Knee Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition involving loss of cartilage in joint such as the knee. Cartilage coats the end our our bones which provides a cushion and decreases friction in our joints. As the cartilage is worn away, the mechanics of the knee are affected resulting in pain and disability.

If you are suffering from knee arthritis, you are not alone. Nearly 1 in 3 adults suffer from arthritis or other chronic joint symptoms. Arthritis can be caused by a number of factors including age, genetics, obesity, and previous injury.

Knee Arthritis
Knee Pain

Symptoms of Knee Arthritis

Generally, the pain associated with knee arthritis develops gradually, although sudden onset is also possible. Arthritic joints are swollen or inflamed, usually because the smooth cartilage around them has been damaged in some way. This makes it difficult to bend or straighten the knee. Usually, the pain and swelling is worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity. Pain may also increase after activities such as walking, stair climbing, or kneeling.

Diagnosis of Arthritis

Knee Arthritis is diagnosed with a combination of a thorough history and physical exam as well as X-rays. It can be classified as mild, moderate, and severe based on the patient’s symptoms as the degree of cartilage loss or joint-space narrowing.

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Treatment Options

knee arthritis symptoms

Conservative Options

Mild knee arthritis often responds well to a combination of conservative treatment options including:

  • Oral anti-inflammatory medications
  • Weight loss
  • Activity modification
  • Low-impact exercises
  • Braces

Injection Options

If symptoms do not improve with our conservative options, patients may find relief with a variety of injection options:

  • Corticosteroid injection (short term relief)
  • Hyaluronic Acid injections (“Gel Injections”)Naturally occurring substance found in the knee used to supplement to decrease pain and inflammation
  • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) InjectionsUsing concentrated platelets and growth factors from your own blood to help improve symptoms due to knee arthritis

Surgical Treatment

If nonsurgical treatments are not successful in alleviating your symptoms, you may be a candidate for surgery. The most common surgical treatment for severe knee arthritis is a knee replacement.

Book an appointment with Dr. Ackerman to discuss which treatment option is best for you.