Knee Care

Research-backed care from knee pain experts

If knee pain is slowing you down or otherwise affecting your quality of life, the orthopedic specialists at Mass General Brigham can help. Our expert orthopedic specialists use the latest techniques and technologies to reduce pain, restore movement, and help you get back to what matters most. Whether you need knee surgery or are exploring non-surgical options like physical therapy, we’ll guide you toward the most effective care plan available.

What conditions result in knee pain?

At Mass General Brigham, our knee specialists diagnose and care for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Sudden or chronic knee pain
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and ligament injuries
• Meniscus tears and other cartilage injuries
• Patellar instability and kneecap damage
• Stress fractures and overuse injuries
• Knee arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis
• Joint deformities or misalignment that limit movement or cause pain
• Knee bursitis, a painful inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion your knee
• Failed or worn-out joint replacements, which may require revision surgery

Our sports medicine and joint replacement teams collaborate closely to ensure seamless care for knee conditions and injuries, whether our patients pursue surgical or non-surgical treatment plans.

Our care team

With research-informed expertise and a tireless focus on your goals, our knee team is here to support your journey to better movement, reduced pain, and lasting relief.

As a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation specialists, we work together to support your safe and expedient recovery.

How do doctors treat knee pain?

At Mass General Brigham, our orthopedic specialists take a personalized approach to knee care. Whether your pain is caused by an injury, arthritis, or overuse, we’ll help you find relief through the most effective, least invasive treatments available.

Non-surgical treatments for knee pain

Not every knee condition requires surgery. Many patients find relief and improved mobility through non-surgical care tailored to their needs.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Physical therapy: Strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and supports long-term joint health.
• Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Activity modification: Adjusting movement patterns, posture, or exercise routines to prevent further strain.
• Bracing and orthotics: Devices that stabilize the knee, support healing, and relieve pressure on injured or arthritic joints.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medicines to manage symptoms and promote comfort.

Surgical treatments for knee conditions

If surgery is the best option for your condition, our orthopedic surgeons offer advanced procedures designed for faster recovery and lasting results.

Surgical options may include:

• Arthroscopic surgery: Minimally invasive techniques to repair torn cartilage, remove loose tissue, or treat ligament injuries.
• Ligament reconstruction: Procedures such as ACL reconstruction to restore stability and strength after a knee injury.
• Cartilage repair or restoration: Techniques that encourage healthy tissue growth to reduce pain and delay arthritis.
• Partial or total knee replacement: When damage is severe, we use advanced imaging and the latest surgical technology to achieve precise alignment and natural movement.

At Mass General Brigham, we focus on restoring your mobility, relieving pain, and getting you back to the activities you love—with a treatment plan customized to your lifestyle and goals.

Coordinated care before, during, and after surgery

From your first consultation to your final follow-up, we’re with you every step of the way. We offer:

• Personalized pre-surgical education and planning
• Anesthesia and pain management tailored to your needs
• Post-surgical physical therapy and rehabilitation
• A recovery plan designed for a safe return to activity and independence

Many of our patients begin walking the same day as surgery and return home within 24 to 48 hours. Every patient receives a personalized recovery plan, with continued support at home or through outpatient rehabilitation.

Why choose Mass General Brigham for knee care?

As a leading healthcare system, Mass General Brigham brings together nationally recognized expertise in orthopedics and sports medicine from top academic medical centers like Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Spaulding Rehabilitation, combined with access to convenient community care locations throughout New England.

Our orthopedic specialists are national leaders in innovation, research, and outcomes. Whether you’re seeking care close to home or at one of our academic medical centers, you’ll receive the same treatment, marked by our systemwide high standard of excellence.

When you choose us for knee care, you’ll benefit from:

• Access to top orthopedic specialists and world-class surgical facilities
• Minimally invasive and robotic surgery options to support faster recovery
• A legacy of innovation through leading-edge research and clinical trials
• Convenient surgical and rehabilitation locations close to where you live and work

Frequently asked questions