Knee Specialist in Vienna: Diagnosing and Treating Knee Pain
Dr. Gustav Timmel, MD, is a board-certified specialist in orthopedics and traumatology and a knee specialist in 1030 Vienna. At his practice in the MSV Medical Center, he treats the full spectrum of knee conditions—from cruciate ligament, meniscus, and cartilage injuries to knee osteoarthritis and overuse syndromes such as runner’s knee. Diagnosis, consultation, imaging evaluation, and follow-up care are provided here; surgeries are performed at the Floridsdorf Clinic.
As a knee specialist, he combines experience in sports orthopedics and surgery: He makes the diagnosis, performs the necessary procedure himself, and then oversees the rehabilitation process. This ensures that the entire treatment—from the initial examination through surgery to the patient’s return to daily life and sports—remains under one roof.
OVERVIEW
Are you suffering from knee pain and looking for a knee specialist?
Then you’ve come to the right place!
On this page you will find a rough overview of various knee injuries and individual clinical pictures. For more detailed information and a detailed examination of your condition, please visit me in my surgery.
What are the most common causes of knee pain?
Knee pain is most commonly caused by injuries, wear and tear, or overuse. Typical causes include cruciate ligament and meniscus tears following an accident, cartilage damage, osteoarthritis of the knee, runner’s knee, and patellar instability. Inflammatory conditions and bursitis are also possible causes. The exact location of the pain and when it occurs often provide clues as to the cause.
Knee Pain by Cause
| Ursache | Typisch | Mehr dazu |
|---|---|---|
| Kreuzbandriss | Unfall mit Knacken, Schwellung, Instabilität | Kreuzbandriss → |
| Meniskusriss | Dreh-/Belastungsschmerz, Blockaden | Meniskusriss → |
| Knorpelschaden | Belastungsschmerz, teils nach Trauma | Knorpelverletzung → |
| Kniegelenksarthrose | Anlaufschmerz, belastungsabhängig, fortschreitend | Gonarthrose → |
| Kniescheiben-Instabilität | Kniescheibe „springt heraus” | Patellaluxation → |
| Läuferknie | vorderer Knieschmerz bei Läufern | Läuferknie → |
Where does your knee hurt? Pain by Location
The location of the knee pain provides an initial clue as to the possible cause. Pain on the inner side often indicates a problem with the medial meniscus or early-stage osteoarthritis; pain on the outer side points to a problem with the lateral meniscus or the iliotibial band (IT band); and pain in front of or below the kneecap suggests runner’s knee or a problem with the kneecap. This classification is not a substitute for a diagnosis, but it helps in assessing the condition.
| Schmerzort | Häufige Ursachen |
|---|---|
| Innenseite | Innenmeniskus, Innenband, beginnende Arthrose |
| Außenseite | Außenmeniskus, Tractus-Syndrom (Läuferband) |
| Vorne / Kniescheibe | Läuferknie, Kniescheiben-Instabilität, Knorpelschaden hinter der Patella |
| Hinten / Kniekehle | Baker-Zyste, hinteres Kreuzband, muskuläre Ursachen |
| Das ganze Knie / diffus | Arthrose, Gelenkerguss, entzündliche Ursachen |
When should I see a doctor for knee pain?
Knee pain should be evaluated by a doctor if it occurs after an accident, is accompanied by swelling, causes the knee to become unstable or lock up, or if the symptoms persist for more than two to three weeks. Bloody joint effusion or an audible popping sound at the moment of injury are warning signs that should be examined promptly.
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:
- A cracking or tearing sound at the moment of injury
- rapid swelling (within a few hours)
- Instability – the knee “gives out”
- Stiffness—the knee can no longer be fully extended or bent
- Pain that lasts longer than 2–3 weeks or recurs
- Redness, warmth, or fever (suggesting inflammation or infection)
An Overview of Knee Problems
Cruciate ligament injury
A torn cruciate ligament usually occurs during sports that involve rapid changes in direction or while skiing. Whether surgery is necessary depends on the patient’s age, athletic goals, and the stability of the knee—not every tear requires surgery, but every unstable knee must be stabilized.
Meniscus injury
A torn meniscus is evaluated using an MRI and a clinical examination. Not every meniscus tear requires surgery. If surgery is necessary, the focus is on preservation: “Save the Meniscus”—because after a meniscus is removed, pressure in the joint increases significantly, which can lead to early-onset osteoarthritis.
