Knee Arthritis

There are several risk factors that can contribute to the development of knee arthritis, including age, obesity, previous injury to the knee, repetitive stress on the knee, and family history of arthritis.

Symptoms of knee arthritis might include:

• Gradual increase in knee pain, often worse in the morning or after inactivity
• Swelling or tenderness around the joint
• Stiffness and decreased mobility
• Feeling of warmth in the joint
• A crunching or clicking sound when moving the knee

Arthritis is a chronic condition and cannot completely heal on its own. However, the symptoms can be managed with treatment to slow down the progression of the disease and to improve quality of life.

Knee arthritis can be diagnosed through a physical exam, where your knee surgeon Dr. Mayo checks for swelling, range of motion, and pain. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans can provide more detailed images of the joint and help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for knee arthritis focuses on relieving symptoms and improving function. Options include:

• Physical therapy and exercise: Strengthening the muscles around the knee can make it more stable and decrease pain.
• Medications: These can help manage pain and inflammation.
• Weight loss: Reducing weight can alleviate stress on the knee joint.
• Assistive devices: Using aids like canes or wearing braces can provide support.
• Injections: Steroids or hyaluronic acid can be injected into the knee to reduce pain and swelling.

Surgery is usually considered when other treatments have not provided relief, and the pain is significantly affecting quality of life. The decision on when to have surgery varies and is individualized based on the patient’s level of pain, disability, and overall health. It is a completely elective procedure, and does not need to be done urgently, and can be done when fits your schedule best.

There are several surgical options for knee arthritis:

• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that can be used to remove loose pieces of cartilage.
• Osteotomy: The surgeon cuts the bone either above or below the knee to shift the body weight away from the damaged area.
• Cartilage preservation surgeries: If the damaged cartilage area is small, this is called an osteochondral defect, and procedures may be performed to preserve or replace the cartilage.
• Total knee replacement: The damaged knee joint is replaced with a prosthesis.
• Partial knee replacement: If the cartilage is only damaged in one part of the knee, just replacing that part with a metal and plastic piece may be an option.