Many people experience knee pain as part of daily life, but when discomfort becomes persistent, it’s important to consider whether arthritis could be the cause. Conditions like knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can damage the knee joint, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent further deterioration of the joint cartilage and provide lasting pain relief.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our experienced Schaumburg knee specialists – including Dr. Rohan Gopinath, Dr. Sean Jereb, Dr. Paul Nourbash, Dr. Thomas Obermeyer, and Dr. Jason Rotstein – provide expert diagnosis and comprehensive treatment for arthritis in the knee and a wide range of knee problems. If you're searching for an orthopedic doctor near me, we’re here to help. Request an appointment today to start your personalized treatment plan.
Here’s how to recognize signs of arthritis, understand the common types, and determine when it’s time to seek professional care.
Signs That Arthritis May Be Behind Your Knee Pain
Arthritis in the knee develops when the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and often worsen over time. Here are common signs that arthritis might be the cause of your knee pain:
- Persistent Pain: Arthritis-related knee pain often develops gradually, but it can also flare up suddenly depending on activity levels or changes in weather.
- Swelling and Stiffness: Joints affected by arthritis frequently swell, particularly after periods of activity or long durations of rest.
- Reduced Range of Motion: You may notice difficulty fully extending or bending your knee.
- Creaking or Cracking: Movement in the knee joint can cause noises or sensations known as crepitus, often associated with cartilage degradation.
- Joint Instability: Over time, arthritis may lead to a feeling that the knee could 'give out.'
Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial to preventing further joint damage and preserving functionality.
Common Types of Arthritis Affecting the Knee
The knee joint is the largest and strongest joint in the body, but it is also highly susceptible to wear and arthritis-related knee pain. The most common form of arthritis affecting the knee is osteoarthritis, in which the joint cartilage (including the cartilage called the meniscus that acts as a shock absorber) wears away over time. This leads to joint space narrowing, inflammation, and pain.
Other forms of arthritis in the knee include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that affects the joint lining (the thin lining called synovium) and multiple weight-bearing joints
- Post-traumatic arthritis: Developing after a knee ligament tear or cartilage injuries, such as a degenerative meniscal tear
- Inflammatory arthritis: Causing joint swelling, warmth, and progressive damage
In advanced stages, bone spurs, loose fragments, and joint capsule thickening may further reduce mobility and cause arthritis pain.
Risk Factors for Knee Arthritis in Schaumburg, IL
While arthritis can affect anyone, certain risk factors increase its likelihood, particularly in adults in Schaumburg and surrounding areas.
- Age: Arthritis risk increases with age as joint cartilage naturally wears down over time.
- Body Weight: Excess weight places additional stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, which can accelerate cartilage breakdown.
- Previous Injuries: Individuals recovered from knee ligament injuries or other trauma may be at higher risk for post-traumatic arthritis.
- Family History: Genetic predisposition to arthritis or autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can make some adults more susceptible.
- Lifestyle Considerations: Occupations or hobbies requiring repetitive kneeling, squatting, or heavy lifting can exacerbate joint stress over time.
Understanding these risk factors can help guide preventive measures and encourage early detection of arthritis-related issues.
Diagnostic Tools Used by Orthopedic Specialists
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to provide a proper diagnosis:
- Physical examination: Evaluates knee range, swelling, tenderness, and joint stability
- X-rays: Detect narrowing of the joint space, presence of bone spurs, and signs of cartilage loss
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including joint cartilage, meniscus, and ligaments
- Lab tests: If rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis is suspected, blood tests can help confirm the diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis allows us to design a treatment plan that can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and protect the knee joint from further damage.
When to Seek Professional Evaluation
You should seek care from an orthopedic doctor if you experience:
- Unrelenting Pain: Discomfort that lasts beyond a few weeks could be a sign of a more serious issue, like arthritis or cartilage damage.
- Difficulty with Weight-Bearing: Feeling unsteady or unable to support your body weight might indicate joint instability.
- Frequent Swelling: Excessive or recurrent swelling can signal arthritis progression.
- Interference with Daily Life: Pain that limits your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy hobbies is a reason to seek care.
Early intervention can slow the progression of arthritis and provide pain relief through treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, or individualized exercise programs. In more advanced cases, surgical management such as partial knee replacement, knee osteotomy, or total knee replacement surgery may be recommended.
Why Choose Barrington Orthopedic Specialists for Knee Pain Treatment in Schaumburg, IL
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we understand how frustrating and life-altering knee pain can be. That’s why our team of highly experienced physicians is dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs.
Our specialists offer a full spectrum of treatments designed to address knee arthritis and other knee conditions at every stage, from conservative approaches to advanced surgical solutions. Treatments include:
- Physical Therapy: We collaborate with skilled physical therapists to develop individualized exercise programs aimed at strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, improving flexibility, and restoring joint function.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications can help reduce pain and inflammation, ensuring you feel more comfortable during daily activities.
- Viscosupplementation: Injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint provides lubrication, reducing friction and easing arthritis symptoms while improving shock absorption.
- Knee Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure allows our surgeons to clean out loose fragments, repair cartilage damage, and address specific structural issues within your knee joint.
- Partial and Total Knee Replacement: For advanced arthritis cases where other treatments fail, we offer innovative surgical options, including computer-assisted partial or total knee replacement, to restore mobility and improve your quality of life.
Additionally, we provide specialized treatments like meniscus repair, and revision knee surgery to address complex or recurrent knee issues.
Our goal is to not only relieve your symptoms but also restore your mobility and get you back to the activities you love. With compassionate care and cutting-edge technology, Barrington Orthopedic Specialists is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule your consultation with one of our expert knee specialists today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Find Relief From Knee Arthritis at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists
Arthritis knee pain doesn’t have to slow you down. At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our knee team – Dr. Rohan Gopinath, Dr. Sean Jereb, Dr. Paul Nourbash, Dr. Thomas Obermeyer, and Dr. Jason Rotstein – combines advanced technology with compassionate care to help diagnose and treat arthritis in the knee effectively.
Request an appointment today at one of our convenient locations in Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Bartlett, or Buffalo Grove to learn how we can help you find lasting relief from knee arthritis.
