The need for orthopedic knee surgery is highly dependent on the source and severity of your knee pain. While orthopedic surgery is sometimes recommended for some types of knee pain and injuries, orthopedic knee specialists often utilize more conservative treatments before turning to surgery. There is a wide range of non-surgical orthopedic techniques that can be utilized within a personalized treatment plan, including physical therapy, steroid injections, and orthopedic devices (casts, splints, etc.).