Knee Arthritis Pain Treatment in NYC
What causes knee pain?
There are a variety of possible causes of knee pain. Knee pain may result from conditions including overuse injuries, tears, improper movements, and certain diseases. Due to the wear and tear that the knees experience, one of the most common causes of knee pain is arthritis. Knee arthritis is defined as loss of cartilage that surrounds the bones in the knee joint. As a result, the bones in the joint begin rubbing together, causing inflammation and pain. This deterioration of cartilage is often caused by normal wear and tear over time; however, it can also result from a specific injury, or may result from an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the different types of knee arthritis?
There are various types of knee arthritis, including:
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Knee osteoarthritis is characterized by the progressive deterioration and eventual loss of cartilage in one or more places in the knee joint. Often, this disease develops as you age and continues to get worse over time without proper treatment.
Post Traumatic Arthritis of the Knee
Post traumatic knee arthritis is characterized by damage to the cartilage in the knee that develops following an injury, such as a fracture.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by the deterioration of cartilage in the knee due to the immune system attacking the tissues. This type of arthritis can affect other joints in the body as well.
Learn more about the types of knee arthritis treated by Dr. Sculco by clicking on the buttons below.
What are the common knee arthritis symptoms?
Knee arthritis symptoms can vary greatly, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms of knee arthritis may include:
- Knee pain, which usually starts gradually and progressively gets worse over time
- Knee pain that is worse in the morning or after sitting for an extended period of time
- Swelling in the knee
- “Locking” or “sticking” feeling when moving the knee
- Weakness or buckling in the knee
- Difficulty moving the knee
Visit our osteoarthritis in knee or post traumatic arthritis in knee pages for more information on symptoms specific to each type of knee arthritis.
What are the risk factors for knee arthritis?
Arthritis can occur for a variety of reasons, and can happen to anyone, regardless of age. However, you may have an increased risk of developing knee arthritis if you:
- Are older than 45 years of age
- Are overweight
- Are female
- Are related to someone with arthritis
- Have experienced one or more knee traumas/injuries in the past
- Play sports that require significant stress on the knees, such as distance running, soccer, or tennis
- Have an inherited abnormality in your knee cartilage
- Have certain illnesses, such as a metabolic disorder or rheumatoid arthritis
How is knee arthritis diagnosed?
There is no specific arthritis test that can be used to diagnose osteoarthritis of the knee or post traumatic arthritis of the knee. Dr. Sculco will perform a thorough physical exam and medical history along with any necessary imaging tests in order to diagnose your condition. If Dr. Sculco determines that you have knee arthritis, he will explain your options and tailor a treatment plan to meet your needs.
How is knee arthritis treated?
Knee arthritis treatment with Peter K. Sculco, MD will vary depending on the specific condition and your unique needs. Conservative treatment options for knee arthritis may include:
- Rest
- Abstaining from activities that cause substantial stress on the knees
- Physical therapy
- Bracing
- Taking medication
- Knee injections
- Losing weight
When conservative treatments are not effective at improving knee function and discomfort, surgical treatment may be necessary. Dr. Peter K. Sculco is dedicated to providing patients with advanced arthritis pain treatment options using the highest quality implants and advanced surgical techniques.
Some knee arthritis surgical treatment options offered by Dr. Sculco include:
If you’re suffering from knee pain caused by knee arthritis, the first step to restoring your mobility and quality of life is scheduling an evaluation with an experienced orthopedic knee specialist. Dr. Peter K. Sculco provides personalized care paired with world-class orthopedic training. Call 212.606.1771 today to request an appointment.
Meet Dr. Sculco
What We Treat
Hip Arthritis
A common cause of hip pain, hip arthritis is defined as inflammation of the hip joint due to cartilage deterioration.
Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is defined as painful inflammation of the knee joint resulting from cartilage deterioration.
Revision Joint Replacement
When artificial joints fail or wear over time, a revision joint replacement surgery may be necessary.
