Arthritis Of the Knee
Osteoarthritis of the knee
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a condition commonly referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis.
Causes
Although the degenerative process may accelerate in persons with a previous knee injury, many cases of osteoarthritis occur when the knee simply wears out. Some experts believe there may be a genetic predisposition in people who develop osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common cause for total knee replacement surgery.
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain in the knee, swelling and stiffening of the knee joint. In the early stages of osteoarthritis the pain may be mainly associated with activity. As the cartilage wears away and the bones of the joint rub against each other, pain can become more severe and constant, interfering with regular daily activities and disrupting sleep.
Treatment
In the early stages of osteoarthritis, treatment may involve several techniques. Behavioral and lifestyle changes including losing weight and changing routines to avoid painful situations can be very effective in relieving pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen sodium may also provide relief from pain. Cox-2 inhibitors are also effective in providing knee arthritis pain relief. Physical therapy may improve muscle strength and joint mobility, reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee. Joint fluid therapy may lubricate the knee and reduce the pain and swelling of the joint. Partial or total knee replacement surgery may be necessary as the disease progresses and daily functioning becomes more impaired.
All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.
All materials copyright © 2020 Smith & Nephew, All Rights Reserved.
One form of arthritis in the knee joint occurs as a result of degeneration of the cartilage in your knee. Osteoarthritis is commonly referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis or degenerative arthritis, and is the most common cause for total knee replacement surgery. Due to osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the knee breaks down over time and the result is a severely damaged joint surface with bone rubbing on bone. This process may occur as a result of previous trauma to the joint, ligament instability, or abnormal stresses to the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory process that results in erosion of the articular cartilage and subsequent damage to the knee joint surface.
Listed below are several non-surgical, and surgical options to consider for treatment of the arthritic knee:
- Lifestyle Modification
losing weight, avoiding aggravating activities, modifying exercise to low impact activities only
- Exercises
specifically prescribed to improve strength and flexibility without exacerbating your pain
- Anti-inflammatory Medications
designed to decrease swelling in the joint and provide temporary pain relief
- Corticosteroid Injection
powerful anti-inflammatory agent injected directly into the joint
- Joint Fluid Therapy
a series of injections directly into your knee, designed to improve lubrication in the joint
- Glucosamine/Chondroitin
dietary supplement that may relieve arthritic pain
- Bracing
used to provide external stability to the knee joint
- Arthroscopic Surgery
minimally invasive procedure to remove debris or repair torn cartilage
- Total Knee Replacement Surgery
surgical procedure that replaces all three compartments of the knee.
All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.
All materials copyright © 2020 Smith & Nephew, All Rights Reserved.
When is knee replacement surgery recommended?
What is the right age for total knee surgery?
Your surgeon's recommendation for knee replacement is based mainly on your level of pain and disability; there are no absolute restrictions on age or weight. Most of the people who have knee replacement surgery are between the ages of 50 and 80. The procedure has a high success rate and is considered relatively safe and effective.1 Women are more likely to undergo the procedure; in 2009, the rate of knee arthroplasty for female patients was 57 percent higher than for males2.
How do I know when it's time to consider surgery?
There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery.
People who benefit from knee replacement surgery often have:
- Knee pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
- Knee pain that continues while resting, either day or night
- Stiffness in a knee that limits the ability to move or bend the leg
- Inadequate pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, or walking supports
Important safety notes
Individual results of joint replacement vary. Implants are intended to relieve knee pain and improve function, but may not produce the same feel or function as your original knee. There are potential risks with knee replacement surgery such as loosening, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Patients should not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless their surgeon tells them that the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if a surgeon's limitations on activity level are not followed.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website, accessed March 7, 2017: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00389
- HCUP Facts and Figures: Statistics on Hospital-based Care in the United States, 2009. Accessed March 7, 2017: https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/factsandfigures/2009/TOC_2009.jsp
All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.
All materials copyright © 2020 Smith & Nephew, All Rights Reserved.
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Dr. Gregory Lauro is available to answer any questions patients or their families may have regarding hip and knee conditions.
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Dr. Lauro just did my left knee on July 2016,,,did my right knee on March of last year. He took great care of me,, I always felt that I could ask him anything and get a direct answer. His staff can’t be beat..they are courteous, and always ready to help you with any inquires you might have…What more can you ask for in a doctor. He gave me excellent care.
Dr. Lauro was recommended by Dr Hennesy. He was encouraging and focused. I am very happy with the results of my hip replacement and recovery time has been very rapid. Would recommend this Dr. and procedure very highly.
Dr. Lauro was wonderful. I had many orthopedics problems that arose from another doctor and Dr. Lauro handle all of them without a problem. It has been a long year but I do not know what I would have done without Dr. Lauro’s expertise in his field and his great care the he provided me.
Replaced left hip. remarkable results! Appointment dates/time convenient and office wait minimal. Respects active life style. Honest, forthright advice.
Dr. Lauro replaced my hip 7 years ago. His office staff is wonderful to speak with and he takes his time during office visits. Never rushes you through and answers any questions thoroughly and honestly.
Dr. Lauro has been doing partial knee replacements for 25 years and worked wonders for me. After only 3 months I no longer need my cane and my scar looks amazing. His office staff is as friendly as you could want. Very clean environment. Little to no waiting both in and out of the waiting rooms. He is very attentive and explains things very well. He listens more than he talks and is dedicated to his practice. I would and have recommended him a lot. A true professional who knows what he is doing.
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