What Kind of Knee Pain Are You Experiencing?
Arthritis & Wear-and-Tear
Knee arthritis often develops gradually over time. Early evaluation may help preserve mobility and reduce long-term joint damage.
Sports or Activity Injury
ACL injuries, meniscus tears, and cartilage damage can worsen if left untreated. Fast evaluation helps guide recovery and return-to-activity planning.
Sudden Injury or Trauma
Some injuries require immediate orthopedic evaluation. Community Memorial offers convenient access to orthopedic and emergency care.
The Community Memorial Difference
CLINICAL EXPERTISE
PROVEN RESULTS
Get Immediate Access to World-Class Care
Walk-In Orthopedic Clinics
Same Day Appointments Available
Hamilton
Monday through Friday
8am – 11:45am,
12:30pm – 3pm
160 Broad St.
Hamilton, NY
New Hartford
Wednesdays
8am – 3pm
83 Genesee St.
New Hartford, NY
Cazenovia
2nd & 4th Tuesday Each Month
8am – 3pm
3045 John Trush Jr. Blvd, Suite 1
Cazenovia, NY
After Hours Clinic
Walk-Ins Only
After Hours
Thursdays
5pm – 8pm
160 Broad St.
Hamilton, NY
Emergency Department
Because the Faster, the Better
The Emergency Department in Hamilton provides an exceptionally efficient option if you urgently require help with any severe orthopedic concerns, such as joint fractures, a sports injury, or severe joint pain. We have the shortest wait times in the area, we can get pain under control and then quickly get you in to one of our world-class specialists at Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics. The sooner you can get pain under control, and in front of a specialist, the better.
Emergency Department in Hamilton
24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year
150 Broad Street, Hamilton, NY
Meet the Surgeons
Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, a sports injury, or considering knee replacement surgery, Community Memorial’s orthopedic specialists provide experienced, personalized care. Our team offers advanced treatment options designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
Dr. Richelle Takemoto
Director of Robotic Technology
Advanced expertise in:
First female surgeon to perform VELYS robotic-assisted knee replacement and among the highest-volume VELYS robotic surgeons nationally.
Dr. Kamal Banga
Orthopedic Surgeon
Advanced expertise in:
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in upper extremity and orthopedic sports medicine.
Dr. Thomas Toole
Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery
Advanced expertise in:
Fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon with experience working alongside the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres medical teams.
Community Memorial is proud to receive a 4-Star Patient Satisfaction Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a recognition of exceptional care and patient experience. This reflects our commitment to providing quality, compassionate, and excellent healthcare every day. Thank you to our patients and staff for making this possible!
GET BETTER
Orthopedic Care
World Class Care
Community Memorial’s orthopedic program combines experienced specialists, advanced technology, convenient access to care, and a commitment to exceptional patient outcomes. Recognized for quality care and patient experience, our team provides expert orthopedics close to home, with walk-in clinics, emergency orthopedic services, and advanced treatment options designed to help patients get better and get back to living.
Arthritis vs Injury
Not all knee pain has the same cause. Arthritis-related knee pain often develops gradually over time and may be accompanied by stiffness, swelling, or discomfort after periods of rest. These symptoms are commonly associated with age-related wear and tear or joint inflammation.
Injuries such as ACL tears, meniscus tears, or other ligament damage are more likely to occur suddenly after a fall, twist, or sports-related activity. They may cause immediate pain, swelling, instability, or difficulty bearing weight. An orthopedic evaluation can help determine the cause of your symptoms and the most appropriate treatment options.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Knee pain doesn’t always require surgery. Community Memorial offers a variety of non-surgical treatment options that may help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility, including physical therapy, injections, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, iovera° cold therapy, and other conservative treatments.
Our orthopedic specialists take the time to understand the source of your pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your needs. For patients with cartilage damage, advanced options such as the Agili-C™ CartiHeal Procedure may also be considered. The goal is simple: helping you move more comfortably and get back to the activities that matter most to you.
Robotic Knee Replacement
For patients with advanced arthritis or knee damage that has not responded to conservative treatment, robotic-assisted knee replacement may be an option. Community Memorial uses the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution to help surgeons plan and perform knee replacement procedures with a high level of precision and personalization.
