Knee Arthritis Specialist

What is knee arthritis?

There are more than 100 types of arthritis that can affect your knees. Pain and swelling are the hallmark symptoms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are three of the most common types of knee arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the degenerative form of the disease. It develops as the cartilage that cushions your joints wears away, leaving your knees vulnerable to friction and irritation. 

Post-traumatic arthritis

Old knee injuries increase your risk of developing arthritis. For example, if you had an ACL tear as a student-athlete, you're more likely to experience painful, swollen knees earlier than most people who develop age-related osteoarthritis. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that occurs when your immune system attacks the synovial lining of your joints. In addition to causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility, rheumatoid arthritis also increases your risk of developing osteoarthritis and bone spurs. 

When should I talk to a doctor about knee arthritis?

Pain is how your body tells you about an injury or another problem, and you should never ignore it. Minor knee injuries tend to fade with few days of rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. If you have knee pain that doesn't go away or gets worse, call Coastal Empire Orthopedics right away. 

How is knee arthritis diagnosed?

The team at Coastal Empire Orthopedics diagnoses knee arthritis with a comprehensive exam and diagnostic testing. 

They begin by reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors. They examine your knee for signs of inflammation and ask you to walk around the office to evaluate how your condition affects your mobility. 

Dr. Shults might order additional testing, including X-rays, MRIs, or arthroscopy, to examine the inside of your knees. He might also order blood tests to screen for signs of rheumatoid arthritis. 

How is knee arthritis treated?

Coastal Empire Orthopedics provides a customized treatment plan to address your specific condition. For example, you might benefit from anti-inflammatory medications, including corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Dr. Shults might also recommend a knee injection to lubricate your joints. 

You might also benefit from physical therapy to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles and connective tissue that support your knees. Many patients also find that weight loss reduces stress and pressure on their knees. 

When conservative treatments aren't effective, Dr. Shults might recommend knee replacement surgery.

If you have knee pain and are concerned about arthritis, call Coastal Empire Orthopedics or make an appointment online today.