Knee Arthritis

What is the knee?

Your knee is the most substantial joint in your body. It’s the intersection between your thigh bone, kneecap, and shinbone.

The knee is protected by cartilage, a smooth substance that not only protects the bones but also reduces friction every time you bend and straighten your knee.

What is knee arthritis?

Several kinds of arthritis have the potential to affect your knees. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common kinds of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is often referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis. It causes the cartilage in the knee joint to gradually wear away. This form of arthritis shows up primarily in people over 50, although you can develop it at any age.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It causes the immune system to damage the tissue in the knee and weaken the bones. This form of arthritis can develop in people of any age but tends to affect a greater percentage of women than men.

Common symptoms of knee arthritis include:

• Chronic pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• The joint “locking” during movement
• Increased pain during rainy weather
• Weakness or buckling of the knee
• Limited mobility

Arthritis in the knee has the potential to restrict your everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, and sitting for long periods of time.

What treatments are available for knee arthritis?

After Dr. Crutcher assesses your knee arthritis, he provides you with a treatment plan that’s appropriate for your needs. Nonsurgical treatments of knee arthritis include:

• Minimizing the activities that cause the greatest symptoms
• Participating is more low-impact activities (swimming)
• Participating in less high-impact activities (jogging)
• Adjusting to a specialized diet
• Weight loss
• Targeted medications
• Physical therapy
• Assistive devices
• Applying heat or ice to affected areas
• Cortisone shots
• Acupuncture

If nonsurgical treatments are ineffective, Dr. Crutcher will assess the need for surgery. Surgical procedures that Dr. Crutcher offers for knee arthritis include:

• Total knee replacement
• Partial knee replacement
• Minimally invasive knee surgery
• MAKOplasty robotically-assisted surgery

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Crutcher, call the office.