Arthritis doesn't just challenge your joints; it challenges your way of life. Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis, often targets the knees, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling that can take a toll on your mobility and overall quality of life. At Orthopedic Associates of Long Island, our doctors understand the impact knee arthritis can have, and we're dedicated to transforming these challenges into solutions. With our state-of-the-art treatments and personalized care plans, we don't just manage symptoms — we strive to restore your active lifestyle and improve your joint health.
Causes of Knee Arthritis
Arthritis of the knee may develop as the cartilage protecting the bones of the knee joint wears down over time. Over the years, as stress is put on the joints, cartilage wears thin and sometimes even erodes completely, resulting in stiffness and pain. Arthritis of the knee occurs more frequently in older individuals, however it sometimes develops in athletes from overuse of the knee joint or after an injury.
Types of Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis can manifest in several forms, each affecting the joint in unique ways. The primary types include:
- Osteoarthritis: The most common form, characterized by the gradual wear and tear of cartilage.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that results in inflammation and degeneration of joint tissues.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after an injury to the knee, such as a fracture, ligament damage, or meniscus tear.
Understanding the specific type of arthritis is crucial in tailoring treatment and management plans.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis of the knee may include pain, swelling and stiffness within the joint. Some individuals also experience a feeling of weakness in the knee that results in the knee locking or buckling. These symptoms tend to worsen after increased physical activity and as the condition progresses. Over time, as arthritis of the knee progresses, the knee joint becomes increasingly stiff and inflamed, difficult to move, and very painful, even when at rest.
What People Say About Us!
"I usually don’t like submitting reviews online BUT I think the staff is excellent! My knees had been a real problem for me BEFORE I started using this group. Dr. Sileo and Richard have been amazing in finding treatments to give me relief and I can walk again without being in extreme discomfort. Thanks a million for giving me my life (knees) back!! I will be your patient forever!!
Click here to read more reviews.
How is Knee Arthritis Diagnosed?
To diagnose arthritis of the knee, a doctor will review all symptoms and perform a physical examination. X-rays and other imaging tests are often used to assess the amount of damage to the joint.
Knee Arthritis Treatment
Treatment for arthritis of the knee initially focuses on relieving pain and addressing symptoms and is commonly treated with a combination of methods. Avoiding certain physical activities that place stress on the knee may be helpful. Medication may also be used to treat pain and may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Prescription pain relievers
- Corticosteroid injections
Physical therapy may be a successful form of treatment for some patients. Severe cases of osteoarthritis of the knee may require surgery to reposition the bones or replace the joint.
Knee Arthritis Risk Factors
While age and previous joint injuries are well-known risk factors, several other elements can increase the likelihood of developing knee arthritis:
- Genetics: A family history of arthritis can predispose individuals to similar conditions.
- Obesity: Extra body weight adds pressure to the knees, accelerating the breakdown of joint cartilage.
- Occupational Hazards: Jobs that demand repetitive knee strain, like construction or farming, can increase wear and tear.
Identifying and mitigating these risk factors early can help manage or prevent knee arthritis.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Modifications
Managing knee arthritis symptoms can be supported by dietary and lifestyle changes:
- Diet: Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods such as omega-3 rich fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables can reduce joint inflammation. Maintaining hydration is vital for cartilage health.
- Exercise: Engaging in low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or yoga can strengthen the muscles around the knee, alleviating stress on the joint.
- Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the strain on your knees.
Adopting these lifestyle modifications can help minimize the symptoms and progression of knee arthritis.
Long-Term Management for Knee Arthritis
Long-term management of knee arthritis involves:
- Regular Monitoring: Routine check-ups with a healthcare provider to assess the progression of the condition.
- Personalized Physical Activity Plans: Custom exercise routines designed to strengthen the knee without causing additional wear.
- Medication Management: Using medications to manage pain and inflammation effectively.
Adapting management strategies as the condition evolves is key to maintaining quality of life.
Knee Arthritis Prevention Strategies
Preventative measures for knee arthritis include:
- Exercise Regularly: Builds strength and flexibility, which can help support and protect the knee joint.
- Maintain Proper Posture and Lifting Techniques: Protects the joints from undue stress.
