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Knee Pain Treatment on Long Island from an Orthopedic Knee Specialist
Personalized Knee Pain Treatment from a Long Island Knee Doctor
At Steele Orthopedics, we understand how disruptive knee pain can be, whether caused by an injury, overuse, accident, or everyday activity. Knee specialist Dr. Barbara Steele provides personalized knee pain treatment for athletes and active adults, with a focus on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and getting you back to the activities you love.
- Knee Injury Treatment: Expert care for meniscus tears, ACL and MCL injuries, cartilage damage, patellar tendonitis, knee arthritis, and other causes of knee pain.
- Surgical & Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatment: Treatment options include PRP injections, Orthovisc gel injections, steroid injections, bracing, and advanced arthroscopic knee surgery when necessary.
- Fast, Accurate Diagnosis: Same-day X-rays and access to additional imaging, including MRIs when needed, help identify the cause of your knee pain and determine the right treatment plan.
Dr. Steele is a highly trained orthopedic knee specialist, orthopedic surgeon, and sports medicine specialist with Ivy League credentials and firsthand experience recovering from multiple knee surgeries. She combines that expertise with compassionate, personalized care to guide each patient from diagnosis through recovery.
Not sure what’s causing your knee pain? We can help.
Let Steele Orthopedics guide you on your journey to recovery, whether you’re an athlete or simply aiming to return to your daily activities without pain. We offer diagnostic evaluations, treatments, and second opinions for a wide variety of knee conditions, including:
ACL Tear and Injury Treatment
At Steele Orthopedics, we provide expert care for ACL injuries, whether you're dealing with a sprained ACL or a completely torn ACL. Dr. Steele specializes in arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction, a minimally invasive procedure designed to restore stability and function to the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. Using small incisions, a camera, and precision instruments, Dr. Steele reconstructs the torn ACL with either your own tendons (autograft) or sterilized donor tendons (allograft). She discusses the benefits and risks of both options with her patients, ensuring an individualized treatment plan that suits their needs and lifestyle.
MCL Injury Treatment
MCL tears and MCL sprains are typically treated using non-surgical methods to promote natural healing and restore knee stability. In most cases, including MCL sprains and partial tears, treatment involves a supportive brace to immobilize the knee and allow the medial collateral ligament (MCL) to heal properly.
Dr. Steele customizes each MCL strain treatment plan to address the severity of the injury, focusing on reducing pain, improving mobility, and preventing further damage. Whether you're dealing with MCL ligament pain, a pulled MCL, or a complete MCL tear, Steele Orthopedics provides expert care to help you recover and return to your active lifestyle.
Meniscus Tear Treatment
Dr. Steele provides personalized meniscus tear treatment on Long Island to help patients recover from knee pain, restore mobility, and return to daily activities safely. Meniscus tears caused by injury, sports activity, twisting, or wear and tear can cause pain, inflammation, and limited knee function.
Dr. Steele offers both surgical and non-surgical solutions tailored to the severity of the condition. Treatments for minor meniscus tears may include physical therapy, bracing, and gel or steroid injections to reduce inflammation and promote healing. In more severe cases, minimally invasive arthroscopic knee surgery is performed to remove or repair the damaged tissue.
Knee Arthritis Treatment
We offer advanced, non-surgical solutions to help manage pain and stiffness associated with arthritic knee joints. For patients seeking relief from knee swelling and inflammation, Dr. Steele provides hyaluronic acid gel injections, also known as viscosupplementation. These injectable joint lubricants, including Orthovisc, Euflexxa, and Synvisc, reduce friction caused by cartilage breakdown, improve mobility, and act as a stiff-knee remedy by cushioning the joint.
For more immediate relief from inflamed knees or chronic arthritis pain, Dr. Steele also offers steroid injections. This targeted treatment reduces inflammation, alleviates pain, and enhances joint function, making it an effective option for those struggling with inflammation in the knees.
