Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury, struggling with arthritis, or experiencing chronic knee pain, the right diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference.
Your knees are among the hardest-working joints in your body, absorbing thousands of pounds of force every day. Over time, injuries, arthritis, and wear-and-tear can make even simple activities like walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or playing with your children increasingly painful.
At his Century City orthopedic practice, Dr. Eric S. Millstein provides comprehensive knee care for patients of all ages. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist, he combines advanced arthroscopic techniques, minimally invasive procedures, ligament reconstruction, cartilage restoration, and knee replacement surgery to help patients regain mobility while minimizing pain.
Most importantly, Dr. Millstein believes every patient deserves a personalized treatment plan—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
When Should You See a Knee Specialist?
Many knee injuries don’t simply “heal with time.”
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time for an orthopedic evaluation:
- Knee pain lasting longer than a few weeks
- Swelling after activity
- Locking or catching sensations
- Knee instability
- Difficulty walking
- Pain climbing stairs
- Knee stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Clicking or popping
- Difficulty returning to sports
Early diagnosis often helps prevent additional joint damage.
Common Knee Conditions Dr. Millstein Treats
Because every knee injury is different, treatment always begins with an accurate diagnosis.
Some of the most common conditions include:
ACL Tears
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the primary stabilizing ligaments of the knee.
ACL injuries commonly occur during:
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Football
- Skiing
- Tennis
- Pickleball
- Sudden pivoting movements
Treatment may include rehabilitation or ACL reconstruction surgery, depending on your activity level and degree of instability.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus acts as a shock absorber inside the knee.
A tear may cause:
- Knee pain
- Swelling
- Locking
- Catching
- Difficulty bending the knee
Whenever possible, Dr. Millstein focuses on preserving healthy meniscal tissue through advanced arthroscopic repair techniques.
Knee Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of chronic knee pain.
Symptoms often include:
- Morning stiffness
- Swelling
- Grinding sensations
- Pain while walking
- Difficulty standing
- Loss of flexibility
Treatment options range from conservative care to robotic-assisted or traditional knee replacement surgery when appropriate.
Cartilage Damage
Healthy cartilage allows smooth joint movement.
When cartilage becomes damaged through injury or degeneration, patients may develop:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Catching
- Limited motion
Depending on the injury, cartilage repair procedures may help preserve the joint and delay arthritis progression.
Knee Fractures
Broken bones involving the knee require careful evaluation to restore joint alignment and long-term function.
Treatment depends on:
- Fracture location
- Bone displacement
- Joint involvement
- Patient activity level
Ligament Injuries
Beyond the ACL, injuries involving the:
- PCL
- MCL
- LCL
can significantly affect knee stability.
Treatment ranges from rehabilitation to ligament reconstruction depending on the severity of the injury.
Personalized Knee Treatment Options
Not every knee problem requires surgery.
Dr. Millstein develops individualized treatment plans that may include:
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Bracing
- Cortisone injections
- Cartilage preservation procedures
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Ligament reconstruction
- Joint replacement surgery
The goal is always to begin with the least invasive treatment capable of restoring function and relieving pain.
Advanced Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Dr. Millstein specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.
Using a tiny camera and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions, arthroscopy allows many knee conditions to be treated while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues.
Arthroscopic surgery may be recommended for:
- Meniscus tears
- ACL reconstruction
- Cartilage injuries
- Loose bodies
- Ligament injuries
- Certain knee fractures
Potential benefits include:
- Smaller incisions
- Less postoperative discomfort
- Faster recovery
- Earlier rehabilitation
- Reduced soft tissue disruption
When Is Knee Replacement Necessary?
For patients with advanced arthritis, severe cartilage loss, or chronic pain that no longer responds to conservative treatment, knee replacement may provide lasting relief.
Common signs include:
- Constant pain
- Difficulty walking
- Pain at night
- Significant stiffness
- Limited mobility
- Reduced quality of life
Dr. Millstein carefully evaluates every patient before recommending surgery and discusses all available treatment options to ensure patients feel informed and confident in their decisions.
Why Choose Dr. Eric S. Millstein?
Choosing an orthopedic surgeon means choosing someone who values both surgical expertise and communication.
Dr. Eric S. Millstein is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in sports medicine and arthroscopy. He specializes in treating knee and shoulder injuries using modern, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
His philosophy is simple: every patient deserves an accurate diagnosis, a thoughtful conversation about all treatment options, and a personalized care plan. Whether you’re a competitive athlete recovering from an ACL tear, an active adult with a meniscus injury, or someone living with knee arthritis, Dr. Millstein works to minimize pain, maximize function, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
Expert Knee Treatment in Century City and Los Angeles
Knee pain doesn’t have to become a permanent part of your life.
Dr. Eric S. Millstein proudly provides comprehensive orthopedic knee care for patients throughout Century City, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Brentwood, West Hollywood, and surrounding Southern California communities.
Whether you need conservative treatment, arthroscopic surgery, ACL reconstruction, cartilage restoration, or knee replacement surgery, you’ll receive expert care focused on restoring mobility and getting you back to doing what you love.
Schedule a consultation today to discover the treatment options that are right for your knee.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see an orthopedic surgeon for knee pain?
If your knee pain lasts longer than a few weeks, limits your daily activities, or causes swelling, instability, locking, or difficulty walking, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation with an orthopedic specialist.
Do all ACL tears require surgery?
No. Some ACL injuries can be treated with physical therapy and rehabilitation. However, surgery is often recommended for active individuals, athletes, or patients with significant knee instability.
Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
Some meniscus tears can improve with rest, physical therapy, and conservative treatment, while others may require arthroscopic repair or partial meniscectomy depending on the location and severity of the tear.
What are the signs that I may need a knee replacement?
Persistent knee pain, severe arthritis, stiffness, difficulty walking, pain at night, and limited mobility despite non-surgical treatments may indicate that it’s time to discuss knee replacement surgery with an orthopedic surgeon.
What are the benefits of arthroscopic knee surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery uses small incisions and specialized instruments to treat many knee injuries with less tissue disruption, often resulting in less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
