatter disease
Post-traumatic joint dysfunction
Gout or inflammatory joint disorders
We also evaluate knee injuries involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), growth plate disorders, and injured tissues affecting surrounding muscles and ligaments.
Symptoms That May Indicate You Need Knee Pain Treatment
Knee stiffness, swelling, or inflammation
Pain while walking, climbing stairs, or standing up
Joint instability or “giving out”
Clicking or grinding during movement
Pain at rest or after long periods of sitting
Difficulty kneeling, squatting, or exercising
Radiating pain into the thigh or shin
Ongoing discomfort after knee replacement surgery
A detailed evaluation helps us reach an accurate diagnosis, so we can create a customized treatment plan and provide the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Treatment Options We Offer for Knee Pain Relief
We use a comprehensive approach to treating knee pain from every angle, offering personalized treatment options proven to provide lasting pain relief.
Physical Therapy
Customized plans to restore strength, stability, and joint alignment. Especially helpful after injury, for arthritis management, or post-surgery rehab.
Chiropractic Care
Manual techniques help restore biomechanics, ease joint pressure, and reduce referred pain caused by misalignment.
Occupational Therapy
Supports function in daily life, work, and recreation—especially important for return-to-work planning or adaptive strategies.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Includes supportive braces, offloading orthotics, and compression devices to reduce joint strain and aid recovery.
Interventional Pain Procedures
Minimally invasive procedures performed on-site, including:
Genicular nerve blocks for diagnostic or short-term relief
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for long-term relief from arthritis-related knee pain
Tendon sheath and bursa injections
Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections) to improve joint lubrication
Pain Management
Non-opioid strategies including targeted medication protocols, natural anti-inflammatories, and functional movement guidance.
GAE for Chronic Knee Pain & Failed Knee Replacements
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is an emerging, non‒surgical option for patients with knee osteoarthritis—especially those who:
Have not responded to conservative treatment
Want to avoid or delay total knee replacement
Continue to have pain after a knee replacement has failed
GAE works by reducing abnormal blood flow and inflammation in the knee joint by embolizing specific arteries. Some clinics may recommend knee arthroscopy or surgical intervention as the only option. However, we often help patients find lasting results beyond temporary relief.
While GAE is not performed on-site at Core Medical Center, we maintain a referral network of trusted interventional radiologists and will coordinate your evaluation, imaging, and follow-up to ensure continuity of care.
When a Specialist Is Needed
If your condition requires services outside our scope—such as GAE, orthopedic surgery, or advanced imaging—we partner with a trusted network of orthopedic surgeons, pain interventionists, and radiologists.
Our team ensures a seamless handoff, shares documentation, and continues your recovery plan before and after specialized procedures.
Knee Pain FAQs
Is it better to rest or walk with knee pain?
It depends on the cause and severity of the pain. While short periods of rest can help reduce swelling, gentle movement—such as walking on flat surfaces—may promote circulation and support the healing process, especially when guided by a physical therapy plan.
What is the strongest pain relief for knee pain?
For severe or persistent cases, the strongest relief often comes from a combination of methods like radiofrequency ablation, nerve blocks, or targeted injections. These approaches go beyond oral medication to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on injured tissues.
What is the #1 mistake that makes bad knees worse?
Ignoring symptoms and pushing through chronic knee pain without an accurate diagnosis can worsen the condition. Delayed care may lead to further damage in the knee joint, making recovery slower and more difficult.
Who is best to diagnose knee pain?
A provider experienced in musculoskeletal care—such as a pain management specialist, orthopedic doctor, or chiropractor—can perform a thorough physical examination, assess movement, and recommend imaging when needed to find the exact cause of your knee pain.
Medically Integrated Practice Near Me
OFFICE HOURS
Our occupational medicine hours are
Monday through Friday, 9 am – 7 pm