Surgical Treatment for Knee Pain & Knee Injuries
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Arthroscopic knee surgery is a minimally invasive surgery involving only 2 small 1cm incisions in the front of the knee. A small camera is inserted into the knee, and equally small instruments are then used to remove or repair the torn tissue. Patients go home the same day with a cane or crutches. Dr. Steele utilizes arthroscopic knee surgery to treat conditions such as cartilage damage, meniscus tears, and ACL tears:
- Meniscectomy (removing the torn meniscal tissue)
- Meniscal repair (repairing the torn meniscal tissue)
- Chondroplasty/Cartilage debridement (shaving down the unstable cartilage)
- Removal of loose bodies (removing loose cartilage pieces)
- Plica excision (removing excess tissue that causes impingement)
- Synovectomy (removing inflamed synovial tissue)
- ACL reconstruction (replacing the torn ACL)
- MACI (matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation) - implanting a patch filled with the patient’s own cartilage cells to treat a cartilage injury
ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Arthroscopically assisted ACL surgery is a minimally invasive surgery to reconstruct the torn ACL during which Dr. Steele inserts a small camera into the knee and uses small instruments to reconstruct the torn ligament. The ACL can be reconstructed utilizing the patient's own tendons (autograft) or from sterilized donated tendons (allograft).
Dr. Steele discusses in detail the risks and benefits of autograft and allograft ACL reconstruction to make a joint decision with her patients. Dr. Steele has personally undergone an autograft ACL reconstruction and an allograft ACL reconstruction in her own knees, and often discusses her rationale for choosing each type of reconstruction. Patients go home the same day with a brace and crutches.
Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatment Options
Patellar Tendonitis Treatment with PRP Therapy
Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, can cause pain below the kneecap, making it difficult to climb stairs, jump, run, and perform daily activities. Dr. Steele offers advanced patellar tendonitis treatment on Long Island using PRP therapy, bracing, rehabilitation strategies, and minimally invasive orthopedic care designed to reduce pain and promote healing. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a cutting-edge non-surgical treatment that promotes natural healing.
PRP therapy is used to treat lateral epicondylitis and patellar tendonitis, heal partial tendon tears, and reduce inflammation. Through plasma-rich protein injections derived from the patient’s own blood, she harnesses the body's natural healing abilities to reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and accelerate recovery.
Gel Injections for Knee Pain and Arthritis
Gel injections are a highly effective, non-surgical treatment option for managing knee arthritis and improving function by reducing inflammation from meniscus tears. These injections, which include hyaluronic acid-based solutions such as Orthovisc, Euflexxa, and Synvisc, replenish the natural lubrication in the arthritic knee joint. By reducing friction caused by cartilage breakdown, providing cushioning, easing joint stiffness, and improving knee mobility.
This treatment is ideal for patients seeking relief from knee swelling and discomfort without undergoing surgery. Dr. Steele tailors each therapy to each patient's needs, helping them regain function and enjoy a more active, pain-free lifestyle.
Steroid Injections for Knee Pain and Inflammation
Steroid injections are offered at Steele Orthopedics to address knee conditions, including knee inflammation, arthritis, meniscus tears, and knee bursitis. Steroid injections target the affected area directly to reduce inflammation and pain.
Patients often experience rapid relief, leading to improved comfort and function in their daily activities. Steroid injections are often an effective option for managing joint pain and improving quality of life.
Meet Dr. Barbara Steele – Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist
Dr. Barbara Steele is a board-certified orthopedic surgery and sports medicine specialist with over 15 years of experience diagnosing and treating knee, shoulder, and sports-related musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Steele is a former Division I athlete at Brown University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with Honors, and she combines her athletic background with world-class medical training. She completed her MD with Honors in Research at Weill Cornell Medical College, followed by an orthopedic surgery residency at Westchester Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident at a Level I trauma center. Her advanced fellowship training in sports medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) included working with team doctors for the Philadelphia 76ers and collegiate athletes.