- Early Intervention: Addressing symptoms when they first appear can help prevent further joint damage.
Knee Arthritis FAQs
I have arthritis in one knee. Will the other be affected, too?
If you're noticing stiffness and pain in one knee, you may worry that, at some point, your other knee will develop the same symptoms. Arthritis doesn't work that way. You may develop arthritis in only one knee. The development of joint degradation in the opposite leg can be avoided by acting quickly on arthritis you have already developed. Talk to your doctor about the various conservative ways that you can slow down the breakdown of cartilage in your joints and how you can take optimal care of both of your knees at once.
Why is my leg bowing?
Sometimes, when knee arthritis becomes severe, it can cause a deformity in the leg. Some people start to look bow-legged while others develop a knock-kneed condition in which the leg bends inward at the knee. This happens because of the wear pattern of the cartilage in the knee: more wear at the inside aspect of the joint and the leg leans inward; more wear at the outside aspect and the leg may lean outward at the knee. If your leg has one of these two deformities, you can benefit from seeing a doctor sooner rather than later. Continuing to walk on severely arthritic knees could change your gait to the point of affecting other joints, including your hips.
My knees make crackling sounds. Why is that?
All joints in the body are buffered with smooth cartilage that slide along each other as the joint moves. Arthritis is the condition in which cartilage becomes worn. The crackling that you hear occurs when rough surfaces rug against one another and there is less smooth glide happening inside the joint. This is a common sign of osteoarthritis.
Does knee arthritis require surgery?
Having knee arthritis doesn't mean you'll need surgery. You may find sufficient relief and management through a few lifestyle changes and conservative clinical intervention, including physical therapy, injections, or biologic treatments.
You might consider knee surgery if your arthritis has become so severe that it keeps you up at night or prevents you from living the active life that you want. If swelling, inflammation, and comfort don't improve with medication and rest, or if your leg has become deformed due to excessive joint wear, you may be a great candidate for knee surgery.
Knee arthritis is typically handled in one of two ways:
- Arthroscopic surgery. This minimally invasive procedure views the knee joint using an arthroscope. The narrow tube with a camera on the end is inserted through a tiny incision. Viewing the joint on a monitor, the doctor can use tiny instruments inserted through another small incision to remove damaged cartilage and flush the joint of debris that may be contributing to pain.
- Knee replacement. If all other treatment options have failed to achieve a satisfactory level of relief, you may be a good candidate for knee replacement surgery. In this procedure, the doctor replaces all worn parts of the knee, including cartilage and parts of the joint, with artificial devices made of plastic and metal. The relieving results of knee replacement can last indefinitely. If you are a candidate for knee replacement, your doctor will discuss their expected outcome, downtime, and all other important aspects of the treatment.
If I have arthritis in one knee, will I get it in the other?
Having arthritis in one knee does not guarantee that it will develop in the other knee, but it is a possibility, especially if the underlying causes are systemic, such as genetic predisposition or rheumatoid arthritis. Factors like body weight, activity level, and injury history also play significant roles. It's important to monitor both knees and follow preventive measures to reduce the risk of arthritis in the other knee.
What are some exercises to help with knee arthritis?
Exercise is crucial in managing knee arthritis, as it helps maintain joint function and reduce stiffness. Here are some effective exercises:
- Walking: A low-impact activity that helps maintain mobility and cardiovascular health.
- Swimming and Water Aerobics: These activities reduce the weight-bearing load on the knees while providing resistance to strengthen the muscles.
- Strength Training: Focusing on the muscles around the knee (quadriceps and hamstrings) can help stabilize and support the joint. Use light weights or bodyweight exercises such as leg lifts and squats.
- Stretching: Keeping the knee and surrounding muscles flexible helps maintain range of motion and reduce stiffness.
Before starting any new exercise regimen, consult with a physical therapist or healthcare provider to ensure the exercises are safe and appropriately tailored to your specific needs.
Schedule a Consultation
Don't let knee arthritis dictate your pace of life. Here in Long Island, we're not just treating symptoms; we're dedicated to enhancing your mobility and ensuring you can embrace life without limits. To discover the full range of our innovative knee arthritis treatments and start your journey back to active living, contact today at 631.689.6698 to schedule your appointment.
