Knee pain caused by arthritis can make even the simplest activities feel challenging. Walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of a chair might become a daily struggle.
But living with knee pain does not mean giving up on your quality of life.
While there is no cure for arthritis, there are many ways to manage the symptoms and improve your mobility. Let us discuss arthritis in the knee and how to find relief.
What Is Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, this can cause the bones in the joint to rub against one another, making movement increasingly difficult.
The most common form of arthritis affecting the knees is osteoarthritis (OA). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that progresses over time, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees. Risk factors include age, obesity, joint injuries, and a family history of arthritis.
Sometimes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also affect the knees. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation.
Best Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, specific treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve joint function. Here are some options often recommended by experts.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle changes can also help ease knee arthritis pain. These include:
- Stay Active: Low-impact exercises like swimming and walking improve joint health and mobility.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can reduce stress on your knees.
- Dietary Changes: Include anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, nuts, and leafy greens in your meals.
Medications
Here are some medications that can help ease knee arthritis pain.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can reduce knee pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Your orthopedic doctor may consider these to alleviate severe pain, but they are typically not a long-term solution.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one good way to find knee pain relief without surgery. Physical therapists can create personalized exercise plans to strengthen the muscles surrounding your knee. This improves stability and alleviates pressure on the joint.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy uses components of your blood to stimulate healing in your knee. This option has gained popularity in recent years for helping to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
Assistive Devices
Using a knee brace, cane, or custom orthotics can help offload pressure on your knees, making movement more comfortable.
Advanced Options
When arthritis pain becomes severe and disrupts daily life, surgery may be an option, especially if other treatments like medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes have failed. Surgery is typically considered a last resort due to its invasive nature and recovery time.
One of the most common surgical options an orthopedic surgeon recommends is knee replacement surgery, which can be partial or total.
Partial Knee Replacement
A surgical procedure where only the damaged portion of the knee, such as the medial, lateral, or patellofemoral compartment, is replaced with a prosthetic implant. This technique preserves the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments, resulting in a shorter recovery time and more natural knee movement compared to total replacement.
It is typically recommended for patients with limited arthritis confined to one part of the knee.
Total Knee Replacement
A comprehensive surgery where the entire knee joint, including the damaged cartilage and bone, is replaced with prosthetic components made of metal and plastic. This procedure is designed to relieve pain and restore mobility for patients with severe arthritis or extensive joint damage.
The prosthetic components mimic the natural structure and function of the knee, providing long-term durability and improved quality of life.
Best Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis in Plantation, FL
Arthritis in the knees does not have to hold you back from living an active and fulfilling life. By understanding the best treatment for knee osteoarthritis, trying strategies for knee pain relief, and consulting with experts like an orthopedic surgeon, you can take proactive steps toward managing your pain.
At Baylis and Brown Orthopedics, we provide personalized orthopedic care to help you find the treatment plan that works best for your lifestyle. Our experienced and board-certified Dr. Baylis is dedicated to addressing your knee arthritis and helping you regain your mobility—and your confidence.
For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baylis, call us today at (954) 476-8800 or fill out our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