Dr. Steele’s personal experience as an athlete who underwent her first orthopedic surgery to overcome an ACL and meniscus tear she sustained while playing with an amateur women’s soccer team in New York City has shaped her empathetic approach to patient care. Not only is she a skilled and experienced orthopedic specialist, but she also understands firsthand the challenges of recovery and is dedicated to helping patients—from athletes returning to their sport to parents wanting to stay active with their kids—regain their quality of life. Known for her personalized care, state-of-the-art techniques, and meticulous attention to detail, Dr. Steele ensures every patient receives a clear diagnosis, a thorough explanation of treatment options, and a personalized recovery plan.
Why Choose Dr. Steele as Your Long Island Knee Specialist?
From our specialized expertise in knee injuries to our patient-centered approach, Steele Orthopedics provides skillful, compassionate orthopedic care. Here’s what sets our orthopedic surgery and sports medicine practice apart:
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Specialized Expertise in Knee Injuries
Dr. Steele is a trusted expert in diagnosing and treating knee pain and injuries, offering advanced care tailored to each patient's needs. With specialized training in both surgical and non-surgical techniques, she’s dedicated to helping individuals recover from knee discomfort and return to the activities they enjoy.
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Top Academic Training
Dr. Steele’s Ivy League education and fellowship training in sports medicine and orthopedic care highlight her dedication to providing top-tier treatment for knee pain and knee injuries.
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Relatable and Experienced
Having personally undergone multiple knee surgeries, including two ACL reconstructions, Dr. Steele brings a unique perspective to treating knee pain and knee injuries. Her first-hand experience with recovery and rehabilitation enables her to connect with her patients and guide them through their healing process, helping them prevent future injuries.
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Caring and Compassionate Approach
Dr. Steele takes a caring and patient-focused approach to knee pain treatment and offers a unique perspective as one of the few female orthopedic surgeons in the area. She prioritizes clear communication, thoroughly explaining diagnosis and treatment options to ensure patients feel informed and confident in their care decisions.
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Convenient Access to Imaging Services
Steele Orthopedics makes knee pain treatment seamless with convenient access to imaging services. Patients can receive same-day X-rays and quickly schedule MRIs. This allows for immediate imaging and a prompt diagnosis, ensuring efficient and streamlined care.
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Meticulous Surgical Care
Dr. Steele brings precision and attention to all aspects of knee pain treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes. She personally meets with patients before and after procedures, reviews imaging results with them, and thoroughly explains every step of the treatment process, offering a level of care that sets our practice apart.
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Advanced Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques for Knee Pain
Rather than relying solely on radiology reports, Dr. Steele personally reviews the images. With expertise in both non-surgical and surgical methods, she prioritizes patient care by exploring all treatment options and recommending surgery only when absolutely necessary.
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Patient-Focused Care from Consultation to Knee Pain Recovery
Dr. Steele is dedicated to ensuring her patients feel supported throughout their knee pain treatment. From initial consultation to recovery, she provides clear guidance and attentive post-operative care.
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Flexible Scheduling and Short Wait Times for Knee Pain Treatment
Dr. Steele understands offers convenient scheduling options to fit patients' busy lives. Steele Orthopedics values patients’ time and ensures efficient appointments with minimal wait times.
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Trusted Network of Specialists
Dr. Steele works closely with a trusted network of professionals, including physical therapists, pain management doctors, and other Orthopedic specialists, to deliver well-rounded, effective care for knee pain. This collaborative approach ensures Dr. Steele’s patients receive the comprehensive support they need for recovery.
Serving Long Island (Nassau County), Queens, & New Jersey
Steele Orthopedics offers convenient office locations to serve patients across Long Island, including Queens and Nassau Counties, Greater New York City, and Northern New Jersey:
- New Hyde Park
- Floral Park
- Great Neck
- Manhasset
- Roslyn/Roslyn Heights
- Hempstead
- Mineola
- Albertson
- Williston Park/East Williston
- Bellerose
- Oceanside
- Garden City
- Coming Soon to Newark, NJ
Compassionate Care, Clear Answers, Better Outcomes
Getting care at Steele Orthopedics starts with a quick call to schedule your appointment, often available within the week, with insurance verified in advance by our office. During your visit, you’ll meet directly with Dr. Steele for a thorough evaluation. If needed, same-day X-rays or scheduled MRIs are warranted, with Dr. Steele personally reviewing all imaging for an accurate diagnosis.
