Knee Osteoarthritis: Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Arthritis is a degenerative condition of the joints, and it commonly affects the knees. For people with knee osteoarthritis, it can be difficult to perform daily activities like walking or climbing stairs. Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are available treatments to help manage the pain and stay active.

Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Similar to other knee conditions and injuries, osteoarthritis can cause pain and inflammation. This pain is typically gradual, although sudden onset is possible. Other common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:

• Stiff knee
• Pain and swelling that’s worse in the morning or after sitting or resting
• Flare-ups after vigorous activity
• Locking or sticking of the knee
• Clicking, snapping, or grinding noises in the joint
• Weakness or buckling in the knee
• Increased joint pain with weather changes

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's important to seek help from an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosing Knee Arthritis

To diagnose knee osteoarthritis, a doctor conducts a physical examination and may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays or blood tests. During the physical examination, they'll look for:

• Joint swelling, warmth, or redness
• Knee tenderness
• Instability of the joint
• Any signs of injury around the knee
• Problems with the way you walk

There are six primary forms of knee osteoarthritis, and an X-ray can help distinguish among them. For certain types, such as rheumatoid osteoarthritis, blood tests can make an accurate diagnosis.

Knee Arthritis Treatment Options

Treatment options for knee osteoarthritis can range from over-the-counter medications to orthopedic interventions. Common treatments include:

• Lifestyle changes: Low-impact exercises, like swimming, can help you stay active while putting less stress on your knee. Additionally, losing weight can reduce stress on the knee joint.
• Orthopedic physical therapy: Specific exercises can help strengthen the knee and improve the range of motion. A physical therapist can develop a customized treatment plan to address your needs and goals.
• Chiropractic care: A chiropractor can address joint pain, improving range of motion and reducing inflammation.
• Noninvasive treatment options: Treatment options, such as targeted injections and knee bracing, are commonly recommended by orthopedic doctors for knee osteoarthritis.
• Surgery: If non-surgical methods aren’t helping reduce your knee osteoarthritis pain, you may need surgery. The right orthopedic surgeon can help you heal faster with less pain.

A Personalized Approach to Knee Arthritis Care

Knee osteoarthritis is painful and can prevent you from doing activities you enjoy. At The Orthopedic Health Center, our expert team prioritizes one-on-one patient care and comprehensive treatment options for conditions like knee osteoarthritis. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.