Knee pain from arthritis can sneak into your daily routine—making stairs harder, runs shorter, and rests less restful. But you don’t have to live with constant discomfort. To mark Arthritis Awareness Month, let’s take a closer look at the full spectrum of treatment options available for knee arthritis—from simple lifestyle tweaks to advanced medical solutions.
Understanding Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in the joint breaks down, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. The most common type is osteoarthritis, typically caused by wear and tear over time. Rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis are other forms that can also affect the knee, causing similar symptoms but with different underlying causes.
Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference
For many patients, small but consistent lifestyle changes can ease symptoms significantly:
- Weight Management: Every extra pound puts additional pressure on your knees, accelerating joint damage. Losing even a small amount of weight can reduce pain and improve mobility.
- Exercise and Physical Therapy: Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking can strengthen the muscles around the knee and reduce joint strain.
- Joint-Friendly Diet: An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables can support joint health and reduce flare-ups.
Non-Surgical Medical Treatments
If lifestyle changes aren't enough, non-surgical treatments may provide relief:
- Medications: NSAIDs can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. For more severe cases, prescription medications may be considered.
- Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections offer temporary relief and can help delay the need for surgery.
- Orthobiologics: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) are regenerative treatments that use your body’s own healing properties to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and potentially slow the progression of arthritis.
- Bracing and Support Devices: Knee braces and orthotics help offload pressure and stabilize the joint during movement.
Surgical Solutions for Lasting Relief
When knee arthritis severely limits your daily activities and non-surgical treatments fall short, surgery may be the best path forward:
- Arthroscopic Debridement: Minimally invasive but mostly used to remove loose bodies of cartilage.
- Partial Knee Replacement: Ideal when arthritis affects only part of the joint.
- Total Knee Replacement: A highly effective solution for advanced arthritis, replacing the damaged joint with a prosthetic to restore mobility and eliminate pain.
As a knee surgery specialist, Dr. El-Yussif is committed to helping patients find the right treatment—whether it’s conservative care or surgical intervention. Schedule a consultation today to explore effective options for lasting relief.
AUTHOR: Dr. Eddie El-Yussif is a Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in knee replacement. With a commitment to advanced, patient-centered care, Dr. El-Yussif focuses on innovative treatments for knee arthritis and other orthopedic conditions related to the knee. Serving the greater Detroit area, he combines expertise and compassion to help patients restore mobility and improve their quality of life.