Skip the Wait and Book Online Now! New patients can now self-schedule directly online in minutes - no phone call needed.

Blog

What to Do About Knee Pain: Expert Guidance and Treatment Options from Dr. Todd Wente 

Have you ever had knee pain? If you have, you know it can disrupt everything from walking up the stairs to dictating your vacation plans. Whether it stems from a sports injury, arthritis or years of wear and tear, it’s not always clear how to address your knee pain. 

That’s where Dr. Todd Wente can help you: an orthopedic surgeon focused on comprehensive knee care, offering personalized treatment for every stage of knee pain, from conservative options to advanced surgical solutions. 

At Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center, Dr. Wente works with patients of all ages and activity levels, helping each individual understand their options so they can choose the right path forward. 

“The goal is always to help patients return to the activities they love, whether that’s playing sports or just walking without pain,” he says. 

Understanding Your Options Matters 

Not all knee pain is the same, and the treatment for each case shouldn’t be either. That’s why it helps to have a physician whose clinical expertise and personal experience go hand in hand. Dr. Wente has built his practice around comprehensive knee care, from ligament reconstruction and cartilage repair to robotic-assisted joint replacement. 

As a former collegiate basketball player and lifelong athlete, Dr. Wente understands the physical and even the emotional toll knee problems can take.  

Below, he outlines three key treatment pathways and how he helps each patient move forward with clarity and confidence. 

1. Conservative Care: Start with the Least Invasive Option 

In many cases, knee pain doesn’t require surgery. Dr. Wente often begins with a thorough discussion of the conservative strategies such as physical therapy, bracing or image-guided injections to help relieve pain and improve mobility. 

“We try to match the treatment plan to the patient’s lifestyle and goals,” he explains. “Surgery is something we consider when other options haven’t worked or are insufficient”. 

This is often the best course for early arthritis, minor ligament sprains and overuse injuries. The goal is to reduce inflammation, strengthen the surrounding muscles and delay or avoid surgery when possible. 

Dr. Wente makes it a point to keep patients informed and involved in their treatment decisions. “Patient education is a big part of what I do,” he says. “I want people to understand what’s going on with their knee and feel confident about their care plan.” 

2. Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Procedures 

When conservative treatments aren’t enough, or when injuries like ACL and meniscal tears affect function, Dr. Wente may recommend minimally invasive surgery. 

He treats athletes and active patients with procedures that repair or reconstruct damaged ligaments and cartilage, predominantly with an arthroscopic approach that includes small incisions and advanced tools that reduce recovery time. 

“I’ve worked with athletes of all levels,” Dr. Wente says. “A knee injury doesn’t just affect your body—it disrupts your routine and your identity. That’s why precision and recovery planning matter.” 

As a University of Denver team physician, Dr. Wente understands the physical and mental toll a knee injury can take, particularly on athletes. His approach combines orthopedic expertise with empathy and works to ensure patients are not only physically ready to return to sport, but mentally prepared as well. 

3. Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement for Arthritis 

For patients with more advanced arthritis or degeneration, knee replacement may be the most effective solution. Dr. Wente performs robotic-assisted knee replacements using the Stryker Mako Robot, which allows for a customized fit using 3D imaging and real-time intraoperative feedback. 

Robotic-assisted knee replacement helps ensure that implants are placed exactly where they should be based on the patient’s unique anatomy. This approach has been shown to result in: 

  • More effective execution of individual surgical plans 
  • More accurate alignment, balance and implant fit 
  • Greater preservation of bone, ligament and other soft tissue 
  • Decreased risk of surgical complications 
  • Lower pain scores and greater patient satisfaction at 6 months post-op 

You Deserve a Doctor Who Stays with You, From Day One to Recovery 

Dr. Wente is committed to supporting patients through every phase of their knee care. 

He works closely with Panorama’s physical therapy team to design recovery programs that focus on mobility, strength and long-term confidence. In combining advanced surgical techniques with collaborative rehabilitation, patients receive truly integrated care. 

Feel Better Again Without Knee Pain 

If knee pain is slowing you down, you don’t have to manage it alone. Dr. Todd Wente offers comprehensive knee care rooted in modern technology, patient education and nearly twenty years of surgical experience. 

Whether you’re managing a sports injury, struggling with arthritis, or considering a knee replacement, Dr. Wente can help you explore your options and find the right path forward. 

To learn more about your orthopedic treatment options or to schedule a knee evaluation with Dr. Wente at Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center, visit panoramaortho.com