Knee Pain & Treatment in Austin, TX
Expert Knee Care & Joint Reconstruction Across Central Texas
When Knee Pain Disrupts Your Life
Your knees are essential to mobility, balance, and maintaining an active life—from playing sports to simply walking up stairs. When chronic pain, instability, locking, or stiffness affects your knee joint, your quality of life can rapidly decline. At Austin Orthopedic Institute, we provide comprehensive, personalized knee care tailored to your specific condition and life goals—from minimally invasive arthroscopy to advanced robotic-assisted joint replacement.
Signs You Should Seek Treatment
Schedule an evaluation with one of our fellowship-trained orthopedic knee specialists if you experience:
Persistent, throbbing pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications
Stiffness or swelling in the knee joint
A popping or clicking sensation, or your knee locking or catching
Instability or the feeling that your knee is going to give out (often a sign of a ligament injury)
Difficulty standing, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of chairs
Knee pain that wakes you from sleep
Inability to fully straighten or bend your knee
A recent injury (like a sports trauma) with ongoing pain or swelling
Conditions We Treat
Arthritis & Degenerative Conditions
Knee Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) – Degenerative joint disease affecting the knee joint, often requiring replacement.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee) – Pain around or under the kneecap.
Chondromalacia – Softening or damage to the cartilage under the kneecap.
Tendon & Ligament Injuries
ACL Tears – Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction for knee instability (over 100,000 to 200,000 ACL tears occur annually).
Meniscus Tears – Arthroscopic repair or trimming of the joint’s protective cartilage.
PCL & Collateral Ligament Tears – Complex ligament reconstruction for severe trauma.
Patellar or Quadriceps Tendon Tears – Ruptures requiring surgical repair.
Fractures & Trauma
Tibia/Fibula Fractures – Lower leg fractures requiring surgical fixation or stabilization.
Patellar (Kneecap) Fractures – Injury to the kneecap often requiring surgical repair.
Knee Dislocation – Traumatic injury requiring immediate stabilization and complex reconstruction.
Cartilage & Mechanical Issues
Loose Bodies (Joint Mice) – Fragments of bone or cartilage floating in the joint space.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) – Bone and cartilage fragments in the joint.
Internal Derangement of the Knee – General term for mechanical problems within the joint, including locking or catching.
Soft Tissue & Inflammatory Conditions
Bursitis of the Knee – Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around the joint.
Baker’s Cyst – Fluid-filled swelling behind the knee, often associated with arthritis.
Tendonitis – Inflammation of the tendons around the knee (e.g., patellar tendonitis).
Failed Prior Surgeries & Revision Needs
Failed Prior Ligament Reconstruction – Revision surgery to address instability after previous repair.
Revision Knee Replacement – Addressing failed, infected, or worn-out prior joint replacement components.
Non-Union & Malunion Fractures – Fractures that haven’t healed correctly.
Our Approach to Care
Accurate Diagnosis
We start with a thorough physical examination, advanced imaging (X-rays, weight-bearing studies, MRI, CT scans), and a dedicated discussion about your pain and functional goals to pinpoint the exact source of your issue. You are not just an injury; you are an individual.
Conservative Treatment First
Whenever appropriate, we prioritize non-surgical management, which may include:
Physical Therapy and personalized rehabilitation
Cortisone or Viscosupplementation Injections (lubricating fluid)
Bracing, custom orthotics, or activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medications and pain management
Surgical Solutions When Needed
When conservative treatment is no longer effective or if your injury requires intervention, our surgeons utilize state-of-the-art techniques:
Robotic Total Knee Replacement (TKA) – Enhanced precision for optimal component alignment
Partial Knee Replacement (UKA) – For isolated arthritis, preserving healthy portions of the knee
Knee Arthroscopy – Minimally invasive surgery for repairs (meniscus, ACL) and joint clean-up
Complex Ligament Reconstruction – Restoring stability after severe traumatic injury
Revision Knee Replacement – Addressing failed or worn-out prior joint replacement
Comprehensive Rehabilitation
Our in-house Physical Therapy team works seamlessly with your surgeon from your very first visit through your post-operative recovery, ensuring a coordinated and swift return to your favorite activities.
Meet Our Knee Pain Specialists
The surgeons at Austin Orthopedic Institute have treated thousands of knee injuries and conditions. They specialize in a patient-first approach, utilizing the latest techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, to ensure precision and personalized outcomes.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery & Sports Medicine. Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. A pioneer in utilizing the Mako® Robot for total and partial knee replacement to perfect ligament balancing.
Adult Joint Reconstruction & Innovation. Fellowship-trained in Adult Joint Reconstruction. Involved in designing navigation systems and Augmented Reality techniques for highly customized knee replacement.
Sports Medicine, Joint Reconstruction & Trauma. Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. Active member of Dell Medical School teaching faculty. Specializes in complex knee injuries and outpatient total joint surgery.
Sports Medicine & Robotic Surgery. Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. Former UT Football letterman. Focuses on getting athletes and active patients back to their sport using robotic techniques for total and partial knee replacement.
