Causes of knee pain by location

The location of pain is the first key to diagnosis. Describe to the doctor exactly where it hurts, when it worsens, and what triggers the pain.

Pain in front (anterior compartment)

Chondromalacia

Softening and destruction of cartilage on the posterior surface of the patella. Pain when climbing/descending stairs, squatting, prolonged sitting with flexed knees ("movie theater sign"). Most common in young women and athletes.

→ Chondromalacia treatment using the MIBRAR® method

Patellar Tendonopathy

"Jumper's knee" — overload of the patellar ligament. Pain below the patella during jumping, running. Common in basketball players, volleyball players, runners.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

In adolescents: painful bump below the knee at the tibial tuberosity. Associated with growth and physical activity. Usually resolves by 16-18 years.

Pain on the side (medial/lateral)

Meniscus Tear

Tear of the medial (inner) meniscus is 5 times more common than lateral. Characteristic symptoms: sharp pain on twisting the weight-bearing leg, joint locking, swelling, clicking. In athletes — acute injury, in elderly — degenerative tear.

→ Meniscus treatment without surgery

Collateral Ligament Injury

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury from valgus trauma (blow from outside). Pain along the inner knee surface, instability when walking.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

"Runner's knee" — pain along the outer knee surface during running, especially downhill. Friction of the iliotibial band against the lateral femoral condyle.

Pain inside the joint (diffuse)

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis)

The most common cause of chronic knee pain after age 50. Stages: 1 — crepitus, intermittent pain; 2 — constant pain with activity, morning stiffness; 3 — pain at rest, deformity; 4 — contracture, inability to walk. MIBRAR® is effective up to and including stage 3.

→ Knee osteoarthritis treatment using the MIBRAR® method

Synovitis

Inflammation of the synovial membrane. Knee swells, becomes warm, movement is limited. May be reactive, infectious, or autoimmune. Requires differential diagnosis.

→ Knee synovitis treatment

Cruciate Ligament Injury

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — from rotational trauma. Characteristic "pop," immediate swelling, instability. In athletes — one of the most common injuries. MIBRAR® can enhance regeneration after reconstruction or treat partial tears.

→ Knee ligament treatment

Pain behind the knee

Baker's Cyst

Protrusion of the synovial membrane into the popliteal fossa. Feeling of tension and fullness behind the knee. Usually secondary — occurs with osteoarthritis, meniscus tear, synovitis.

Popliteal Vein Thrombosis

Dangerous condition: pain, calf swelling, skin temperature increase. Requires emergency diagnosis (vein ultrasound) and anticoagulant treatment.

Diagnostics of Knee Pain

MRI of the Knee Joint

Gold standard. Visualizes cartilage, menisci, ligaments, synovial membrane, and bones. Diagnostic accuracy for meniscus tears is 95%, for ligament injuries is 98%. No radiation exposure. Recommended for pain lasting more than 2-3 weeks.

X-ray

Weight-bearing views assess joint space and osteoarthritis stage. The Kellgren-Lawrence classification determines stages 0 to 4. Does not visualize soft tissues.

Ultrasound of the Knee Joint

Assesses effusion, Baker's cyst, and ligament status. A quick and cost-effective first-line imaging study.

Clinical Tests

McMurray and Apley tests (meniscus), Lachman test and anterior drawer test (ACL), varus/valgus stress test (collateral ligaments). An experienced orthopedic surgeon can establish a preliminary diagnosis on examination.

Knee Pain Treatment with MIBRAR®

MIBRAR® restores damaged structures of the knee joint — cartilage, meniscus, ligaments — without joint replacement or arthroscopy.

What we treat in the knee joint:

Cartilage

CGF and mesenchymal stem cells from Lipogems® stimulate chondrogenesis — the formation of new cartilage. Follow-up MRI at 6-12 months shows increased cartilage layer thickness.

Meniscus

Injection of biomaterials directly into the meniscus tear zone stimulates healing. Particularly effective for tears in the red and red-white zones.

Ligaments

For partial ACL/MCL tears — biological stimulation of regeneration. For complete ACL tears — adjunct to surgical reconstruction to improve graft incorporation.

95% For Grade 2 Osteoarthritis
85% For Grade 3 Osteoarthritis
92% For Meniscus Injury
0 days Hospitalization

Don't delay — cartilage does not regenerate on its own

The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome. Send your MRI images for a free assessment.

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Diseases of the Knee Joint

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis)

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Cartilage wear, deformity, limited mobility.

Meniscus Tear

Damage to the cartilage pad. Locking, clicking, pain with rotation.

Cruciate Ligament Injury

ACL/PCL tear. Instability, subluxation during walking and sports.

Chondromalacia

Softening of patellar cartilage. Pain with stairs and squatting.

Synovitis

Inflammation of the synovial membrane. Swelling, warmth, limited motion.

Leg Axis Deformity

Varus/valgus deformity. Uneven load distribution and accelerated cartilage wear.

Questions about Knee Pain

Why does my knee hurt when walking?

Knee pain during walking is most often caused by gonarthrosis (cartilage wear), meniscus damage, or patellar chondromalacia. With osteoarthritis, pain increases toward the end of the day; with meniscus damage, pain is sharp with locking episodes. MRI is necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Can knee replacement be avoided?

Yes. The MIBRAR® method restores knee joint cartilage without replacement with an artificial one. CGF and Lipogems® trigger regeneration of cartilage tissue even in stage 3 osteoarthritis. Effectiveness at stage 2 — 95%, at stage 3 — 85%.

What is better for osteoarthritis — hyaluronic acid or MIBRAR®?

Hyaluronic acid is a lubricant; it does not restore cartilage. The effect lasts 3-6 months, after which a repeat injection is needed. MIBRAR® triggers true regeneration of cartilage tissue. The effect builds over time and lasts 5-20 years.

How to tell if the meniscus is damaged?

Symptoms: sharp pain when rotating the knee, joint locking, clicking, swelling, inability to fully extend the leg. McMurray and Apley tests can suggest a tear, but MRI of the knee joint is required for confirmation.

How long does rehabilitation take after MIBRAR® on the knee?

The patient walks independently on the day of the procedure. Restrictions: 2-3 days without intense loads. Full sports — after 4-6 weeks. Cartilage regeneration continues for up to 6 months after the procedure.