Knee Osteoarthritis

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!

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“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 osteoarthritis is a painful condition that progressively worsens over time. Although there is no cure, if it is diagnosed early, you may be able to slow down the condition.

If you have chronic pain in your knee and want to know about available treatment options, contact one of our offices today at JIS Orthopedics. We have locations in New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio.

Our expert orthopedic specialists will educate you about the cause of your knee pain and provide a treatment plan that can help relieve pain. Give us a call or book your visit online now!

What is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that can affect the knee. Knee OA occurs over time as the cartilage in your knee joint wears down. As the joint lining wears down, the bones begin to rub against each other. This can also create painful bone spurs in the knee joint.

Knee OA most often occurs in people over 50 years of age; however, it can be seen in younger people too.

Knee OA will usually develop slowly, and joint pain worsens over time.

Causes of Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage in your knee joint wears down. This results in a narrowing of the joint space, causing more friction and pain. There are two types of cartilage in your knee joint, articular cartilage and meniscal cartilage.

Articular cartilage lines the ends of the bones in the joint and allows it to bend and move freely. Meniscal cartilage absorbs shock that goes through the knee. When the knee joint is subject to more movement and shock, the cartilage can wear at a faster rate.

There are several risk factors that will make you more likely to develop knee OA. These include:

You are over the age of 50
Being overweight
You have a previous knee injury
You have a job or play sports that put stress on your knee
You have a family history of osteoarthritis
You have bone deformities

What Are the Symptoms of Knee Arthritis?

The most common symptom of knee OA is knee pain that worsens with use. Other Knee OA symptoms may include the following:

Swelling: Swelling of the knee joint is another common symptom of osteoarthritis, which may be accompanied by redness and warmth.
Loss of flexibility: Over time, osteoarthritis can reduce the amount of flexible movement present in the knee joint, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
Popping or cracking noises: Osteoarthritis can create noise from inside the joint when moving, with popping or cracking noises being especially common.
Weakness around the knee joint: Osteoarthritis can lead to weakness in muscles surrounding the knee, such as those controlling movement or balance.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis are similar to rheumatoid arthritis. However, rheumatoid arthritis can often be felt in other joints of the body at the same time. A medical examination will help with a proper diagnosis.

How is Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

Your doctor may use the following diagnostic methods to determine whether you have knee osteoarthritis:

Consulting medical history
Physical examination
X-Rays
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans

Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis can be treated with non-surgical and surgical treatments. The treatment will depend on factors such as the severity of the damage and your age.

Non-Surgical Management

Initial treatment for Knee OA is nearly always non-surgical. Non-surgical treatments include the following:

NSAIDs: This medication provides pain relief and reduces inflammation.
Corticosteroids: These can be used 3-4 times a year to reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical therapy: Exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the knee.
Knee Brace: A knee brace will support your knee, helping to reduce pain.
Orthotics: Shoe inserts can be used to reduce shock through your knee.
Lose weight: Losing weight will reduce the forces that go through your knees.
Dietary supplements: Some patients report less pain when taking chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical treatment may be suggested if non-surgical treatments are no longer providing pain relief. Surgical treatments may include the following:

Cartilage grafting: A treatment that may be used in younger patients. Healthy cartilage is inserted where damage has occurred.
Knee osteotomy: Literally meaning “cutting of the bone,” this procedure relieves pressure on damaged areas of the knee joint.
Partial knee replacement: The procedure will replace one compartment of the knee with metal or plastic joint surfaces.
Full knee replacement: The procedure involves replacing the whole knee joint with metal or plastic joint surfaces.

Recovery and Management After Treatment

Your recovery will depend on the treatment you received for osteoarthritis.

Recovery will usually include a series of physical therapy sessions. The focus will be on strengthening the knee and restoring range of motion.

Schedule an Appointment with Us Today!

If you feel discomfort and pain in your knee and want to know about available treatment options, contact one of our offices today at JIS Orthopedics. We have locations in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH.

We can arrange for an expert orthopedic specialist to provide a treatment plan that can help relieve arthritis pain. Give us a call or book your visit online today!

Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander G. Athey

Sources

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.