What Is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?
Osteoarthritis of the knee often results from an age-related degenerative process that occurs gradually over time. Through ongoing wear and tear, the smooth cartilage that lines the knee joint can begin to break down and wear away, leading to bone-on-bone contact. In response, the body may produce smooth bony deposits (bone spurs) to help protect the exposed bone surfaces. All of this can lead to knee pain, stiffness and impaired mobility.
What does osteoarthritis of the knee feel like?
Because knee arthritis typically progresses very slowly, its symptoms often worsen in frequency and severity over a number of years. The primary symptom of knee osteoarthritis is pain, which may follow any of the following patterns:
- Mild-to-moderate discomfort that comes and goes
- A persistent, dull ache punctuated by periodic, intense flare-ups
- Pain that occurs or intensifies during activities that strain the damaged knee joint, such as walking, climbing stairs, squatting, kneeling and bending
- Pain and stiffness that worsen with prolonged rest or inactivity
How is osteoarthritis of the knee treated?
In general, regular exercise and weight maintenance are key components of an effective treatment plan for osteoarthritis of the knee. A physician or physical therapist can recommend an individualized workout program designed to strengthen the muscles that support the knee joint, enhance range of motion and reduce pain. Walking and swimming are excellent options.
While the degenerative process that leads to knee osteoarthritis cannot be reversed or halted, many people are able to effectively manage their discomfort. In addition to regular exercise and weight maintenance, this can often be accomplished with lifestyle changes, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or, in severe cases, surgery.
At Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, TX, you can explore a variety of osteoarthritis treatment options with our team of experienced knee specialists. We offer the latest approaches to physical therapy, custom bracing and surgery, including minimally invasive and traditional techniques. Our goal is to help each patient find the most conservative treatment plan that will be effective. To learn more, contact us today.


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1Professional Building II At North Cypress Medical Center
AOSM Physical Therapy
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2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
AOSM Physical Therapy -
3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
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4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
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5Shenandoah Location
What Our Patients Are Saying
They are very professional and attentive. I was having shoulder pain. The wait was short and staff very kind.

Dr. Tanous and everyone at Advanced Orthopaedics are great. The surgery to repair my knee injury and the treatment afterwards were handled amazingly well.

Dr Tanous and Chris are the best! Thank you for always taking such good care of me!

Great experience with Dr. Tanous and staff. Telling our entire family and friends about my husband Mel ‘s injury and the kind and expert care we received . Our thanks and appreciation .

Dr. Blalock did surgery on my broken wrist on Tuesday. I liked him a lot as did my husband. Took time to explain everything in detail even though his phone was ringing non-stop.

Very Knowledgeable and helpful. Went in for an appt. with Dr. Elbaz for tennis elbow. Needed treatment and they didn’t have an opening til the following week, but since I traveled 2 hrs to their office

I have been fighting chronic knee pain for ten years following a knee replacement, a bone infection, and subsequent knee revision surgery. After a number of failed solutions to pain relief, Dr. Patel introduced me to RF

My son and husband have both been seen here. The staff is very polite and helpful. Dr. Mohr performed my husband’s back surgery.

Dr. Mills is exceptional. I would recommend him to anyone

For the first time in many years and many knee operations on one leg I am without any knee pain. This is a result of a procedure performed by Dr. Patel.