Using advanced technology and real-time data, the VELYS™ system helps surgeons align and place implants based on each patient’s unique anatomy. This personalized approach may improve joint function, stability, and overall outcomes while helping patients return to the activities they enjoy.
Learn More About the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution
Community Memorial Now Offers iovera° Solution for Knee Pain
FAQs
Understanding Your Symptoms
Knee pain that worsens after sitting is often associated with arthritis, inflammation, or changes in the cartilage within the joint. As the knee remains in one position, stiffness can develop, making movement uncomfortable when you first stand up.
Mild swelling after strenuous activity can occur, but persistent or recurring swelling may indicate an underlying injury or joint condition. If swelling continues or interferes with daily activities, an orthopedic evaluation may be recommended.
Some minor strains and overuse injuries improve with rest, activity modification, and time. However, ongoing knee pain may signal a more serious condition that benefits from professional evaluation and treatment.
You should consider seeing an orthopedic specialist if your pain lasts more than a few weeks, limits your mobility, causes instability, or interferes with daily activities. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and guide treatment.
Treatment & Recovery
Yes. Many knee conditions can be treated without surgery. Treatment may include physical therapy, activity modification, medications, injections, bracing, or other conservative approaches based on your diagnosis.
Surgery may be recommended when non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief or when a structural injury, such as a significant ligament tear or advanced arthritis, affects your quality of life and mobility.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement may be considered for patients with advanced knee arthritis who have not found relief through conservative treatment options. Your orthopedic surgeon can determine whether this approach is appropriate for your condition.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement uses advanced technology to help surgeons plan and perform the procedure with a high level of precision. The robotic system assists the surgeon but does not replace their expertise or decision-making.
Recovery varies from person to person, but many patients begin walking shortly after surgery and gradually return to normal activities over the following weeks and months. Your surgeon will provide guidance based on your individual recovery plan.
Many patients return to active lifestyles after knee replacement surgery. Walking, swimming, cycling, and other low-impact activities are often encouraged as part of long-term joint health and mobility.
Sports Injuries & Active Lifestyles
Common signs of an ACL injury include a popping sensation at the time of injury, immediate swelling, knee instability, and difficulty bearing weight. An orthopedic evaluation can help determine the extent of the injury and appropriate treatment options.
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between the thighbone and shinbone. A meniscus tear can occur during sports, twisting movements, or as part of the natural aging process. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, catching, or difficulty moving the knee normally.
Some people can still walk after an ACL or meniscus injury, but doing so may be painful and could worsen the damage. If you experience knee instability, significant swelling, difficulty bearing weight, or ongoing pain after an injury, it is important to seek an orthopedic evaluation as soon as possible.
Return-to-sport timelines vary based on the type and severity of the injury, as well as the treatment provided. Your orthopedic specialist will help determine when it is safe to resume athletic activities.
Appointments & Getting Care
Referral requirements vary depending on your insurance plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and determine whether a referral is needed before scheduling an appointment.
A walk-in orthopedic clinic provides convenient access to specialized care for musculoskeletal injuries and joint pain without requiring a scheduled appointment. Patients can receive an evaluation, imaging if needed, and recommendations for treatment or follow-up care from an orthopedic provider.
Please bring a photo ID, insurance card, a list of current medications, and any relevant medical records or imaging studies related to your knee pain or injury. Wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the knee may also be helpful during your evaluation.
You should seek emergency care if you experience severe pain, significant swelling, a visible deformity, an inability to bear weight, or a traumatic injury such as a fall, sports injury, or accident. Prompt evaluation can help identify serious injuries and support timely treatment.
Fractures, dislocations, suspected ligament tears, severe swelling, sudden instability, and injuries that prevent you from bearing weight should be evaluated as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce complications and support recovery.
We’re ready to help you get the orthopedic care you need
To learn more about the Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics or schedule an appointment, use our form or call (315) 824-7040.
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Find an Orthopedic Clinic Near You
Hamilton Orthopedic Clinic
Monday through Friday
8am – 3pm
160 Broad St., Hamilton, NY
New Hartford Orthopedic Clinic
Wednesdays
8am – 3pm
83 Genesee St., New Hartford, NY
Cazenovia Orthopedic Clinic
Tuesday through Wednesday
8am – 3pm
3045 John Trush Jr. Boulevard, Suite 1 Cazenovia, NY
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