Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis is a degenerative condition where the protective cartilage that cushions the knee joint gradually wears away, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and progressive joint damage. The most common form is osteoarthritis, which develops from wear and tear over time, though rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory types can also affect the knee.

As the cartilage deteriorates, the joint loses its smooth gliding surface, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Over time, the joint may develop bone spurs, further limiting movement and causing additional discomfort. Knee arthritis can significantly impact daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, and even sleeping.

At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, our knee specialists use advanced imaging including X-rays and MRI to assess the extent of cartilage loss and joint damage, creating personalized treatment plans that range from conservative management to minimally invasive joint replacement when appropriate.

• Knee pain that may be constant or intermittent, often worse with activity
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after prolonged sitting
• Reduced range of motion and difficulty with activities like climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
• Swelling that may come and go
• A grinding or crunching sensation (crepitus) during movement
• Pain that disrupts sleep, especially when lying on the affected side
• Difficulty walking or a limp due to pain and stiffness

Several factors increase the risk of developing knee arthritis:

• Advancing age, as cartilage naturally wears down over time
• Previous knee injuries, fractures, or trauma
• Overuse from repetitive activities or high-impact sports
• Obesity, which places increased stress on the knee joint
• Family history of arthritis or joint problems
• Certain occupations or activities that stress the knee
• Previous knee surgery, such as meniscectomy, which can accelerate wear

Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive physical examination to assess range of motion, identify pain patterns, and evaluate gait. Our specialists look for signs of joint inflammation, muscle weakness, and functional limitations.

X-rays are essential to visualize joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and other structural changes characteristic of arthritis. We offer a complimentary MRI review to assess cartilage integrity, identify early arthritis before it's visible on X-rays, and evaluate surrounding soft tissues. Blood tests may be ordered if inflammatory arthritis is suspected.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Initial treatment focuses on conservative measures, including physical therapy referrals to strengthen knee muscles and improve flexibility, activity modification to reduce stress on the joint, and anti-inflammatory medications. Weight management and low-impact exercise can significantly slow progression and reduce symptoms.

Injection or Interventional Care

For patients with persistent pain, corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation. Hyaluronic acid injections (viscosupplementation) may help lubricate the joint and provide longer-lasting relief for some patients. Biologic injections like PRP or stem cell therapy may also be considered to potentially slow disease progression.

Surgical Treatment Options

When conservative measures no longer provide adequate relief and arthritis significantly impacts daily life, surgical options may be considered. Partial knee replacement may be appropriate for patients with arthritis limited to one compartment, while total knee replacement offers excellent long-term outcomes for advanced arthritis, restoring function and eliminating pain.

Knee arthritis pain typically begins as a dull ache that worsens with activity and improves with rest. As the condition progresses, the pain may become more constant and severe, often described as a deep, grinding sensation in the joint.

The pain frequently disrupts sleep, especially when lying on the affected side, and can make simple activities like getting out of a chair or climbing stairs extremely difficult. Pain is often worse in the morning (morning stiffness) and may improve with gentle movement, only to worsen again with prolonged activity. Our comprehensive treatment approach addresses both pain management and functional restoration, helping patients return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

While some risk factors for knee arthritis cannot be changed, several strategies can help slow progression and maintain joint health:

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee joint
• Regular low-impact exercise to strengthen knee muscles and maintain joint mobility
• Addressing knee injuries early to prevent accelerated wear
• Using proper technique and equipment during physical activities
• Managing underlying conditions that may contribute to arthritis
• Seeking early evaluation and treatment from a knee specialist when symptoms first appear
• Following a structured exercise program designed to protect joint health

If knee arthritis is limiting your activities or causing persistent pain, schedule a consultation with Mountain Spine & Orthopedics today. Benefit from a complimentary MRI review and expert evaluation to explore treatment options tailored to your needs. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.