Author: Dr. Joseph Tauro, MD
Knee arthritis is a widespread condition that affects millions globally, causing significant pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Preventing and effectively treating knee arthritis is essential for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Dr. Joseph Tauro, a renowned board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI), shares his expert strategies on how to prevent and manage knee arthritis to help you stay active and pain-free.
Understanding Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down, causing bones to rub against each other. This can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced joint function. The most common types of knee arthritis are:
1. Osteoarthritis:
A degenerative joint disease that occurs with aging and wear and tear.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints.
3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis:
Arthritis that develops after an injury to the knee.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
Recognizing the symptoms of knee arthritis early can help in managing the condition more effectively. Common symptoms include:
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Pain:
Often worsens with activity and improves with rest.
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Stiffness:
Particularly in the morning or after sitting for a long period.
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Swelling:
Around the knee joint.
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Reduced Mobility:
Difficulty bending or straightening the knee.
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Creaking or Popping:
Sensations when moving the knee.
Preventing Knee Arthritis
While some risk factors for knee arthritis such as age and genetics cannot be controlled, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Excess weight puts additional stress on your knees. Losing weight can significantly reduce the risk of developing knee arthritis and can reduce your symptoms if you already have arthritis.
2. Stay Active:
Regular exercise helps to strengthen the muscles around the knee, providing better support and reducing the strain on the joint.
3. Protect Your Knees:
Use proper techniques when lifting heavy objects and avoid activities that put excessive strain on your knees.
4. Eat a Balanced Diet:
Nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium are essential for bone health. Anti-inflammatory foods like fish, nuts, and leafy greens can help reduce inflammation. You should try to avoid fried and highly processed foods.
5. Avoid Repetitive Stress:
Take breaks and use ergonomic tools to minimize repetitive strain on your knees.
Treating Knee Arthritis
If you are already experiencing symptoms of knee arthritis, there are several treatment options available to help manage the condition and improve your quality of life:
1. Medications:
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- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs(such as ibuprofen or naproxen) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid Injections: These can provide temporary relief from more severe and acute pain and swelling. Repetitive steroid injections can actually cause further joint damage and so are not recommended.
- Viscosupplimentation injections: Commonly referred to as gel shots, these can also reduce pain. They usually take a bit longer to take effect but can last longer. They do not cause further joint damage if used no more than once every 6 months.
- PRP/Platelet Rich Plasma injections: This is a biologic solution where we draw your own blood and process it to isolate plasma high in platelets and anti inflammatory proteins. This is then injected back into your knee. This is an effective and scientifically proven therapy but is not usually covered by insurance.
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2. Physical Therapy:
A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility. Pain and swelling usually can be reduced by modalities such as stims and ice compression.
3. Knee supports and Braces:
Using braces can help reduce the pressure on your knees, especially if the arthritis is confined to just the inner or outer part of the knee.
4. Lifestyle Modifications:
Adopting a healthy diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for managing knee arthritis.
5. Surgical Options:
In severe cases, surgical interventions such as knee arthroscopy, osteotomy, or total knee replacement may be necessary. In younger patients with a localized area of joint surface damage, cartilage grafting can be very effective. Dr. Tauro specializes in these advanced surgical techniques to provide the best outcomes for his patients.
6. Knee supports and Braces:
Using braces can help reduce the pressure on your knees, especially if the arthritis is confined to just the inner or outer part of the knee.
7. Lifestyle Modifications:
Adopting a healthy diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for managing knee arthritis.
8. Surgical Options:
In severe cases, surgical interventions such as knee arthroscopy, osteotomy, or total knee replacement may be necessary. In younger patients with a localized area of joint surface damage, cartilage grafting can be very effective. Dr. Tauro specializes in these advanced surgical techniques to provide the best outcomes for his patients.
Conclusion
Knee arthritis can be a challenging condition, but with the right prevention and treatment strategies, you can manage your symptoms and maintain a high quality of life. Dr. Joseph Tauro and the team at AOSMI are dedicated to providing personalized care and advanced treatment options for knee arthritis. If you’re experiencing knee pain or stiffness, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer. Take control of your knee health today by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Joseph Tauro at AOSMI. Visit our website, call us at 732.907.8798 to book your appointment. We’re here to help you live a pain-free, active life!
About the Author:
Dr. Joseph Tauro is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons and is a nationally recognized expert in the treatment of shoulder, sports, and degenerative joint disorders. Dr. Tauro’s position at Rutgers Medical School and his role as a national lecturer on the latest orthopedic techniques assure patients of receiving the finest care available. Patients with complex problems are often referred to Dr. Tauro from across the United States.