Cartilage injury
In cases of cartilage damage, the key factor is how it occurred—whether from an acute injury or wear and tear. Contributing factors such as ligament instability, a torn meniscus, or a misalignment of the leg axis must be taken into account during treatment. Treatment may be conservative (physical therapy, injections) or surgical.
Patellar Instability (Patellar Dislocation)
A distinction is made between congenital instability of the patella and a patella that has dislocated following an accident. A first-time traumatic dislocation is usually treated conservatively; surgery is considered only in cases of recurrent instability.
Autologous Plasma Therapy (ACP)
ACP therapy uses the body’s own plasma, enriched with platelets, to release growth factors. It can be used to treat tendon insertional irritation, muscle injuries, and moderate osteoarthritis, and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis)
Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive wear and tear of the joint cartilage. Typical symptoms include pain triggered by weight-bearing, morning stiffness, and recurrent swelling. Treatment is a step-by-step process—ranging from physical therapy and injections to a knee replacement as a last resort.
Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Runner’s knee causes pain in the front of the knee when the kneecap does not glide smoothly in its socket. Causes often include muscle weakness, misalignment, or overuse. Treatment is usually conservative and involves targeted exercises and adjustments to running technique.
Why Choose Dr. Gustav Timmel as a Knee Specialist in Vienna?
Dr. Gustav Timmel, MD, is a board-certified specialist in orthopedics and traumatology with dual specialty training: He first completed his residency in trauma surgery and sports traumatology and subsequently completed a second specialty in orthopedics. This combination of both specialties allows him to comprehensively assess knee injuries—ranging from acute sports injuries to long-term joint preservation. He has a particular interest in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder.
Education and Experience:
- Board-certified in both Orthopedics and Traumatology – Board certification exam in Trauma Surgery, second board certification exam in Orthopedics & Traumatology in 2017, completed in 2018
- Orthopedic training at the Vertebralia Institute (1090 Vienna) under Prim. Alexander Kraft, as well as a six-month training program abroad in Germany
- Training in trauma surgery and sports traumatology, 2011–2016, at SMZ-Ost under Prof. Mousavi
- Surgical Practice, 2016–2019, at the Renowned Gersthof Orthopedic Hospital
- Has been working at one of Europe's most modern hospitals since 2019 (Klinik Floridsdorf / formerly Krankenhaus Nord)
- Director of the Sports Medicine Clinic at Floridsdorf Hospital— performs a high volume of sports orthopedic procedures, particularly on the knee and shoulder
- Areas of Expertise: Sports injuries, arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery, knee and hip replacement surgery
- Medical Director of MSV – Medical Specialists Vienna, 1030 Vienna
As the surgeon, Dr. Timmel is your direct personal point of contact before and after the procedure. His approach: first identify the cause of the symptoms and, if possible, treat them conservatively—surgery is only considered as a last resort in the treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Pain (FAQ)
What is the structure of the knee joint?
The knee joint connects the thigh bone (femur), the shin bone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). Located between the thigh and lower leg are the two menisci, which act as shock absorbers. Stability is provided by the collateral ligaments, which prevent lateral buckling, and the two cruciate ligaments, which prevent displacement and rotation. A joint capsule filled with synovial fluid provides lubrication.
What are the most common causes of knee pain?
How can I tell the difference between acute and chronic knee pain?
Can knee pain occur even without an injury?
Yes. Knee pain that occurs without a specific injury is often caused by wear and tear (osteoarthritis), overuse (runner’s knee), muscular imbalances, or misalignment of the leg. Inflammatory joint diseases can also be a cause. If such pain occurs repeatedly or persistently, it’s advisable to seek a medical evaluation to prevent further damage.
What role do muscle weaknesses play in knee problems?
How can I protect my knee from injury while playing sports?
How do I get back to my old form after a knee injury?
How can I tell if a knee specialist is good?
How much does treatment by a knee specialist cost?
Knee pain that won't go away? Get it checked out.
The sooner the cause is identified, the more targeted the treatment can be—and the better we can prevent further damage. As a knee specialist in 1030 Vienna, I take the time to conduct a thorough examination and discuss the appropriate treatment with you.
