mdspinecareortho

Knee Pain vs Arthritis: How to Tell the Difference

Fri, 08 May 2026 13:30:06 GMT

Knee Pain vs Arthritis: How to Tell the Difference

Knee pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. However, not all knee pain is caused by arthritis. Understanding the difference between general knee pain and arthritis can help you determine when to seek medical care.

At MD Spine Care & Orthopaedics in San Antonio, we evaluate knee conditions to identify the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.

What Is General Knee Pain?

Knee pain is a broad term that can result from a variety of causes, including:

Injuries (ligament tears, meniscus tears)
Overuse or repetitive strain
Tendonitis
Muscle imbalances

This type of pain may develop suddenly or gradually and is often related to activity.

What Is Arthritis in the Knee?

Arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joint over time. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which occurs when cartilage gradually wears down.

This leads to:

Joint inflammation
Stiffness
Reduced mobility
Chronic pain

Key Differences Between Knee Pain and Arthritis

Onset of Pain

General knee pain: Often sudden or activity-related
Arthritis: Develops gradually over time

Type of Pain

General knee pain: Sharp or localized
Arthritis: Dull, aching, and persistent

Stiffness

General knee pain: Minimal stiffness
Arthritis: Significant stiffness, especially in the morning

Swelling

General knee pain: May occur after injury
Arthritis: Ongoing or recurring swelling

When Should You See a Specialist?

You should consider seeing an orthopedic specialist in San Antonio if you experience:

Persistent knee pain lasting several weeks
Swelling or stiffness that does not improve
Difficulty walking or bending the knee
Pain that worsens over time
Reduced range of motion

How Knee Conditions Are Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically includes:

Medical history review
Physical examination
Joint movement and stability testing
Imaging such as X-rays or MRI

This helps determine whether the pain is caused by arthritis, injury, or another condition.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of knee pain.

Non-surgical options may include:

Physical therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
Activity modification
Joint injections

More advanced treatment options may be considered if symptoms persist.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist in San Antonio

If knee pain is ongoing or worsening, an evaluation can help identify the cause and guide treatment.

Early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term joint damage.

Schedule a Knee Evaluation in San Antonio

MD Spine Care Orthopaedics in San Antonio provides comprehensive knee evaluations and personalized treatment plans.

What Causes Hip Pain at Night? When to See a Specialist

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:00:15 GMT

What Causes Hip Pain at Night?

Hip pain at night can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when it affects your ability to sleep. While occasional discomfort may not be serious, persistent nighttime hip pain can indicate an underlying orthopedic condition.

At MD Spine Care & Orthopaedics in San Antonio, we evaluate hip pain to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to each patient.

Common Causes of Hip Pain at Night

Several conditions may cause hip pain that becomes more noticeable when lying down or trying to sleep.

Bursitis

Hip bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the joint become inflamed. This often causes pain on the outer part of the hip, especially when lying on one side.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis of the hip can cause joint stiffness and pain that may worsen at night due to inflammation or lack of movement.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the hip joint can lead to aching or sharp pain, particularly after physical activity.

Hip Labral Tear

A tear in the cartilage surrounding the hip socket may cause deep hip pain, clicking, or discomfort that becomes more noticeable at rest.

Muscle Strain or Overuse

Overuse of the hip muscles during exercise or daily activities can lead to soreness that worsens when the body is at rest.

Why Does Hip Pain Feel Worse at Night?

Hip pain may feel more intense at night due to:

Reduced movement, which can increase joint stiffness
Pressure on the hip when lying on one side
Increased awareness of pain without daytime distractions
Inflammation that builds throughout the day

When Should You Be Concerned?

You should consider seeing an orthopedic specialist in San Antonio if you experience:

Hip pain that lasts more than several weeks
Pain that interferes with sleep
Difficulty walking or standing
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Pain that continues to worsen over time

How Hip Pain Is Diagnosed

A proper diagnosis begins with a comprehensive evaluation.

Your provider may:

Review your symptoms and activity level
Perform a physical examination
Evaluate range of motion and joint stability
Recommend imaging such as X-rays or MRI if needed

Treatment Options for Hip Pain

Many patients improve with non-surgical treatment, including:

Physical therapy
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medications
Targeted injections

Treatment is always based on the underlying cause of hip pain.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist in San Antonio

If hip pain is affecting your sleep or daily activities, an evaluation can help determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Early care may help prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term joint function.

