Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis affects millions of people, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty with everyday activities. Discover the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available to help you regain mobility.
Symptoms
Knee arthritis symptoms typically develop slowly and may include:
- Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or kneeling
- Swelling around the knee joint
- Stiffness, especially after sitting or in the morning
- A grinding or crunching sensation when moving the knee
- Decreased range of motion
- Knee feels like it might "give out"
When to See a Doctor
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hunter if you experience:
- • Knee pain that lasts more than a few weeks
- • Swelling that doesn’t go down with rest and ice
- • Difficulty straightening or bending your knee
- • Pain that disrupts your sleep or daily activities
Causes & Risk Factors
Understanding the causes of knee arthritis can help with prevention and treatment.
Osteoarthritis
The most common form, caused by wear and tear of cartilage over time
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune disease that attacks the joint lining
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Develops after a knee injury such as a fracture or ligament tear
Obesity
Excess weight puts additional stress on knee joints, accelerating cartilage breakdown
Treatment Options
Dr. Hunter takes a personalized approach to treating knee arthritis, starting with conservative options and progressing to surgery only when necessary.
Physical Therapy
Strengthening exercises and stretches to support the knee
Medications
NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and topical treatments for pain relief
Injections
Corticosteroids or viscosupplementation to reduce pain and inflammation
Knee Replacement
Surgical option when conservative measures are no longer effective
Is Knee Replacement Right for You?
When bone-on-bone arthritis significantly impacts your quality of life and other treatments aren’t helping, knee replacement surgery can restore pain-free movement. Most of Dr. Hunter’s patients walk on the same day as surgery.
Learn about knee replacementRelated Conditions
Take the first step toward pain-free knees
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hunter to discuss your knee arthritis and explore your treatment options.