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Knee Pain

Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara -  - Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara

Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine located in Santa Barbara, CA & Solvang, CA

Knee pain can be caused by a number of conditions affecting the joints, bones, ligaments, and cartilage. The Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California, helps patients determine the cause of their knee pain and the best treatment for reliable relief. The practice is led by board-certified orthopedic surgeon William R. Gallivan, MD, and specializes in patient-centered, individualized treatment. To speak with Dr. Gallivan about your knee pain, call the office or book an appointment online.

Knee Pain

What causes knee pain?

Knee pain may result from a multitude of different medical conditions and/or knee injuries. The pain may onset suddenly as a result of a fall or it may gradually onset and progressively worsen as time goes on.

Common causes of knee pain include:

  • Knee Osteoarthritis
  • Meniscal Tears
  • Ligament Injury (including ACL tear)
  • Knee Dislocation
  • Knee Fractures
  • Pinched Nerve in the Low Back


If you notice any signs of an obvious deformity, it is vital to immediately seek medical treatment, as this may indicate a broken bone.

How is knee pain treated?

In order to diagnosis patients with the cause of their knee pain, Dr. Gallivan may review X-ray images of your knee. Additionally, Dr. Gallivan may order an MRI to further evaluate the cause of your knee pain and determine if there is a ligament injury and/or meniscal tear.

There are many different treatment options for knee pain including nonoperative treatments and surgical treatments.

Nonoperative treatment options include the following: 

  • Physical Therapy
  • Home Exercise Program
  • Prescription and Nonprescription Medication
  • Bracing/Immobilization
  • Hyaluronic Acid Injections
  • PRP Injection
  • Stem Cell Injection
  • Cortisone Injection


Surgical treatment options may include the following:

  • Total Knee Replacement with Robotic Navigation
  • Partial Knee Replacement with Robotic Navigation
  • Arthroscopic Surgery including, but not limited to, ACL repair, ACL reconstruction, and Meniscectomy and Debridement
  • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Please call Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara to book an appointment with board-certified orthopedic surgeon, William Gallivan, MD.

805-220-6020