Arthritis of the Knee

Arthritis is the term used to refer to inflammation of a joint. There are many types of arthritis, which have numerous causes, including an injury (called post-traumatic arthritis), overuse of the joint, age-related degeneration, or an autoimmune disease. Some forms of arthritis affect only one joint, whereas many affect more than one. Some forms of arthritis last for a short period of time, whereas most are chronic conditions, persisting for years or decades.

Here at YourOrthoSolution, we have some of the top orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians in the country. We are dedicated to getting you back to the things you love through a customized plan that fits only you. Our caring team always goes that extra step to make you feel like part of our family. We have extensive experience specializing in treating knee arthritis and want to help you start the healing process as quickly as possible to get you on the path to recovery.

By working with you and customizing the entire treatment and rehabilitation process, you will understand everything you want to know about your condition, giving you the best chance of managing it successfully.

Types

The most common types of arthritis that involve the knees are:

• Osteoarthritis – this is a type of degenerative disease caused by wear and tear on the joint over time. The cartilage in your knee allows your bones to glide smoothly past each other as you move. Years of rubbing at this cartilage will eventually make it deteriorate. Although osteoarthritis usually occurs in many joints, the knee is particularly likely to be affected because of its prominent role in ambulation and weight-bearing.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – this is an inflammatory arthritis, in which the synovial membrane that covers the knee joint becomes swollen and thick. It is an autoimmune disease, caused by the immune system attacking its own tissues. There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there have been recent advances in the development of effective medications.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of knee arthritis include:
• Pain – in osteoarthritis, pain is often worse first thing in the morning
• Swelling
• Decreased range of motion (stiffness)
• Locking” of the knee – this may occur if pieces of cartilage from the bone surfaces break off and enter the joint, interfering with normal joint movement
• Instability of the knee – with longstanding arthritis, damage to tissues in the area (especially ligaments) can become so severe that the knee becomes unstable.
• Deformity – tissue damage with longstanding arthritis may also cause the knee to become deformed. This will not only affect function but also the appearance of the knee.

Treatment

Nonsurgical

Nonsurgical treatments that may be useful include:

• Altered lifestyle and activities – losing weight and modifying your activities can reduce stress on your knee.
• Heat or cold
• Elastic bandages – wrapped around the knee, to reduce swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, or prescription NSAIDs, such as celecoxib
• Pain medications – primarily over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen
• Pain-relieving creams or ointments
• Knee joint injections – using corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid
• Disease-modifying drugs – these are prescription medications that reduce the activity of the immune system, which may be useful for rheumatoid arthritis. They will not cure the condition but may reduce the speed at which it worsens.
• Physical therapy – including exercise to increase mobility of the knee joint and strengthen the muscles around the knee
• Knee braces – two main forms of braces are available: unloader and support braces. Both types support the knee. The unloader brace also shifts the weight of the body away from the affected part of the knee.
• Mobility assistive devices – canes and walkers

Surgical

Surgery may be the only option if nonsurgical treatments do not sufficiently relieve symptoms. There are a number of possible types of surgery, ranging from minimally invasive arthroscopy to total or partial knee replacement surgery. Your surgeon will determine which is most appropriate for you, depending on a number of factors, such as your age, activity level, type of arthritis, general health, previous treatments, and ultimate goals.

Some operations can be performed on an outpatient basis in a surgery center setting. There are many advantages to surgery centers, including better outcomes, lower infection rates, no overnight stay, lower costs, and the convenience that comes with a smaller, yet highly skilled, staff. As with all our procedures, the goal is to get you back to full strength and doing the activities you want to do. Our highly trained specialists will take into account several factors and create a customized treatment plan specially designed for you and your needs.

At YourOrthoSolution, all of our doctors and staff are committed to ensuring that you not only receive the best orthopedic care in the area but also have an exceptional experience during each visit to our locations. Our dedicated staff will handle all insurance processes for you. You can expect to be in a friendly atmosphere and receive top orthopedic treatment to get you back to full mobility as quickly as possible.