Schedule a Hip Evaluation in San Antonio

If you are experiencing hip pain at night, MD Spine Care & Orthopaedics in San Antonio offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized care.

Shoulder Pain When Lifting Your Arm? Here’s What It Could Be

Fri, 01 May 2026 12:00:11 GMT

Shoulder Pain When Lifting Your Arm? Here’s What It Could Be

Shoulder pain when lifting your arm can make everyday activities—such as reaching, dressing, or lifting objects—difficult and uncomfortable.

This type of pain is often caused by irritation or injury to the structures within the shoulder joint. At MD Spine Care Orthopaedics in San Antonio, we evaluate shoulder pain to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain When Lifting Your Arm

Several orthopedic conditions may cause shoulder pain with movement:

Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Injury or inflammation in this area can cause pain when lifting or rotating the arm.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons become compressed during movement, leading to pain when raising the arm overhead.

Tendonitis

Overuse or repetitive motion can lead to inflammation of the shoulder tendons, resulting in pain during activity.

Bursitis

Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction in the joint. When inflamed, they can cause pain and limited movement.

Frozen Shoulder

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition causes stiffness and reduced range of motion, often developing gradually over time.

When Should You Be Concerned About Shoulder Pain?

You should consider seeing an orthopedic specialist in San Antonio if you experience:

Pain when lifting or reaching overhead
Weakness in the shoulder or arm
Limited range of motion
Pain that persists for several weeks
Difficulty performing daily activities

How Shoulder Pain Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a detailed evaluation, which may include:

Review of symptoms and activity level
Physical examination of the shoulder
Range of motion and strength testing
Imaging such as X-rays or MRI when necessary

Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

Many shoulder conditions can be treated without surgery.

Treatment options may include:

Physical therapy
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medications
Corticosteroid injections

If symptoms persist or worsen, additional treatment options may be considered.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist in San Antonio

If shoulder pain continues to limit your movement or daily activities, an evaluation can help determine the cause and guide treatment.

Early intervention may help prevent long-term complications.

Schedule a Shoulder Evaluation in San Antonio

If you are experiencing shoulder pain when lifting your arm, MD Spine Care Orthopaedics in San Antonio offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans.

Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Walk? | San Antonio Orthopedic Specialist

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:23:45 GMT

Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Walk?

Knee pain when walking is one of the most common reasons patients seek care from an orthopedic specialist. While some cases are mild and temporary, others may indicate an underlying joint condition that requires evaluation.

At MD Spine Care Orthopaedics in San Antonio, we evaluate knee pain to identify the root cause and recommend appropriate treatment options based on each patient’s condition.

Common Causes of Knee Pain When Walking

Several conditions may cause knee pain during walking or activity.

Some of the most common include:

When Is Knee Pain a Concern?

While mild knee discomfort may improve with rest, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.

You should consider seeing an orthopedic specialist in San Antonio if you experience:

Knee pain lasting more than several weeks
Swelling or stiffness in the joint
Pain that worsens with activity
Instability or the feeling that your knee may “give out”
Difficulty walking or bearing weight

How Knee Pain Is Diagnosed

A proper diagnosis begins with a comprehensive evaluation.

Your orthopedic specialist may:

Review your symptoms and medical history
Perform a physical examination
Assess joint stability and range of motion
Recommend imaging such as X-rays or MRI if needed

This helps identify whether the pain is related to cartilage damage, ligament injury, inflammation, or another underlying issue.

Treatment Options for Knee Pain

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition.

Many patients improve with non-surgical care, including:

Physical therapy
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medications
Joint injections

If conservative treatment does not provide relief, further interventions may be considered based on your condition.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist in San Antonio

If knee pain continues to interfere with your daily activities, an evaluation can help determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Early diagnosis can help prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term joint health.

Schedule a Knee Evaluation in San Antonio

If you are experiencing knee pain when walking, the team at MD Spine Care Orthopaedics in San Antonio can help.

Schedule a consultation to receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 11:47:43 GMT

Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere.

Afraid of surgery? Don't be!

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 19:05:25 GMT

Once upon a time, the process and even just the word surgery, was a terrifying thought. Unfortunately the word surgery still has that stigma for many. Today, we see patients taking excessive medication or other types of therapy that will only prolong their symptoms. In reality, surgery or surgical procedures can offer a quick and simple way to relieve many ailments.

