Arthritis can affect any joint in the body. However, some joints are more at risk than others due to how much stress they take. Since the knees are are both large joints and used frequently, they are vulnerable to several different forms of arthritis. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are pain management methods and other medical treatments available. If you are looking for Louisville KY knee arthritis treatment, then Orthopaedic Specialists has you covered!
Understanding Knee Arthritis
The two most common forms of arthritis in the knees are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, but they have different underlying causes.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis. It develops slowly over time, with the cartilage in the knee wearing down due to repeated use and age. This results in bones rubbing together, causing pain and stiffness. Individuals with osteoarthritis may experience symptoms that worsen with activity or weather changes.
Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks healthy joints. This causes inflammation, leading to pain and swelling in the knee joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect both knees simultaneously, and it may cause deformities in advanced stages.
Both conditions can make everyday tasks like walking, climbing stairs, and standing up from a chair extremely challenging. Fortunately, treatments are available to help manage pain, improve function, and prevent further damage to the knee joint.
Signs and Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
If you are experiencing knee arthritis, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pain in the knee during movement or after prolonged activity.
- Stiffness that makes it difficult to bend or straighten the knee.
- Swelling or warmth around the knee joint.
- Decreased range of motion that limits the ability to fully straighten or bend the knee.
- Crackling or popping sounds (crepitus) when moving the knee.
- Difficulty walking or feeling unstable on your feet.
These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the type of arthritis and how far the condition has progressed.
Louisville KY Knee Arthritis Treatment Options
When it comes to knee arthritis treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Treatment plans depend on factors like the severity of the condition, the type of arthritis, and the patient’s overall health. However, several options can help manage pain and improve knee function.
1. Minimally-Invasive Treatments
For many patients, conservative treatments provide significant relief from knee arthritis symptoms. These treatments are often non-invasive and can include:
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, improving stability and reducing pressure on the joint. A physical therapist can also teach exercises that increase flexibility and reduce pain.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Topical creams and gels may also provide localized relief.
- Knee Braces and Supports: Wearing a knee brace can help support the joint and alleviate pressure, improving stability and comfort during physical activities.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting corticosteroids into the knee joint can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. This treatment is particularly effective for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Lifestyle Changes: Mild arthritis can be helped by meeting with specialists for lifestyle habits like a non-inflammatory diet and safe or alternate exercises that protect the knees.
2. Surgical Options
For patients with severe knee arthritis that doesn’t respond to other treatments, surgery may be necessary. Common surgical options include:
- Arthroscopy: In some cases, knee arthroscopy can be performed to remove damaged tissue or cartilage fragments from the joint. This minimally-invasive surgery can relieve pain and improve knee function.
- Knee Osteotomy: This procedure involves reshaping the bones around the knee to realign the joint. It is typically recommended for patients with early-stage arthritis who have damage on one side of the knee.
- Partial Knee Replacement: In cases where arthritis affects only part of the knee, a partial knee replacement may be performed. This involves removing the damaged portion of the knee and replacing it with a prosthesis.
- Total Knee Replacement: For individuals with advanced knee arthritis, a total knee replacement may be the most effective treatment. The entire knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic components.
Finding the Right Treatment for You
If you are dealing with knee arthritis, it’s essential to consult with a specialist who can assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. At Orthopaedic Specialists in Louisville, KY, we offer comprehensive knee arthritis treatment to help you manage your symptoms and regain your mobility. If you are searching for Louisville KY knee arthritis treatment, schedule a consultation with us today.
If you or someone you love suffers from knee arthritis in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.
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