Arthritis of Knee Treatment in Schaumburg, IL
Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is a common condition that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee joint, making it difficult to perform daily activities. It occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee wears down over time. While there are several types of arthritis, including those caused by wear and tear or inflammation, they all can lead to significant discomfort and reduced mobility. If you're struggling with the symptoms of knee arthritis, it's important to seek expert care.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our team of highly experienced, board-certified, fellowship-trained knee specialists can diagnose the cause of your knee pain and provide you with the relief you deserve.
- Rohan Gopinath, MD
- Sean Jereb, MD
- Paul Nourbash, MD
- Thomas Obermeyer, MD
- Jason Rotstein, MD
- Patrick Strotman, MD
If you're experiencing knee pain and stiffness, you may be suffering from knee arthritis. It's crucial to seek professional medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Our team of specialists is here to provide the expert care you need. Schedule an appointment with a Barrington Orthopedic Specialists physician to discuss your options.
Arthritis of the Knee: Types and Diagnosis
Dealing with knee arthritis? The pain and stiffness can be disruptive, but understanding your condition is the first step toward managing it effectively. At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our board-certified team is here to create a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief and improve your mobility.
Knee arthritis occurs when the cartilage in your knee joint wears down, causing pain, swelling, and reduced motion. There are several types of arthritis that can affect the knee:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most common type, often called "wear-and-tear" arthritis. It develops gradually over time as the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones deteriorates.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation that can destroy cartilage and bone.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This can develop after a knee injury, such as a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscal injury. The injury can damage the cartilage, leading to arthritis years later.
To accurately diagnose your condition, our specialists will perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests like X-rays to assess the extent of joint damage. Once we have a clear diagnosis, we'll create a personalized treatment plan based on the type and severity of your arthritis, your activity level, and your recovery goals.
Orthopedic Knee Specialists at BOS
Meet the knee specialists who diagnose and treat knee arthritis, from conservative care to partial and total knee replacement for patients across the Barrington Orthopedic Specialists network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Arthritis of the Knee?+
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting the knee. It is a degenerative "wear-and-tear" condition that typically occurs in individuals aged 50 and older but can also affect younger people.
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage within the knee joint gradually deteriorates, becoming rough and frayed. As this cartilage wears away, the protective space between the bones decreases, potentially causing painful bone-on-bone contact and the development of bone spurs.
Osteoarthritis usually progresses slowly, with symptoms worsening over time.
What Are the Symptoms of Knee Arthritis?+
A knee affected by arthritis may experience pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Symptoms often develop gradually but can sometimes appear suddenly. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Stiffness and swelling, making it difficult to bend and straighten the knee.
- Pain and swelling that are worse in the morning or after resting.
- Flare-ups of pain after vigorous activity.
- "Locking" or "sticking" sensations due to loose fragments of cartilage or tissue in the joint.
- Creaking, clicking, snapping, or grinding noises (crepitus) during movement.
- Weakness or buckling in the knee joint.
- Increased pain during rainy weather.
What Are the Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis?+
While arthritis cannot be cured, various treatments can help relieve symptoms and improve joint function. Initial treatment often focuses on nonsurgical approaches, including:
- Lifestyle modifications: Avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms (e.g., climbing stairs), transition to low-impact exercises (like swimming or cycling), and lose weight to reduce stress on the joint.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to improve range of motion, flexibility, and lower extremity strength.
- Assistive devices: Using a cane, shock-absorbing shoes, or a knee brace for added stability. Unloader braces shift load away from the side of the knee with the most arthritic damage, while support braces may help with overall joint function.
- Other remedies: Applying heat or ice and using pain-relieving ointments.
What Are the Surgical Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis?+
Surgery may be recommended if arthritis causes significant disability and nonsurgical methods are ineffective. Surgical options include:
- Total or partial knee replacement (arthroplasty): Replacing damaged cartilage and bone with prosthetic components to restore knee function.