Osteoarthritis

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the protective cartilage covering the ends of the bones gradually breaks down.

Healthy cartilage allows the bones within the knee to move smoothly against one another. As cartilage deteriorates, the space within the joint can narrow, leading to increased friction, inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

Knee osteoarthritis typically progresses over time, although symptoms and progression can vary significantly from one patient to another.

While osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, there are multiple treatment options available to help manage symptoms and improve function.

What Are the Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of knee arthritis may initially be mild and gradually become more noticeable.

Common symptoms include:

• Knee pain during or after activity
• Morning stiffness
• Stiffness after sitting for extended periods
• Swelling around the knee
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
• Pain while walking or climbing stairs
• Grinding, popping, or cracking sensations
• Tenderness around the joint
• Difficulty getting up from a chair
• Knee pain that interferes with exercise or daily activities

As arthritis progresses, some patients may begin experiencing pain even while resting or sleeping.

What Causes Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Knee osteoarthritis develops when cartilage within the joint gradually deteriorates. Although aging is an important risk factor, osteoarthritis is not simply an inevitable part of getting older.

Several factors may increase your likelihood of developing knee arthritis, including:

• Increasing age
• Previous knee injuries
• Repetitive stress on the knee
• Family history of osteoarthritis
• Excess stress placed on the knee joint
• Previous ligament or meniscus injuries
• Certain anatomical or alignment issues
• Years of physically demanding activity

A previous knee injury can sometimes contribute to osteoarthritis years later, which is known as post-traumatic arthritis.

How Is Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing knee osteoarthritis typically begins with a discussion of your symptoms and medical history followed by a physical examination.

Your orthopedic specialist may evaluate:

• Areas of pain or tenderness
• Swelling
• Range of motion
• Knee stability
• Strength
• Alignment
• How you walk or move

X-rays are commonly used to evaluate changes within the knee joint, including narrowing of the joint space or the development of bone spurs.

Additional imaging may sometimes be recommended if your physician suspects another condition is contributing to your knee pain.

What Are the Stages of Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis can range from mild cartilage changes to advanced deterioration of the joint.

Mild Knee Osteoarthritis

In the early stages, symptoms may occur primarily after exercise or extended periods of activity. Patients may experience occasional stiffness or discomfort without significant limitations.

Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis

As arthritis progresses, pain may become more frequent. Walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or standing for long periods may become increasingly uncomfortable.

Advanced Knee Osteoarthritis

With severe arthritis, significant cartilage loss can result in substantial joint-space narrowing. Patients may experience persistent pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, or difficulty completing normal daily activities.

The severity seen on an X-ray does not always perfectly correspond with how much pain a patient experiences, which is why treatment decisions should consider both imaging findings and symptoms.

What Is the Best Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis?

There is no single treatment that is best for every patient with knee arthritis.

Your treatment plan depends on several factors, including the severity of your arthritis, your symptoms, activity level, age, overall health, previous treatments, and how significantly knee pain is affecting your quality of life.

Treatment typically begins with conservative options when appropriate. If symptoms become severe and no longer respond adequately to non-surgical care, surgical treatment may be considered.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

A diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis does not automatically mean you need knee replacement surgery.

Many patients begin with non-surgical treatments designed to manage pain, improve mobility, and help maintain function.

Depending on your condition, conservative knee arthritis treatment may include:

Activity Modification

Reducing or modifying activities that repeatedly aggravate the knee may help manage symptoms while allowing you to remain active.

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee can help support the joint. Exercises may also improve flexibility, mobility, and overall function.

Medications

Over-the-counter or prescription medications may be recommended for certain patients to help manage arthritis-related pain and inflammation.

Knee Bracing

Depending on the location and severity of arthritis, a brace may sometimes be recommended to provide additional support or redistribute stress within the knee.

Joint Injections

Certain patients may benefit from knee injections as part of their arthritis treatment plan. Your orthopedic specialist can discuss available injection options and whether they may be appropriate for you.

Can You Treat Bone-on-Bone Knee Arthritis Without Surgery?

“Bone-on-bone” is a phrase commonly used to describe advanced osteoarthritis in which significant cartilage loss has caused substantial narrowing of the space between the bones of the knee.

