Understanding Knee Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
At Sport Ortho Urgent Care, we know knee pain can make even simple activities—like walking, climbing stairs, or standing up—feel overwhelming. One of the most common causes of ongoing knee pain is arthritis.
Knee arthritis is a condition where the cartilage in the knee joint breaks down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While it can affect people of all ages, it’s most common in adults over 50 and in those who’ve had prior knee injuries.
What Causes Knee Arthritis?
There are a few different types of arthritis that can affect the knee, but osteoarthritis is the most common. It develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones gradually wears away. Other causes can include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis – An autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its own joints.
- Post-traumatic arthritis – Arthritis that develops after a knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear.
Risk factors include:
- Aging
- Being overweight
- Previous knee injuries
- Repetitive stress on the knee joint
- Family history of arthritis
Common Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
If you’re experiencing knee arthritis, you might notice:
- Persistent knee pain, especially during or after movement
- Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after sitting for a while
- Swelling around the knee
- Clicking or grinding sounds during movement
- Decreased range of motion
Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis
While there’s currently no cure for arthritis, the right treatment can help manage symptoms and keep you moving comfortably. At Sport Ortho Urgent Care, our orthopedic specialists offer personalized treatment plans that may include:
- Lifestyle modifications – Weight management, low-impact exercise, and activity adjustments.
- Physical therapy – Strengthening the muscles around your knee to improve stability and reduce pain.
- Medications – Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Injections – Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to reduce inflammation and lubricate the joint.
- Bracing – Supporting the knee to reduce stress on the joint.
- Surgical options – In severe cases, procedures like arthroscopy, partial knee replacement, or total knee replacement may be recommended.
When to Seek Care
If your knee pain is affecting your daily life, keeping you from the activities you love, or worsening over time, it’s time to get evaluated by an orthopedic specialist. Early intervention can slow the progression of arthritis and improve your quality of life.
At Sport Ortho Urgent Care, we provide expert orthopedic care without long wait times. Our goal is to help you stay active, mobile, and pain-free. If you’re struggling with knee arthritis symptoms, schedule an appointment today and let our team help you get back to moving with confidence.
📍 Visit us: www.sportorthourgentcare.com
