Types of Knee Arthritis and Treatment Options

Your knees are the largest and strongest joints in your body. Because you rely on your knees to help you stand and walk, knee arthritis can be especially debilitating. Most people with knee arthritis have one of three types.

Types of Knee Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint breaks down, causing the bones to rub together and create discomfort or pain.
• Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that develops after an injury.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune arthritis in which your body mistakenly attacks healthy joints in your knees.

How to Determine If You Have Knee Arthritis

Symptoms of arthritis can manifest either suddenly or gradually, depending on the specific type of the condition. These symptoms can fluctuate, appearing and disappearing, or they may endure over a period of time.

One way a healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnosis is by:

• Examining your medical history and current symptoms
• Thoroughly observing you, closely focusing on your joints
• Requesting laboratory tests, X-rays, and other imaging tests
• Testing body fluids, such as your blood, to accurately determine the specific type of arthritis you may be experiencing

Is There a Cure for Knee Arthritis?

Sadly, there is currently no cure for knee arthritis. The good news is that the doctors at Specialty Orthopaedics can recommend non-surgical treatments, such as:

• Lifestyle changes
• Knee braces
• Nutritional counseling for weight loss
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory or pain medications
• Knee injections, such as cortisone, hyaluronic acid (gel shots), PRP, and stem cells

If conservative treatment does not bring you relief from severe arthritis damage to your knee, our orthopedic specialists may recommend advanced surgical treatments, such as:

• Knee arthroscopy
• Partial or unicompartmental knee replacement or MAKOplasty®
• Total knee replacement
• Mako robotic-assisted knee replacement

Schedule a Consultation for Knee Arthritis in Harrison, NY

Knee arthritis should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to considerable pain and disability. If you're experiencing persistent knee pain, stiffness, or instability, it's possible that you're dealing with knee arthritis. If you would like to learn more, please reach out to our team at Specialty Orthopaedics. Contact us at 914-686-0111 to book your appointment now.