The term minimally invasive surgery has become the go to technique for many minor procedures. This puts an emphasis on how little the process will interfere in the patients basic functioning and lifestyle. These procedures can often be done without hospitalization and minimal recovery time, having you back up and running in a matter of days.

Advancements in technology have played a big role in allowing surgeons to offer these less invasive procedures to patients.

Robotic Assisted
Real Time Imaging
Predictive Modeling

For spine or orthopaedic care, minimally invasive surgical techniques are becoming the standard in premium surgical care. The advancements in these procedures allow the surgeon to approach the problem area from a position that will allow the least amount of disruption to the body. Past surgical technique would approach the problem straight on, but damage the surrounding nerves and muscles needed to aid in healing, and ultimately leading to much longer recovery times, and possibly even limited recovery.

Our surgical care team focuses on the technique that will benefit your future livelihood. When surgery is your best option, know you are in good hands with MD Spine Care.

Shoulder Pain - How Serious is It?

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 19:08:12 GMT

Shoulder pain can be extremely disruptive to your normal daily functioning. Yet some may be uncertain whether it is a pain that will go away over time. Some injuries are less painful during the day but become more bothersome when sleeping on it or during certain movements. However, ignoring the problem will not make it go away.

If it is a fairly new and tolerable pain, home treatments of rest, an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen, and limiting activity may help. Are you concerned that it is something serious and wondering if you should see a doctor? Well honestly, if you are asking this question then the answer is yes.

Pain in your shoulder with basic daily movements such as brushing your hair or putting on your shirt could indicate a tear or other type of structural injury. If your pain is consistent and has lasted for several days you should see a shoulder specialist sooner than later, as your condition can worsen and could become harder to treat. Here are some common shoulder problems that can be treated by a specialist:

Rotator Cuff Tear: An injury such as a rotator cuff tear is actually a very common shoulder injury. Falling down and catching yourself with an outstretched arm, or lifting something heavy can cause the tear. Alternatively, it may develop over time with repetitive activities that include shoulder motion. It can also just be a symptom of aging and the degeneration of tissue.

The pain from a rotator cuff injury may still be tolerable during the day and only hurts with certain movements or when sleeping. However, leaving this untreated can only make it worse and prolong your pain. It could be a small tear, or partial tear, but when untreated it could become a total tear. Tears will not heal on their own and many need surgery. When caught early the recovery time can decrease allowing you to get back to your normal life sooner and feeling great.

Tendonitis: Pain in the shoulder could also be from the swelling of the tendons that connect the muscles and bones. Known as tendonitis, it may also cause pain at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder. Symptoms can include weakness and loss of motion when raising the arm above your head or behind your back and stiffness with lifting or movement.

In Tendonitis, the tendons can become overworked and eventually they become damaged. The good news is that tendonitis reacts well to treatment such as therapy and you can find relief with basic over-the-counter medication or applying heat or ice and resting the area. However there is also an opportunity to weaken the shoulder and make it more susceptible to more serious problems so be sure to ask your shoulder specialist for the best method of repair.

AC Joint Injury: Injury to the acromioclavicular joint can cause a separation from the collar bone and bone at the top of the shoulder. It can be caused by falling directly on the shoulder or taking a direct blow to the area. The pain will be felt at the top of the shoulder and can often be associated with a fractured clavicle.

Mild injuries can be easily treated, however more severe injuries can lead to extreme loss of strength and functioning. There could be a tear in the area which again, should be treated soon so that the tear does not worsen. Most patients recover with full functioning.

Dislocated Shoulder: If you feel that you have dislocated your shoulder, but yet it went right back into place it could have lasting problems to the labrum, rotator cuff, or other important structures in the shoulder. Once this injury has occurred it is common to have recurring dislocations and shoulder instability.

Seeing an orthopedic surgeon can help diagnose the problem. Minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder stabilization is a technique that will help restore the strength and functioning of the area and significantly decrease the frequency of dislocation.

These injuries are just common examples of shoulder ailments that should be diagnosed and treated by a specialist. Ultimately it is up to you to listen to your body for signs that it is in distress. You should not be living with daily pain, it can be treated and have you back to your normal lifestyle free of pain. Make an appointment with a shoulder specialist today.

