Treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee is available to patients in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and other nearby communities from Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group. If you’re currently experiencing knee pain, it’s advisable to see a doctor who can determine the cause. Our Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Daniel Murphy, or our Board-certified sports medicine physician, Dr. Arnold Ramirez, can assess your condition and recommend a treatment plan to help you to manage your symptoms and improve your mobility.
Osteoarthritis is a common source of pain in the knee joint, where the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) meet. The ends of these two bones are covered in smooth articular (surface) cartilage, and a second type of cartilage called menisci functions as a shock absorber. Osteoarthritis begins with a loss of articular cartilage, and as the condition progresses, it can affect the surrounding bones, tissues, and synovial (lubricating) fluid in the knee joint. Studies show that approximately 12 percent of Americans over the age of 25, and 80 percent over the age of 75, have symptoms of osteoarthritis.
While often attributed to the ongoing joint wear and tear associated with the natural aging process, osteoarthritis can also result from:
- Injury
- Genetic predisposition
- Obesity
- Muscle weakness
- Anatomic joint abnormalities
- Overuse or underuse of the joint
It is notable that moderate physical stress can help to maintain the integrity of the surface cartilage, but excessive stress can result in cartilage degradation.
At Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group, we offer treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee through a variety of conservative therapies, including viscosupplementation, cortisone injections, platelet rich plasma therapy, physical therapy, and ultrasound therapy, along with both inpatient and outpatient knee procedures. Patients in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and other nearby Florida communities who would like to learn more can contact us today.
