A Mouthful of Words

On further history, it is revealed that he had a previous meniscal injury from falling off his bicycle as a teenager.
He subsequent underwent arthroscopy and meniscectomy of the same knee as he had been complaining of mechanical symptoms after the accident.

With regards to the pain, he denies any significant morning stiffness, but states it is worsened with prolonged activity. He is otherwise able to function.
His pain is located "inside" the knee and he denies any current mechanical symptoms of locking/catching or instability.
The pain is often a dull ache with occasional sharp pains "if [he] moves the wrong way". In addition, he notices that his left knee has gotten a little swollen over the past month.
The pain has overall gotten more frequent and prolonged over the past year. He has tried regular dosing of acetaminopen and/or ibuprofen, bracing with an over-the-counter tensor, and icing.
Sam also enjoys cycling so he tends to ride 30-45min 3 times per week and finds it somewhat helpful, but this has declined recently due to increased pain.
Overall, despite the aforementioned measures he has taken, he reports inadequate pain control.