Dr. Adolph Lombardi Jr.
Hip, Knee
KNEE ARTHRITIS
If you’re suffering from a knee injury, knee pain, or arthritis, learn how JIS Orthopedics can help you get back to living your life without limits. To schedule a consultation, click the button below!
What Our Patients Say
“What a refreshing change from some of the other doctors I saw for my knees! The entire staff were top notch! No long wait to see the doctor, which is unheard of around here. He was personable, friendly and professional. He provided me an option for my pain which really helped me. He was honest and to the point. So glad I went to him! Highly recommend him!” — Karen H.
Knee arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with daily activities. Whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or severe knee pain, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you make informed decisions about your joint health.
At JIS Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating knee arthritis, offering advanced solutions to help relieve pain and restore mobility. With locations in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH, our team is dedicated to providing expert orthopedic care tailored to your needs. Make your appointment today!
About the Knee Joint
The knee joint is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body, playing a crucial role in movement and weight-bearing. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia), with the kneecap (patella) sitting in front.
The joint is cushioned by cartilage and lubricated by synovial fluid to allow smooth motion. When arthritis affects the knee, this delicate balance is disrupted, leading to knee pain, swelling, and stiffness.
What is Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis refers to inflammation and degeneration of the knee joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is a progressive condition that worsens over time, impacting daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, and even resting.
Types of Knee Arthritis
Several types of arthritis can affect the knee, each with its own causes, symptoms, and progression. Understanding the differences can help in choosing the right treatment for knee arthritis.
Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)
Knee osteoarthritis is the most common type of degenerative joint disease, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears away over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, stiffness, and swelling. OA typically develops gradually and is often associated with aging, repetitive stress on the joints, and previous injuries.
- Symptoms: Pain that worsens with activity, stiffness after rest, reduced range of motion, and the formation of bone spurs.
- Risk Factors: Aging, obesity, previous joint injuries, genetic predisposition, and repetitive strain on the knee.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the joints, causing chronic inflammation. Unlike OA, which primarily affects cartilage, RA leads to joint deformity and damage to the surrounding soft tissues. It often affects both knees symmetrically.
- Symptoms: Swelling, redness, warmth in the knee, prolonged morning stiffness, and fatigue.
- Risk Factors: Genetic factors, immune system dysfunction, smoking, and environmental triggers.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
This form of knee arthritis develops after an injury, such as a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscus damage. Trauma can accelerate cartilage breakdown, leading to knee osteoarthritis years after the initial injury.
- Symptoms: Pain and swelling that worsens with physical activity, stiffness, and instability in the knee.
- Risk Factors: Prior knee injuries, surgeries, and high-impact sports.
Gout and Pseudogout
Both conditions result from the buildup of crystals in the knee joint, causing sudden and severe knee pain and swelling.
- Gout: Caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint. It typically affects one joint at a time.
- Pseudogout: Results from calcium pyrophosphate crystals and is more likely to affect both knees.
Infectious Arthritis
Though rare, infections can lead to arthritis in the knee, causing rapid joint destruction if not treated promptly.
- Symptoms: Severe knee swelling, redness, warmth, fever, and difficulty moving the joint.
- Risk Factors: Recent joint surgery, weakened immune system, infections elsewhere in the body.
Knee Arthritis Symptoms
The knee arthritis symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the condition but often include:
- Persistent arthritis knee pain
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Swelling and tenderness around the knee
- Reduced range of motion
- A grinding or clicking sensation when moving the knee
- Formation of bone spurs, which can contribute to pain and stiffness
- Weakness in the leg muscles supporting the knee
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to developing knee arthritis, including:
- Age – The risk increases with age, as joint cartilage naturally wears down over time.
- Genetics – Family history can play a significant role in the development of arthritis.
- Previous Knee Injuries – Trauma from sports, accidents, or surgery can lead to arthritis.
- Obesity – Excess weight puts additional stress on the knee joint, accelerating cartilage breakdown.
- Repetitive Stress – Jobs or activities that involve frequent kneeling, squatting, or heavy lifting can increase the risk.
- Autoimmune Disorders – Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis attack the joints and cause inflammation.
How is Knee Arthritis Diagnosed?
Getting knee arthritis diagnosed involves a comprehensive evaluation, including:
- Medical History & Physical Exam – Your doctor will assess symptoms, risk factors, and joint function.
- Imaging Tests – X-rays can reveal osteoarthritis of the knee, showing cartilage loss, bone spurs, and joint space narrowing. MRI scans provide detailed images of soft tissues and cartilage.
- Lab Tests – Blood tests may be used to detect inflammatory markers, particularly for rheumatoid arthritis.
Early diagnosis is key to treating knee arthritis effectively and preventing further joint damage.
Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis
There are several ways to manage arthritic knee pain, ranging from conservative treatments to surgical options.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Medications – Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections can help relieve pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy – Strengthening the muscles around the knee can improve stability and reduce stress on the joint.
- Bracing & Assistive Devices – Knee braces and canes can help offload pressure from the affected joint.
- Lifestyle Modifications – Weight management, low-impact exercises, and avoiding repetitive knee strain can slow arthritis progression.
Surgical Treatments
When conservative treatments are no longer effective, surgery may be recommended. Options include:
- Arthroscopy – A minimally invasive procedure that removes loose cartilage, smooths rough bone surfaces, and cleans the joint. This option is usually recommended for mild arthritis or associated injuries.
- Osteotomy – This realignment surgery is used in younger patients to shift weight away from the damaged side of the knee joint, prolonging the life of the knee before needing a full knee replacement surgery.
- Partial Knee Replacement – Also called unicompartmental knee replacement, this procedure replaces only the damaged portion of the knee, preserving healthy tissue. It is an excellent option for patients with arthritis confined to one part of the knee.
- Total Knee Replacement Surgery – For severe arthritis, a full knee replacement surgery removes the damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with metal and plastic components, restoring function and alleviating pain. This procedure has a high success rate, helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Get Expert Knee Arthritis Care at JIS Orthopedics
If you’re struggling with knee arthritis, our specialists at JIS Orthopedics in New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio, are here to help. From advanced diagnostics to state-of-the-art treatment options, we provide personalized care to help you regain mobility and live pain-free. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicholas Walla
Sources
- https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/arthritis-of-the-knee/
- https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pseudogout/symptoms-causes/syc-20376983
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bone-and-joint-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20350755
Treat Your Knee Pain Today
Arthritis of the knee can be very painful and debilitating, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, it can often be managed successfully. If you suspect knee joint arthritis, schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today! We have offices located in New Albany and St. Clairsville.
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