A Convenient New Location for Premium Spine & Orthopaedic Care

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 19:17:54 GMT

Two local San Antonio leaders in spine and orthopaedic care, Dr. Frank Kuwamura and Dr. David Gonzalez, have joined forces to offer premium care at a new Medical Center Location. MD Spine Care and Orthopaedics led by this innovative surgical team has added this new convenient location to serve a greater population of patients.

During a social distance approved online event, the duo gave a live online tour of the office and discussed the techniques and procedures that are offered at this new location.

“We have the objective of serving the community the best we can, and have picked this location for it’s easy access to a lot of different services available in the Medical Center,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “We can service a larger portion of San Antonio in this centrally located location.”

The Medical Center office of MD Spine Care and Orthopaedics located at 8299 Fredericksburg Road, sits just minutes from multiple emergency and surgical facilities. The region of San Antonio, called the Medical Center is a compilation of premium care facilities, hospital campuses and specialty practices centrally located off if IH-10.

The new office will be available for a wide range of treatments and diagnoses for procedures such as:

ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY
CORTISONE INJECTIONS
HAND SURGERY
KNEE SURGERY
NECK SURGERY
OSTEOARTHRITIS
PLATELET RICH PLASMA
SHOULDER SURGERY
SPINAL FUSION
SPINAL STENOSISSPORTS MEDICINE
STEM CELL THERAPY
REGENERATIVE SPINAL SURGERY
SPINAL SURGERY
TOTAL FRACTURE CARE

The newly renovated space features six exam rooms, state-of-the-art digital imaging technology, and a casting and bracing room. The team will also focus on total body wellness with a new line of CBD products as well as regenerative medicine techniques such as stem cell and platelets rich plasma injections. “We are caring doctors that care about our patients,” says Dr. Kuwamura. “Preservation of joint and spine functioning without surgery is always our first approach.”

Dr. Kuwamura and Dr. Gonzalez are both board certified orthopaedic surgeons with decades of experience and friendship. The doctors have commonly referred patients to one another, Dr. Kuwamura is an expert in spinal procedures and Dr. Gonzalez is skilled in all aspects of orthopedic care, but specializes in shoulder care and has treated many local athletes. They are excite to be able to now work along side each other in the shared practice.

MD Spine Care and Orthopaedics is now accepting new patients with a mission of designing effective customized treatment plans, prioritizing patient comfort, and delivering long lasting results.

mdspinecareortho

Knee Pain vs Arthritis: How to Tell the Difference

Knee Pain vs Arthritis: How to Tell the Difference

What Is General Knee Pain?

What Is Arthritis in the Knee?

Key Differences Between Knee Pain and Arthritis

Onset of Pain

Type of Pain

Stiffness

Swelling

When Should You See a Specialist?

How Knee Conditions Are Diagnosed

Treatment Options

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist in San Antonio

Schedule a Knee Evaluation in San Antonio

What Causes Hip Pain at Night? When to See a Specialist

What Causes Hip Pain at Night?

Common Causes of Hip Pain at Night

Bursitis

Arthritis

Tendonitis

Hip Labral Tear

Muscle Strain or Overuse

Why Does Hip Pain Feel Worse at Night?

When Should You Be Concerned?

How Hip Pain Is Diagnosed

Treatment Options for Hip Pain

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist in San Antonio

Schedule a Hip Evaluation in San Antonio

Shoulder Pain When Lifting Your Arm? Here’s What It Could Be

Shoulder Pain When Lifting Your Arm? Here’s What It Could Be

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain When Lifting Your Arm

Rotator Cuff Injury

Shoulder Impingement

Tendonitis

Bursitis

Frozen Shoulder

When Should You Be Concerned About Shoulder Pain?

How Shoulder Pain Is Diagnosed

Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist in San Antonio

Schedule a Shoulder Evaluation in San Antonio

Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Walk? | San Antonio Orthopedic Specialist

Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Walk?

Common Causes of Knee Pain When Walking

When Is Knee Pain a Concern?

﻿ How Knee Pain Is Diagnosed

Treatment Options for Knee Pain

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist in San Antonio

Schedule a Knee Evaluation in San Antonio

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine

Afraid of surgery? Don't be!

Shoulder Pain - How Serious is It?

A Convenient New Location for Premium Spine & Orthopaedic Care

How Knee Pain Is Diagnosed