
The Hidden Causes of Chronic Knee Pain and How to Address Them

Chronic knee pain isn’t just from aging or injuries—it often stems from overlooked causes. Here’s how to identify root issues and find long-term relief.
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At EASTSIDE FAMILY HEALTH CENTER in Kirkland, WA, we know that knee pain is one of the most common complaints impacting mobility and quality of life. Dr. Frank Marinkovich, M.D., integrates Internal, Functional, and Sports Medicine to uncover the hidden drivers of chronic knee pain and create solutions that go beyond quick fixes—helping patients regain stability, reduce inflammation, and return to the activities they love.
Why Chronic Knee Pain Persists
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Muscle Imbalances: Weak quadriceps, hamstrings, or hip muscles place excess strain on the knee.
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Joint Degeneration: Osteoarthritis or cartilage wear leads to stiffness and grinding pain.
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Inflammation: Systemic conditions such as autoimmune disorders can inflame the joint lining.
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Poor Movement Patterns: Gait issues, overuse injuries, or improper training mechanics overload the joint.
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Undiagnosed Injuries: Meniscus tears, ligament sprains, or tendonitis often go untreated, creating ongoing pain.
Why it matters: Without addressing root causes, treatments only mask symptoms—and pain keeps returning.
How to Address Chronic Knee Pain Effectively
Strength and Stability Training
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Strengthens surrounding muscles to support the knee joint
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Improves alignment and reduces stress on cartilage
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Protects against future injuries
Inflammation Control
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Targeted nutritional strategies reduce systemic inflammation
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Regenerative injections (PRP, stem cell, peptides) promote healing
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Anti-inflammatory IVs support recovery at the cellular level
Mobility and Gait Correction
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Physical therapy retrains safe, efficient movement
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Corrective exercises improve balance and biomechanics
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Restores natural range of motion
Joint Regeneration Support
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Advanced therapies (e.g., exosomes, ultrasound-guided injections) slow progression of arthritis
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Supplements and peptides support cartilage and tissue repair
Why it matters: Relief isn’t just about pain reduction—it’s about restoring function and preventing further degeneration.
Safe, Sustainable Strategies for Long-Term Knee Health
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Low-Impact Training: Swimming, cycling, and elliptical preserve joint health while building strength
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Weight Management: Even modest weight loss reduces joint load significantly
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Supportive Footwear/Orthotics: Correct alignment reduces stress on knees
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Consistent Monitoring: Regular check-ins catch issues before they become chronic setbacks
Tip: Progress happens gradually—consistency is more important than intensity.
How We Help at Eastside Family Health Center
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Comprehensive Evaluations: Imaging, lab work, and movement assessments to pinpoint causes
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Personalized Care Plans: Tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and activity goals
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Regenerative and Sports Medicine Options: Including PRP, peptides, and ultrasound-guided therapies
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Ongoing Monitoring: Track pain relief, function, and long-term joint health
Why it matters: We don’t just treat symptoms—we build a plan for lasting joint resilience.
Move Freely. Live Fully.
At EASTSIDE FAMILY HEALTH CENTER, we believe knee health is key to maintaining independence and vitality. Whether you’re struggling with arthritis, recovering from injury, or seeking preventive care, we’ll help you find lasting solutions for chronic knee pain.
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