Knee Pain and Injury Care
Knee pain can come from a sudden injury, arthritis, or everyday overuse. Most knee problems improve with non-surgical care like physical therapy, bracing, or injections, and some need surgery. An orthopedic specialist can pinpoint the cause of knee pain and guide treatment from the first visit through full recovery.
At Duly, your knee care is supported by specialized providers across orthopedics, sports medicine, joint replacement, physiatry, and pain management. You get advanced imaging, a full range of treatments, and surgery options that fit your life, including same-day outpatient procedures and hospital-based care when it is the safer choice.
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Do I need to see a doctor for knee pain?
See a doctor if knee pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, or gets in the way of walking, sleeping, or daily activities. Knee pain can come on suddenly from a sports injury, fall, or twist, or build slowly from arthritis and everyday wear.
Symptoms to watch
- Pain that does not improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter medicine
- Swelling, warmth, or stiffness that lingers
- A knee that buckles, locks, or feels unstable
- Trouble putting weight on your leg
- A knee that will not fully straighten or bend
- A pop or sharp pain at the moment of an injury
Common causes
- Sudden injuries from sports, falls, or twisting the wrong way
- Arthritis and cartilage wear that builds over time
- Overuse from running, jumping, kneeling, or repetitive activity
A note on emergencies: if your knee looks deformed after an injury, you cannot put any weight on it, or you have severe pain and swelling, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. For urgent injuries that are not emergencies, our immediate care centers can see you the same day.
What does my care journey look like?
Knee care at Duly follows a clear path, and every step is tailored to you. Here is what to expect from your first appointment through recovery.
01 Schedule an appointmentSchedule online or by phone. Many patients are seen within days.
02 Meet with a knee specialistStart with an Orthopedic knee specialist, or Physiatrist for evaluation of knee pain or injury.
03 Imaging, if neededX‑ray or MRI helps confirm the cause. Many of our locations offer imaging on site, often the same day.
04 Review your treatment planTreatment may include physical therapy and image-guided injections when appropriate. If knee replacement becomes the best treatment option, you’ll be referred to one of our Joint Replacement Specialists.
05 Start treatmentMost knee problems improve with physical therapy, medication, bracing, or injections.
06 Surgery, when appropriateIf surgery is the best option, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, often as same-day outpatient procedures.
07 Recovery and rehabilitationOur physical and occupational therapists guide your recovery, step by step.
08 Return to the activities you loveThe goal is not just less pain. It is getting back to what moves you.
What knee conditions do you treat?
We treat the full range of knee conditions, from sudden sports injuries to arthritis that builds over years. Here are the most common, grouped by how they usually show up.
Arthritis and cartilage problems
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Cartilage damage
- Baker’s cyst
Sports injuries
- ACL tears and other ligament injuries (MCL, PCL, LCL)
- Meniscus tears
- Kneecap (patellar) instability and dislocation
Tendon disorders
- Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
- Quadriceps or patellar tendon tears
Overuse injuries
- Patellofemoral pain (runner’s knee)
- Knee bursitis
- Osgood-Schlatter disease (in growing kids and teens)
Fractures
- Knee fractures
What are the treatment options for knee pain?
Most people feel better without surgery. When surgery makes sense, we offer advanced options, often done the same day.
Non-surgical
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Bracing and support
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Corticosteroid injections
- Hyaluronic acid (gel) injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
Surgical
- Knee arthroscopy
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus repair or removal
- Cartilage restoration
- Total knee replacement
- Partial knee replacement
- Robotic-assisted knee replacement
- Revision knee replacement
- Kneecap (patellar) stabilization
- Corrective osteotomies of the tibia and femur
Why choose Duly for knee care?
Because results and access matter. Our knee care is built around getting you better, faster, and closer to home.
75% mobility in 3 months That is how fast our joint replacement patients recover, on average. The state average is one year.*
U.S. News recognized Our Westmont and Lombard surgery centers were named among the Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers for Orthopedics & Spine in 2026. Learn more about our ASCs
Expert surgery, without the hospital price Because many of our knee procedures happen at an ambulatory surgery center instead of a hospital, the same surgery typically costs 20 to 40% less, which often means lower out-of-pocket costs for you.
Care for every stage is under one roof: joint replacement, physiatry, pain management, imaging, and physical therapy, coordinated by one team across the Chicago suburbs.
Who will treat my knee?
You’ll start with an Orthopedic knee specialist or Physiatrist for evaluation. For treatment, you may also see a pain management provider, physical therapist, or joint replacement provider.
Where can I get knee care?
We offer knee care across the Chicago suburbs, with on-site imaging and physical therapy at many locations and outpatient surgery at our Ambulatory Surgical Centers.
Frequently asked questions about knee care
Do I need an MRI for knee pain?
Not always. Most knee visits start with an exam and often an X‑ray, which shows bones and joint spacing. An MRI is used when your provider needs to see soft tissue like ligaments, tendons, or the meniscus, usually when a tear is suspected or symptoms are not improving.
Will I need knee surgery?
Most knee pain does not need surgery. Many people feel better with physical therapy, medication, injections, or bracing. Surgery is usually considered only when non-surgical care has not worked or the injury is severe. A specialist can tell you where your knee stands after an exam and imaging.
How long is recovery after knee replacement?
Recovery is different for everyone, but rehabilitation starts right away. Physical therapy is an essential part of recovery, helping you safely regain strength, mobility, and function while guiding you through each stage of healing. On average, our patients achieve approximately 75% of their mobility within three months, with continued progress in the months that follow.
What is the difference between a knee sprain and a torn ligament?
A sprain means a ligament is stretched or partly torn, and it often heals with rest and rehab. A full tear means the ligament is torn all the way through, which sometimes needs surgery. Imaging like an MRI helps show the difference.
Can I get a second opinion on a knee diagnosis or surgery recommendation?
Yes. You can schedule with a Duly orthopedic specialist for a second opinion at any point, even if your diagnosis came from another health system. Bring any recent imaging, test results, visit notes, or surgery recommendations so your specialist can give you the most informed answer. If you are not sure which specialty to choose, call us and our team can help.
Where can I get knee care in the western suburbs of Chicago?
We have orthopedic locations throughout the western Chicago suburbs, and our award-winning ambulatory surgery centers in Westmont and Lombard handle many outpatient knee procedures. Use our locations tool to find the office closest to you.
Ready to feel steady on your feet again?
Whether it is a nagging ache or a serious injury, our knee care team will help you get moving.
