Knee Pain? Discover When Surgery is Truly Necessary with Alejandro Luna, M. D.
Will I Need Surgery?
The most common fear I hear in my office almost daily is: “Doctor, am I going to need surgery?”. As an Orthopedic Specialist in Tijuana with more than 10 years of experience, I understand that the idea of a surgical intervention generates anxiety. However, in modern medicine, surgery should be the last resort.
If you feel pain when walking, morning stiffness, or a constant clicking sound, an evaluation is vital. My focus will always be to listen to you carefully and exhaust non-invasive options before considering surgery.
Why Does My Knee Hurt? Identifying the Cause

Medical comparison between a healthy knee and a knee with cartilage wear and osteoarthritis
Before discussing solutions, we must understand the origin. Knee pain can be the result of an acute injury or a chronic degenerative process. The most frequent causes we treat at our clinic in Plaza Lincoln include:
- Cartilage Wear (Osteoarthritis): Friction between bones due to a lack of natural protection.
- Meniscus Injuries: Torn fragments that act as a block in movement.
- Sports Injuries: Very common in athletes and active people, primarily affecting the ligaments and meniscus.
3 Signs You Might Need a Surgical Evaluation

Patient recovering mobility after an orthopedic treatment with Alejandro Luna, M.D. in Tijuana
Although many cases are resolved with conservative treatment, there are “red flags” indicating that structural damage requires technical repair through knee surgery and arthroscopy:
- Joint Locking: If your knee “gets stuck” and you cannot fully straighten or bend it.
- Severe Instability: Feeling that the leg “gives out” when walking, putting your safety at risk.
- Incapacitating Chronic Pain: When the pain does not subside with rest, medication or therapy and limits your activities of daily living.
Modern Treatments to Avoid the Operating Room
Today we have a “middle zone” of advanced treatments known as infiltrations (stem cells, plasma rich in platelets and hyaluronic acid). These procedures can delay or avoid surgery for years:
- Lubricating Gel Infiltrations (Hyaluronic Acid): Help reduce friction and pain.
- Biological Therapies (Stem Cells and PRP): Use your own cells to reduce inflammation and improve the environment of the joint.
- Advanced Rehabilitation: Strengthening the muscles to create a “natural protection” for your knee.
Why Choose Alejandro Luna, M.D. in Tijuana?
The doctor’s experience is decisive for a successful result. As a specialist, I prioritize minimally invasive techniques, which allow for millimeter incisions, less pain, and a much faster recovery than traditional surgeries.
In addition to a shorter recovery time, my patients benefit from much more affordable costs than in the USA and the possibility of being seen immediately, without the long waiting times of the US system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What treatments does Alejandro Luna, M. D. offer before operating? We offer non-surgical options such as lubricating gel infiltrations (hyaluronic acid), biological therapies involving stem cells or platelet-rich plasma, and advanced rehabilitation programs to strengthen the joint.
2. What is the advantage of an arthroscopy in Tijuana with Dr. Luna? Patients benefit from Dr. Luna’s expertise in minimally invasive surgery, providing a faster return to daily activities, high-quality care at a fraction of the US cost, and zero wait times.
3. How long does it take for a knee injury to heal without surgery? It depends on the severity, but with the correct orthopedic treatment and physiotherapy, most patients see significant improvements between 6 and 8 weeks.
About Alejandro Luna, M. D.
Alejandro Luna, M.D. is a renowned Orthopedist and Traumatologist in Tijuana, specialist in knee surgery. His practice is distinguished by combining human warmth with cutting-edge medical technology to restore mobility to his patients.
- Medical License: 7924783
- Specialty License: 10817457
Regain your mobility today!
Don’t let pain decide your future. Alejandro Luna, M.D. will help you find the definitive solution.
📅 Book your appointment here: 👉 Book on Doctoralia
🇺🇸 (619) 554-2588 | 🇲🇽 +52 (664) 814 3827 🌐 www.dralejandroluna.com 🏥 Consultorio 301, Plaza Lincoln, Zona Urbana Río Tijuana, Tijuana, B.C., Mexico.