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Chronic Knee Pain Due to Cartilage Injury: Treatment Options
By: Geoffrey Van Thiel, MD/MBA
Chronic knee pain due to injury of the cartilage is common, however, many people are afraid of surgery. They need to understand current treatment options.
During a soccer game at the age of 12, Kayla dislocated her kneecap. It was her first knee injury. She would go on to dislocate it several times again over the next few years.
Despite chronic pain, Kayla continued doing the activities she loved. However, one day her doctor told her she’d need to have surgery if she wanted to keep playing sports.
Determined to live a healthy and active lifestyle, Kayla underwent her first surgery. Unfortunately, it ultimately failed.
Six years later, Kayla found herself at a crossroad. She could continue living with her knee pain and accept that she’d no longer be able to do the activities she loved. Or, she could take another chance and undergo surgery again.
Making the decision: treatment or not?
Like Kayla, many patients are faced with these kinds of critical healthcare decisions. There are so many unknowns:
- What treatment option is best for my knee pain?
- Will I be able to return to the activities…
