Mega Doctor News
The largest joint in the body, the knee is essential for mobility, stability and overall physical function. Enabling us to walk, run, jump and perform numerous daily activities, strong knees are essential for maintaining balance, supporting athletic performance and preventing injuries.
Unfortunately, knee pain affects a significant portion of the adult population in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health, with approximately 25% of Americans experiencing knee pain, making it a leading cause of disability and mobility loss.
Stemming from various causes such as injuries, overuse and medical conditions like osteoarthritis, knee pain can severely impact an individual’s daily life, making it difficult to walk, climb stairs and even sit for extended periods, making early diagnosis and treatment vital.
“Untreated knee pain can lead to a wide range of complications, including worsening pain, joint damage and decreased mobility,” says Juan Serrato, Jr., MD, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist affiliated with Cornerstone Regional Hospital. “It can also impact other parts of the body as individuals compensate for the pain, leading to further strain and potential injuries in the hips, back or opposite knee. Additionally, chronic knee pain can result in emotional distress, which may impact sleep, mood and overall quality of life.”
To prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious, chronic problems while helping patients return to their normal activities sooner, early intervention is key.
“Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, including physical therapy, bracing, or other treatments, which can prevent further deterioration of the knee joint and surrounding tissues while restoring strength, flexibility and stability to the knee, improving mobility and reducing pain,” says Dr. Serrato. “In some cases, early intervention can prevent the need for surgery by addressing the root cause of the problem and promoting healing through more conservative treatments.”
To help educate Rio Grande Valley residents on the common causes of knee pain and their impact on an individual’s quality of life, South Texas Health System will dedicate the latest episode of its monthly “South Texas Healthy Living” television program to the debilitating condition.
Broadcast live on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO-TV NBC 23, the program will feature a sit-down interview with Dr. Serrato on the warning signs and symptoms of knee pain, the complications associated with the condition and the treatment options available for those living with knee discomfort.
Additionally, STHS System Director of Marketing & Public Relations and “South Texas Healthy Living” host Tom Castañeda sits down with a McAllen woman who began experiencing persistent, sharp pain in both knees in recent years after joining CrossFit in her 30s to learn more about the impact of knee pain on her quality of life, find out how treatment through the STHS McAllen Outpatient Rehabilitation Center helped her avoid knee surgery and get her advice for others living with knee discomfort.
The program will also feature a special cooking segment led by Patrick Woodin, South Texas Health System McAllen’s director of dietary & nutrition services, a demonstration of essential knee-strengthening exercises with a member of the STHS McAllen Rehabilitation Services team and important strategies to help knee pain sufferers reduce pain and improve their overall knee health.
“Whether stemming from overuse, an underlying condition like arthritis, growing pains or an injury, knee pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages. Early detection and appropriate management of discomfort can help prevent minor issues from developing into more serious problems and promote faster healing,” says Castañeda. “But it’s also important to take steps to protect the knees, like maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening leg and core muscles and practicing proper form during activities. So, in this latest episode of ‘South Texas Healthy Living,’ we’ll provide essential advice for keeping your knees healthy as you age, including some simple exercises you can at home to help protect the knees and an easy recipe that helps reduce inflammation and promote joint health. It’s all about helping you get healthy and stay healthy!”
To learn more about knee pain and its impact on long-term health, don’t miss the latest episode of “South Texas Healthy Living” on Sunday, June 29 at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO-TV NBC 23.
To watch previous episodes of “South Texas Healthy Living” and the system’s South Texas Health Updates, one minute videos offering education on various health issues, visit South Texas Health System’s Medical Minute page on ValleyCentral.com.
