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
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2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
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3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
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4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
What Our Patients Are Saying
I never review places or services on Facebook, but I could not let others know how blessed I was to have Dr. Cubbage as my surgeon. He and his lovely staff, including awesome Karen,
Each procedure done by Dr. Patel has been an improvement. Very pleased.
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.
I have found the staff to be courteous and professional. Lynn and Julie were wonderful to work with and took good care of me. And Dr. Brooks and Dr. Mack are excellent
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. Mills is a great hand specialist. He gets right to the point and is very kind to offer exercises to do to get my full range of motion back.
Dr. Patel has been great at my pain relief. She doesn’t force me to take any meds I don’t want, or injections. She will give me the injection I want when I need it. Great friendly Doctor.
Dr. Tanous and everyone at Advanced Orthopaedics are great. The surgery to repair my knee injury and the treatment afterwards were handled amazingly well.
Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has, at 76, virtually given me a new lease on being mobile and active. I have seen Dr’s Tanous, Patel, and Cubbage for an assortment of neck, spine and hip problems.
This office did everything they could to get me in timely after a very bad sprain on my ankle. I saw nurse practitioner Stuart who is very thorough and x-rays and explaining everything to me.