Arthritis in the Knee

Arthritis is a painful disease, but when you have arthritis in the knee, you suffer from mobility issues as well. As soon as you detect a problem with your knee, even if you don’t suspect knee arthritis, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Early detection can make the difference between an active lifestyle and a sedentary one.

  • Your knees are strong, weight-bearing joints, but even your knees are still susceptible to many injuries and illnesses as you age. If you notice chronic inflammation around one or both of your knees, you may have arthritis in the knee. Find out what treatments are available.
  • Painful, arthritic knees can’t hold your weight as well as healthy knees, especially if you’re overweight. That makes your knee unsteady. Don’t let it get bad. Have your knee examined at ReBalance in New York City, so you can get an accurate diagnosis.
  • Crunching noises — or really, any noises at all — from your knees are signs of arthritis. Noises mean your leg bones are grinding against each other, and your cartilage has worn away. You likely have an advanced case of knee arthritis. Call for an appointment with an NYC doctor right away!

Arthritis in the Knee Symptoms

As the cushion of cartilage between your bones narrows or becomes worn down, the movement of your knee causes your bones to rub against one another. This condition leads to the uncomfortable symptoms of arthritis in the knee:

  • Chronic inflammation
  • Joint stiffness
  • Loss of flexibility
  • Knee pain during activity
  • Pain after long periods of sitting with bent knees
  • Grinding or crunching noises while bending your knee
  • Knots of swollen tissue in or around the joint
  • Stumbling or falls due to a weakened quadriceps muscle
  • Bone spurs

Aging Knees Need Attention

Your knees are susceptible to debilitating injuries, wear and tear of age, and abuse from years of weight gain. Knee arthritis affects many active men. If you’ve been involved in sports or dance — or even just the day-to-day activities of life — arthritis of the knee may come calling.

One condition causes similar symptoms but isn’t arthritis in the knee. It’s called chondromalacia patella or patellofemoral syndrome. This condition occurs when your kneecap grates over the end of your femur or thighbone due to softening of the cartilage. Chondromalacia patella is a painful condition that can be treated, but differently than arthritis.

Risks for Knee Arthritis

Certain men are more susceptible to arthritis in the knee. Get treated for possible arthritis If any of the following describe you:

  • Obesity places stress on your lower joints, accelerating joint deterioration.
  • If you suffer from other joint diseases, such as gout, you’re at risk for knee arthritis.
  • A previous injury or surgery can put you at risk for knee pain and arthritis.
  • Family members who’ve experienced arthritis — especially arthritis in the knee — make you more likely to get it.
  • Repetitive actions in a job or sport that’s physically demanding often contribute to risk.

Diagnosis of Chondromalacia Patella and Arthritis

At ReBalance, we understand how discomfort and decreased mobility impacts your lifestyle and career. While examining your knee, we look for signs of swelling, decreased mobility, and positions that cause pain. We also note any instability or changes in the supporting muscles.

Using imaging tests, we look for deposits of calcium in the joint. We determine if the normal cushioning space between the bones has narrowed. We also look for any inflammation, although it’s not always present.

Treatments for Arthritis in the Knee

Knee arthritis treatment reduces pain and increases mobility and strength, leading you to a happier, healthier lifestyle. Degenerative arthritis in the knee can’t be cured, but we have techniques to reduce and ease your symptoms. Treatment options include:

  • Medication to reduce inflammation and pressure
  • Painkillers for discomfort
  • Cold and warm packs at appropriate intervals to reduce pain
  • Physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles
  • Steroid injections to help reduce the pain for up to several months
  • Hyaluronic acid injection in the knee, which mimics the natural synovial fluid and helps lubricate the joints, reducing the grinding and the sounds
  • Surgery, a last resort for knees too severely damaged, during which we have to replace your knee joint

At Rebalance, we provide individualized treatment that targets your needs and goals. We offer the latest, most effective treatment and pain management options. A hyaluronic acid injection in the knee, for example, is a new technique borne from medical research. Another new procedure is injecting platelet-rich plasma into your knee. PRP is another natural healing ingredient, taken right from your own body.

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