Management & Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis in Plano, TX

There are several different types of arthritis, the most common type being osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is known for affecting joints as it causes the cartilage between the joints to break down, damaging the bones themselves if left untreated. Due to its ability to degenerate, osteoarthritis only gets worse with time and often causes chronic pain in the affected joints. It occurs most commonly in the hands, hips, and knees, and often leads to pain, swelling, flexibility, and stiffness, making the affected joint much less mobile or usable. If any of those joints start to lose proper functioning, it can quickly start to affect the overall quality of life of those suffering from osteoarthritis, so quality treatment is recommended.

There are a few factors that can cause someone to be at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee. One of the most influential factors is if you have developed an injury or have used the knees excessively causing repetitive stress on the joint by bending more than the average person. Having damage done to a joint can lead to a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis in that joint down the road. Increased risk for developing osteoarthritis can also be caused due to obesity as the excess weight adds more strain and stress to the joints, and obesity has been shown to have negative metabolic effects further increasing the risk. Age and gender also play a role, as the risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age and is more common in women. Additionally, those who have a family history of osteoarthritis or have previously developed osteoarthritis in their hands are at an increased risk of developing it in their knees.

Osteoarthritis does not occur simply due to regular wear and tear on the joints, even though that can increase the risk of developing arthritis, it is considered a degenerative disease, meaning that something actually changes in the body to trigger the breakdown of the tissues and the joint, but it is still unclear to researchers what actually causes that change. This change in the tissue happens gradually over time, making it slightly more difficult to diagnose until enough damage has been done to cause pain and sensitivity, and eventually the complete degradation of the cartilage to the point where the bones are starting to wear down by rubbing on one another. Even though there is no one true cause that has been found yet for osteoarthritis, there are other factors that can contribute to increasing the risk of developing the disease, primarily age, but really anyone can develop osteoarthritis in their knees without there being a concrete cause.

Osteoarthritis in the knee will slowly worsen with time, so the symptoms will start out fairly mild, often only including mild pain, sensitivity, and stiffness. With time, many patients will find it difficult and painful to run, jump, kneel, or climb stairs. Your knee will likely feel stiff, most frequently when you first get up after sitting for a long period of time, or when you first get up in the morning. Many patients will report hearing a grinding or cracking noise when they move their knees as well. It may become more difficult to put weight on the affected knee, as it could feel as if the knee will buckle or give in. Due to the stiffness becoming more severe with time as well, your knee might feel as if it is “locking up” or stuck in a specific position. As well, the affected knee may start to change in shape due to swelling and the degradation of the tissues and cartilage.
 
We’d be very happy to have you in for a consultation with us here at Northstar Joint and Spine in Plano TX. Our pain management Dr. Robert J. Nocerini MD, will take a look at your medical history, history of pain, and current symptoms to help him with diagnosis. And once he understands your pain and the condition causing it, he will suggest any number of treatments that will both relieve your pain and provide a method for managing your condition. At Northstar Joint and Spine, we welcome you to call us today or visit us. We serve patients from Plano TX, McKinney TX, Richardson TX, Frisco TX, Allen TX, Addison TX, Carrollton TX, and BEYOND!