Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis occurs when there is inflammation in the knee joint. Knee arthritis can make everyday activities like walking extremely difficult. If you think you may have knee arthritis, seek help from an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the knee joint.

Symptoms of Knee Arthritis

• Knee pain
• Worsening pain in the morning or at night
• Pain after movement
• Stiffness
• Locking
• Weakness

Causes of Knee Arthritis

Wear and tear of knee cartilage due to aging is the most common reason knee arthritis develops. Other factors that may influence the risk of developing knee arthritis may include:

• Previous injury
• Weight
• Genetics
• Gender
• Lifestyle

What Types of Arthritis Affect the Knee?

There are many types of arthritis that can develop in the knee; however, the most common include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.

How is Knee Arthritis Diagnosed?

If you think you may have knee arthritis, seek help from a knee doctor. They will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam to determine diagnosis. They may take an x-ray or perform other tests to confirm diagnosis.

Treatment for Knee Arthritis

There is no cure for knee arthritis; however, there can be treatment to help slow the progression of arthritis and manage pain. A knee specialist may recommend the following treatment for your arthritis:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Exercise
• Weight loss
• Physical therapy
• Injections
• Surgery

Surgery for Knee Arthritis

If your knee arthritis is severe, your knee doctor may recommend surgery. Some of the surgeries that your knee doctor may recommend include:

• Total knee replacement surgery
• Partial knee replacement surgery
• Knee osteotomy
• Knee arthroscopy

At Home Tips to Relieve Knee Arthritis Pain

If you think you are suffering from knee arthritis, it is recommended that you seek medical attention; however, here are some at-home tips to try if you can’t see a doctor right away or you are in between appointments.

1. Do low-impact exercises- exercises such as walking, biking, and swimming are a great way to relieve stiffness in the knee joint without causing further damage. If your knee pain worsens during low-impact activities, be sure to talk to a doctor.
2. Implement cold and heat therapy- place a heating pad or an ice pack on your knee joint. If the joint is stiff, use heat to relax the muscles. If the joint is swollen, use a cold pack to reduce inflammation.
3. Take over-the-counter pain medication- pain medication can help to relieve pain and reduce swelling in the knee joint.

Seek Help from a Knee Specialist Near You

If you think you may have knee arthritis, seek help from a knee doctor near you. At Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics, we have many surgeons who specialize in the knee joint, including surgeons that can perform knee replacement surgery.

To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic providers in Nashville, Franklin, or Brentwood, TN, call us or request an appointment online.

Author

Marina von Rutenberg Marina is the Marketing Coordinator for Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics. She has been writing and reviewing medical content since 2021. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-von-rutenberg/