Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Glenwood Springs, CO

Effective Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis

ValleyOrtho’s physicians utilize both surgical and nonsurgical techniques to treat patients who are suffering with pain or loss of mobility due to knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis of the knee results from a progressive breakdown (“wear and tear”) of the articular cartilage covering the joint surfaces on the lower end of the thighbone (femur) and the upper end of the lower leg bone (tibia) and/or the backside of the knee-cap (patella). Gradual loss of this cartilage increases the joint friction, and in extreme cases allows bone to rub against bone. In both cases, pain, swelling and stiffness are common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Some arthritic change is normal and expected as we age however, severe knee arthritis can interfere with activities of daily living and can limit one’s lifestyle.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

While nobody is certain what causes arthritis, several things may contribute to its development:

Family history
Problems with joint development
Minor repetitive injures with overuse
Poor muscle support around the joint
Poor alignment
Severe trauma to the joint

While being overweight does not necessarily cause arthritis, it can contribute to early joint problems that can worsen quickly. Weight loss can often decrease the pain intensity by decreasing the amount of load placed on the hip.

Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Knee osteoarthritis can cause a range of symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life. Understanding these symptoms can help you identify potential issues and seek appropriate treatment. Common symptoms include:

Pain: Often described as a dull, aching pain that worsens with activity.
Stiffness: Stiffness is often most noticeable in the morning or after periods of rest.
Swelling: Swelling in the knee joint can occur, especially after periods of increased activity.
Weakness: Weakness in the leg muscles may develop as the body compensates for the pain.
Fluid buildup: In some cases, fluid may accumulate in the knee joint.
Bone spurs: Osteoarthritis can lead to the formation of bone spurs.

The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe pain and disability.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve your overall quality of life.

Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosis

Diagnosing knee arthritis will begin with a physical exam and a thorough medical history. During the physical exam, the knee experts at ValleyOrtho will palpate for areas with tenderness, pain or swelling and will measure knee range of motion and muscle strength. Depending on the findings of the history and exam, lab tests and/or imaging tests may be ordered to help make or confirm a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis.

Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

Non-Operative Treatment

Some options for nonsurgical treatment of knee arthritis include:

A physical therapy program to optimize the joint and muscle function at the knee
Anti-inflammatory medications
Orthotics to correct poor alignment
A brace to unload the area of the knee affected by osteoarthritis
Weight management to minimize added stresses to the knee
Knee injections such as cortisone, hyaluronic acid, and platelet rich plasma (PRP)

There is no cure or current technique to reverse osteoarthritis of the knee. The knee specialists at ValleyOrtho, alongside our physical therapy team at Valley View, can create a treatment plan that will minimize pain and long term damage to the knee joint.

Operative Treatment

If non-operative treatments fail and knee pain persists interfering with daily activities, work and/or sleep, the best option may be a total or partial knee replacement. This procedure substitutes an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is tailored to each patient’s needs and is designed to move just like a healthy human joint. Physical therapy following total or partial knee replacement is crucial for optimal recovery. Total or partial knee placement is an important treatment option for relieving pain and restoring normal function.

Our orthopedic knee specialists realize that arthritis can have a devastating effect on our patients’ lifestyle and interfere with everyday activities. We are committed to developing complete, customized treatment plans to accommodate our patient’s individual needs.