Specialized Procedures
Dr. Joel Hurt, MD
- Robotic Total/Partial Knee Replacement
- ACL Reconstruction
- Meniscal Repair
- Cartilage Transplant
Dr. Tyler Goldberg, MD
- Total/Partial Knee Replacement (Primary & Revision)
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Knee Reconstruction
Dr. Earl Kilbride, MD, MHA
- Total/Partial Knee Replacement
- Knee Arthroscopy
- ACL Tear Repair
- Complex Fracture Fixation
Dr. Brett Robin, MD
- Robotic Total/Partial Knee Replacement
- ACL Reconstruction
- Meniscal Repair
- Complex Ligament Reconstruction
Common Knee Pain Treatment Available at All Locations
Austin | Marble Falls | Georgetown | Killeen
Our experienced orthopedic providers at all Austin Orthopedic Institute locations can diagnose and treat many common knee and lower extremity conditions, including:
✓ Joint Injections – Corticosteroid or viscosupplementation injections for pain and lubrication.
✓ Fracture Treatment – Closed reduction, casting, and surgical fixation when needed for straightforward fractures.
✓ Meniscal Tear Evaluation – Assessment and non-surgical treatment planning for meniscal and ligament sprains.
✓ Diagnostic Evaluation – Initial assessment and treatment planning for all knee and lower limb conditions.
Need specialized care? If your condition requires advanced techniques like Robotic TKA or complex ligament reconstruction, we’ll connect you with a dedicated knee specialist (Dr. Hurt, Dr. Goldberg, Dr. Kilbride, or Dr. Robin) for seamless, expert treatment.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before Your Visit
We encourage you to take advantage of our complimentary MRI, X-ray, and CT scan review service. Send us your images, and one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will personally review them, offering an expert second opinion and letting you know if you need to come in.
During Your Visit
Conservative Care – We develop a personalized plan, with most patients starting with 6-12 weeks of non-surgical treatment.
Surgical Planning – If surgery is necessary, we use advanced computerized and robotic pre-operative planning for optimal, precise outcomes.
Recovery Support – We ensure close follow-up and coordinate your rehabilitation with our in-house physical therapy team for maximum recovery and a swift return to your active life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery time varies, but most patients are walking with assistance within a day and resume normal daily activities within 6-12 weeks. Full recovery, including strength and endurance, can take 6 months to a year. Your surgeon will provide a specific, personalized timeline.
Robotic systems like Mako® allow our surgeons to create a highly detailed, 3D plan before surgery. During the procedure, the robot guides the surgeon, allowing for millimeter precision in implant placement and alignment, which leads to improved ligament balancing, better stability, and often, a faster, more comfortable recovery.
Most patients do not need a referral, but it’s always best to check with your specific insurance provider. We aim to offer same-day and next-day appointments when possible for urgent needs.
Absolutely. We offer complimentary reviews of MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans. One of our board-certified surgeons will personally review your images and provide recommendations free of charge.
A Total Knee Replacement (TKA) replaces all three compartments of the knee. A Partial Knee Replacement (UKA) is a smaller, less invasive procedure that replaces only the worn-out part of the knee (usually one compartment), preserving the healthy bone and ligaments. This can lead to a quicker recovery for eligible patients.
Initial steps often involve modifying activities to reduce stress, starting a low-impact exercise program (like swimming or cycling), using anti-inflammatory medications, and beginning a targeted course of physical therapy to strengthen the muscles supporting the joint.
Return to sports is a gradual process guided by rigorous physical therapy and functional testing. For an ACL reconstruction, it typically takes 9 to 12 months before an athlete is cleared to return to cutting and pivoting sports, ensuring the graft is fully healed and the knee is stable.
Yes, our Sports Medicine specialists are highly experienced in treating a range of adolescent and pediatric knee conditions, including Osgood-Schlatter disease, growth plate injuries, and patellar instability issues. We prioritize non-surgical management and proper rehabilitation for our younger patients.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Don’t let chronic knee pain sideline your life any longer. At Austin Orthopedic Institute, we believe your injury is unique to you—and we treat it that way. Our expert, compassionate, and dedicated team is ready to diagnose your condition and develop a Personalized Treatment Plan that gets you moving again.
Why Choose Austin Orthopedic Institute for Knee Care?
✓ Robotic Knee Replacement Specialists – Access to cutting-edge technology (Mako® & AR) for superior precision
✓ 100% Fellowship-Trained Knee Surgeons – Advanced, subspecialty expertise you can trust
✓ Same-Day & Next-Day Appointments – When you’re in pain, we’re here to help quickly
✓ Over 130 Years of Combined Experience – Decades of proven orthopedic success in Central Texas
✓ Comprehensive Care, All Under One Roof – From initial diagnosis to surgery and in-house physical therapy
✓ Conservative Approach First – We exhaust non-surgical options before recommending surgery
✓ Four Convenient Locations – Austin, Marble Falls, Georgetown, and Killeen
✓ Complimentary Second Opinions – Free review of your existing MRI/X-ray/CT scans
Our Locations
Proudly serving Austin, Marble Falls, Georgetown, Killeen and surrounding Central Texas communities.
Related Services
Hip Pain & Surgery
Sports Medicine
Orthopedic Trauma
Physical Therapy
Austin Orthopedic Institute surgeons has been proudly serving Central Texas since 2004, providing exceptional orthopedic care with a personal touch. Your injury is unique to you—we treat it that way.