Medically reviewed by Derek Wimmer, PA Updated
Knee pain in active adults most often comes from osteoarthritis, meniscus irritation, or tendinopathy. At Wimmer it is evaluated with in-office imaging (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) when needed and treated non-surgically — using Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells, PRP, peptides, and image-guided injections among the options, alongside hyaluronic acid and focused shockwave where they fit.
| Common causes | Arthritis, meniscus, tendinopathy |
|---|---|
| Evaluation | In-office imaging as needed |
| Key options | Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells, PRP, peptides, injections |
| Goal | Avoid or delay surgery |
Common causes & symptoms
- Osteoarthritis and 'wear-and-tear' joint pain
- Meniscus irritation and degenerative tears
- Patellar and quadriceps tendinopathy
- Overuse from golf, pickleball, tennis, running & walking
- Stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion
When to seek care
If knee is limiting your activity, lingering for more than a couple of weeks, waking you at night, or causing swelling or instability, it's worth a proper evaluation. Early, accurate assessment often opens up more — and less invasive — options.
How we evaluate it
Your visit begins with an in-office evaluation, with imaging — ultrasound or fluoroscopy — when it's needed, so we can see the area clearly. Occasionally we'll arrange additional imaging elsewhere. From there, Derek builds a personalized, honest plan — and walks you through the options for your situation.
Non-surgical options we may consider
- Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells — an umbilical-derived allograft, an emerging non-surgical option offered with honest, individualized counsel
- PRP — platelet-rich plasma to support your body's own repair signaling
- Peptides — targeted peptides such as BPC-157 to support recovery and tissue resilience
- Injections — precise, image-guided delivery, including hyaluronic acid “gel shots” for arthritic knees
- Focused shockwave therapy — where tendon-related knee pain is part of the picture
- Activity & maintenance planning — to protect progress over time
Keeping you active
For golfers, pickleball and tennis players, boaters, and active retirees, the goal isn't just less pain — it's getting back to the life you love and staying there. That's the heart of how we plan your care.
Terms to know
- PRP
- Platelet-rich plasma, prepared from a patient's own blood to concentrate platelets for an injection.
- Focused shockwave
- A non-surgical treatment that directs acoustic waves to a selected tissue area.
- Image-guided injection
- An injection performed while the clinician uses real-time imaging to see the treatment area.
