Knee arthritis is a very common condition that affects people of various ages, ethnicities, and lifestyles. It can cause disruptive and gradually worsening symptoms in one or both knees, most notably:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Redness
- Swelling
- Reduced range of motion
What Is Arthritis, Exactly?
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. The Arthritis Foundation estimates that 54 million American adults have been clinically diagnosed with arthritis, with countless others living undiagnosed. You’ve undoubtedly heard plenty about arthritis, but do you know what it is, exactly?
Arthritis is not a single disease—rather, it encompasses more than 100 different conditions that cause joint inflammation. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Often developing in the knee joints, osteoarthritis is characterized by the age-related degeneration of bone cartilage that cushions the joints and allows for smooth, comfortable movement. Eventually, osteoarthritis can cause painful bone-on-bone contact that can make it extremely difficult to move and stay active.
In addition to the general arthritis symptoms listed above, knee osteoarthritis may also cause:
- Loss of knee flexibility
- Knee tenderness
- Bone spurs around the knee joint
- A grating sensation within the knee joint, sometimes accompanied by audible popping and cracking sounds
How Is Knee Arthritis Treated?
Knee arthritis is a degenerative condition that cannot be reversed. However, there are plenty of steps that can be taken to slow the progression of the disease, reduce uncomfortable symptoms, and help preserve joint health.
Many knee arthritis treatment plans include a combination of conservative approaches, such as:
- Medication, including pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
- Healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing excess weight and quitting smoking
- Injection therapies
In more advanced cases of knee arthritis, conservative treatments may not be enough to improve painful symptoms. In these instances, knee joint replacement (arthroplasty) may be recommended. Knee replacement surgery involves removing damaged components of the knee joint—which is comprised of the kneecap and the joining ends of the femur and tibia bones—and replacing them with specially designed implants (prostheses) to restore comfortable movement.
Our Approach to Knee Arthritis Treatment
Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group provides a full spectrum of specialized treatment to patients with knee arthritis. A division of Florida Medical Clinic, our practice is led by board-certified orthopedic physicians who are renowned for their incredible expertise and patient-centric approach to care. We offer several leading-edge knee arthritis treatment options, including platelet-rich plasma therapy, viscosupplementation, advanced knee replacement procedures, and more.
Don’t allow your knee arthritis symptoms to hold you back any longer. If you live in the Tampa, Florida, area, you can find the world-class arthritis treatment you deserve at Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group. Contact us today! We’ll be happy to schedule you an appointment, or you can request an appointment quickly and easily on our website. We accept most major health insurance plans and are here to answer any questions you may have.
