Knee Arthritis

Knee Arthritis — Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

Knee arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of adults and is a leading cause of chronic knee pain and mobility limitations. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the knee joint breaks down, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort.

At Specialty Pain Management, we specialize in diagnosing and treating knee arthritis—offering personalized, evidence-based care to help patients regain mobility and improve quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Knee Arthritis

People with knee arthritis often experience:

• Persistent knee pain, worse with activity
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
• Swelling and tenderness
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing
• A feeling of grinding or popping in the joint

These symptoms may develop gradually and worsen over time.

What Causes Knee Arthritis?

There are several risk factors and causes of knee arthritis:

Age and Wear & Tear
Cartilage naturally deteriorates as we age, making arthritis more common in middle-aged and older adults.

Previous Injury
Knee injuries — such as ligament tears or fractures — can increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life.

Genetics
A family history of arthritis may make some people more susceptible.

Obesity
Extra weight places added stress on knee joints, accelerating cartilage breakdown.

Autoimmune Conditions
In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation and damage.

How Is Knee Arthritis Diagnosed?

Our pain management specialists evaluate knee arthritis through:

• Detailed medical history
• Physical examination of mobility and pain
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to assess cartilage loss and joint changes

Diagnosis helps determine the severity of the condition and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis

At Specialty Pain Management, we customize treatment based on your symptoms, overall health, and goals. Treatment options include:

Conservative & Non-Surgical Options
Physical Therapy
Strengthening the muscles around the knee reduces pressure on the joint.

Medications
Anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, or topical therapies help control pain.

Joint Injections
Steroid injections can provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation.

Hyaluronic Acid Therapy
Viscosupplementation helps lubricate the joint and improve mobility.

Regenerative Medicine
Emerging treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy may help stimulate healing and reduce pain.

Surgical Referral
In advanced cases where conservative treatments are not effective, we work with orthopedic surgeons to coordinate care, including:

• Partial or total knee replacement
• Arthroscopic procedures

Why Choose Specialty Pain Management for Knee Arthritis?

Our specialists are trained in advanced, non-surgical pain treatments tailored to each patient. We focus on:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Personalized pain management plans
• Minimally invasive care options
• Compassionate, patient-centered service