When a knee injury or knee pain keeps you out of the game or makes life difficult, UW Health can help. We have a team of specialists who focus on knee problems. Some are experts in sports medicine. They’ve got you covered if a chronic or sudden injury puts you on the sidelines. Others specialize in knee replacement surgery. Their expertise helps you get back to everyday activities pain free.

When you come to us, you’ll get some of the best care available. We offer a full range of treatments for knee pain and work to find the one that’s best for you.

Helps lessen discomfort. May be given by mouth, on the skin or by injection.

May include guided exercise, tips on movement and pain control to help you move better.

Learn more

Corrects damaged areas of the knee. In some cases, it’s done to replace part or all of the knee joint.

Some people might not be ready or able to have knee replacement surgery. For them, we offer special programs.

Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis Clinic

The goal of this clinic is to provide treatments that help control your symptoms. These could include medication, help with lifestyle changes including weight loss, injections and more. Doctors, physical therapists, nutritionists and health psychologists might have a role in your care.

Group medical visits are also an option in the clinic. We cover topics such as nutrition, exercise and coping. You get useful advice and the support of others going through what you’re going through.

Symptoms

Knee problems or injuries often come with many symptoms. Besides pain, you might have a hard time straightening your knee. The knee could also feel warm to the touch. Other possible symptoms include:

  • Instability

  • Popping or crackling noises

  • Stiffness

  • Swelling

Knee conditions and treatments

  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear

  • Collateral ligament sprains

  • Dealing with knee pain

  • Fat pad impingement

  • Iliotibial band friction syndrome and greater trochanteric bursitis

  • Knee rehabilitation

  • Patellar tendinitis (Jumper’s knee)

  • Meniscal injuries

  • Meniscus tear

  • Non-surgical options for knee pain

  • Osgood-Schlatter disease

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Osteoarthritis of the knee 

  • Osteochondral injuries

  • Patellofemoral stress syndrome

  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome

  • Posterior cruciate ligament ruptures

Knee replacement procedures

  • Robotic-assisted partial knee replacement

  • Robotic-assisted total knee replacement

  • Partial knee replacement

  • Total knee replacement

Bilateral knee replacement: It is not uncommon for people to have arthritis in both knees. Depending on your situation, you might be able to have knee replacement surgery on both knees at the same time.

Outpatient knee replacement: Advancements in medical technology and pain management have made it possible for some people to have knee replacement surgery and go home on the same day. If you are in good general health, do not smoke, are motivated and have a good support team at home you might be able to have this surgery.

These resources may help you learn more about knee problems and how we treat them.

Video of knee replacement procedure

Patient stories
Lisa Steinkamp walking her dog across a crosswalk

Don't put up with the pain and lack of function. Get the new knee and enjoy more of the activities you have been missing out on.

Lisa Steinkamp
Knee replacement

We have a team of caregivers ready to help when you have knee pain. Many of them specialize in certain conditions or treatments. Their expertise helps ensure that no matter what your knee problem, you’ll get care tailored to your needs.

  • East Madison Hospital Orthopedic Joint Reconstruction and Replacement Clinic
    • 4602 Eastpark Blvd / Madison, WI
    • (608) 263-7540
  • East Madison Hospital Orthopedic and Spine Rehabilitation Clinic
    • 4602 Eastpark Blvd / Madison, WI
    • (608) 440-6440
  • East Madison Hospital Sports Medicine Clinic
    • 4602 Eastpark Blvd / Madison, WI
    • (608) 263-8850
  • East Madison Hospital Sports Rehabilitation Clinic
    • 4602 Eastpark Blvd / Madison, WI
    • (608) 440-6444
  • Science Dr Medical Center Orthopedic Surgery Clinic
    • 621 Science Dr / Madison, WI
    • (608) 263-7540
  • Science Dr Medical Center Sports Medicine Clinic
    • 621 Science Dr / Madison, WI
    • (608) 263-8850
  • Science Dr Medical Center Sports Rehabilitation Clinic
    • 621 Science Dr / Madison, WI
    • (608) 263-4765
  • 1 S Park St Medical Center Orthopedic Joint Reconstruction and Replacement Clinic
    • 1 S Park St / Madison, WI
    • (608) 263-7540
  • University Ave Rehabilitation Clinic Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinic
    • 6630 University Ave / Middleton, WI
    • (608) 263-8412
  • Yahara Clinic Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinic
    • 1050 E Broadway / Monona, WI
    • (608) 890-6110
  • 1340 Charles St Clinic Orthopedics Clinic
    • 1340 Charles St Suite 100 / Rockford, IL
    • (779) 696-1900

Our sports medicine research group works on ways to prevent knee injuries in athletes of all ages.  We also work to continue to refine robotic-assisted surgery techniques in joint replacement and our regenerative medicine and stem cell work may eliminate the need for joint replacements in the future.