She’ll provide a clear explanation of your condition and create a personalized treatment plan for you that prioritizes conservative care—only recommending surgery when necessary. Throughout your recovery, Dr. Steele offers post-surgical follow-ups and coordinates with physical therapists to ensure a smooth rehabilitation process.
From Diagnosis to Recovery—You’re in the Right Hands
Comprehensive Evaluation & Diagnosis
Customized Treatment Plan
Guidance Through Recovery & Rehabilitation
Knee Pain Treatment FAQs: Answers from a Knee Specialist
If knee pain is making your daily activities difficult, it’s best to have it evaluated sooner rather than later. You don’t have to be an athlete to visit our office; if pain is limiting your mobility or just not improving on its own, a knee specialist can help you determine the cause and what to do about it. At Steele Orthopedics, we evaluate a wide range of knee conditions, offer same-day X-rays, order additional imaging, such as MRIs, when needed, and create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific situation. We also offer second opinions if you’re unsure about a previous diagnosis. The earlier you get evaluated, the more treatment options you have.
A knee specialist diagnoses and treats knee conditions such as patellar tendonitis, ACL tears, arthritis, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, cartilage injuries, instability, knee swelling, and sports-related knee pain. Dr. Steele offers both non-surgical and surgical treatments for knee pain, tailored to each patient’s injury and goals.
Many meniscus tears can be effectively managed without surgery using a combination of physical therapy, bracing, and gel or steroid injections to reduce inflammation and support the knee’s natural healing process. At Steele Orthopedics, Dr. Steele tailors treatment to the specific injury and prioritizes conservative care whenever possible. However, more severe tears may require minimally invasive arthroscopic knee surgery to repair or remove the damaged tissues. If you’re experiencing knee pain or suspect a meniscus tear, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Steele to learn which treatment path is right for your knee injury.
Knee pain treatment works best when it’s tailored to your injury. At Steele Orthopedics, PRP therapy is a go-to non-surgical option for patellar tendonitis. PRP therapy uses your body’s own healing response to reduce inflammation and repair damaged tendon tissue. Bracing can also help support the knee and manage discomfort during recovery. Dr. Steele will evaluate your specific situation and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you return to the activities you love.
You don’t necessarily need surgery for knee pain. At Steele Orthopedics, conservative care is always our first choice, and many patients find significant relief through non-surgical options like PRP injections, Orthovisc gel injections, steroid injections, bracing, and personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific condition. If the damage is more severe, such as a significant meniscus tear, cartilage injury, or ACL tear, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be the most effective way to repair it and restore your knee's full function. Dr. Steele will evaluate your knee, personally review your imaging, and explain every option thoroughly before any decisions are made. Surgery is only recommended when it’s truly the best path to recovery.
Steele Orthopedics accepts most major insurance plans, including:
- United Healthcare (UHC)
- Oxford
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Cigna
- Aetna
- Medicare
- 1199
- No-Fault Insurance
If you do not see your insurance listed, please contact our office. Our team will be happy to verify your coverage and benefits before your appointment.
Schedule an Appointment with Steele Orthopedics
At Steele Orthopedics, we specialize in treating knee, shoulder, and sports-related injuries with a focus on personalized, compassionate care. Whether you’re an athlete, an active individual, or simply looking to regain mobility and reduce pain, Dr. Barbara Steele and her team are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
From same-day X-rays and non-surgical treatments like PRP, gel injections, and steroid injections to advanced surgical care, we provide personalized solutions that meet your unique needs. With top-notch training, extensive experience, and a relatable approach shaped by her own sports injury recovery journey, Dr. Steele ensures each of her patients receives expert care.
Take the first step on your healing journey today.