Some patients with advanced arthritis can continue managing their symptoms conservatively for a period of time. However, non-surgical treatments cannot restore cartilage that has already been lost.

If pain becomes persistent, mobility is significantly limited, and conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief, your orthopedic surgeon may discuss whether knee replacement surgery is an appropriate next step.

When Is Knee Replacement Considered for Osteoarthritis?

Knee replacement isn't typically recommended based on an X-ray alone.

Your orthopedic surgeon may consider knee replacement when arthritis has become severe and symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life despite appropriate conservative treatment.

Signs it may be time to discuss knee replacement include:

• Persistent or worsening knee pain
• Difficulty walking reasonable distances
• Significant difficulty climbing stairs
• Pain that interferes with sleep
• Reduced ability to work or exercise
• Difficulty completing everyday activities
• Increasing stiffness or loss of mobility
• Conservative treatments no longer providing sufficient relief

The decision to proceed with surgery is individualized. Your orthopedic surgeon can help you understand the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.

Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: What's the Difference?

Although both conditions can cause joint pain and stiffness, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are different diseases.

Osteoarthritis primarily involves degeneration of cartilage and other structures within the joint and commonly develops gradually over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joints. It can affect multiple joints and may require treatment from a rheumatologist in addition to orthopedic care.

Determining the underlying cause of arthritis symptoms is important because treatment may differ.

When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist for Knee Arthritis?

You don't need to wait until knee pain becomes severe to have it evaluated.

Consider seeing an orthopedic specialist if:

• Knee pain lasts for several weeks
• Pain repeatedly returns
• Your knee frequently feels stiff
• You experience recurring swelling
• Walking or climbing stairs has become difficult
• Knee pain is limiting exercise or activities
• Your symptoms are getting progressively worse
• You've already tried conservative treatments without enough improvement

Early evaluation can help you understand what's happening inside your knee and which treatment options may help manage your symptoms.

Why Choose New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine for Knee Osteoarthritis?

At New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, our orthopedic specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients experiencing knee pain and osteoarthritis.

Our approach begins with understanding your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. When appropriate, we can explore non-surgical knee arthritis treatments before considering surgery.

For patients with advanced osteoarthritis, our orthopedic surgeons can also evaluate whether knee replacement or another surgical option may provide meaningful improvement.

This allows patients to receive care throughout the progression of knee arthritis—from initial diagnosis and conservative treatment through surgical care when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Osteoarthritis

Can knee osteoarthritis be cured?

There is currently no treatment that reverses osteoarthritis or restores cartilage that has already been lost. However, treatment can help manage symptoms, maintain mobility, and improve quality of life.

Does knee osteoarthritis always get worse?

Osteoarthritis is considered a progressive condition, but the rate of progression varies. Some patients experience relatively stable symptoms for extended periods, while others notice more significant changes over time.

Is walking good for knee osteoarthritis?

Staying physically active is generally an important part of managing arthritis, but the appropriate type and amount of exercise varies by patient. Your physician or physical therapist can help determine activities that are appropriate for your knee.

What does bone-on-bone knee arthritis feel like?

Advanced knee arthritis may cause persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced mobility, and difficulty with activities such as walking or climbing stairs. However, symptoms vary, and imaging findings do not always directly predict pain severity.

Can knee injections help osteoarthritis?

Certain injections may be used as part of a conservative treatment plan for knee osteoarthritis. Whether an injection is appropriate depends on your symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, and previous treatments.

When should I consider knee replacement?

Knee replacement may be considered when advanced arthritis causes significant pain or functional limitations and appropriate non-surgical treatments no longer provide sufficient relief. An orthopedic surgeon can determine whether surgery is appropriate based on your individual circumstances.

Schedule an Osteoarthritis Evaluation in New Braunfels, TX

If knee arthritis is making it harder to walk, exercise, work, or enjoy your normal activities, you don't have to simply live with the discomfort.

The orthopedic specialists at New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine can determine the severity of your knee osteoarthritis and help you understand your treatment options—from conservative care to knee replacement when appropriate.

Call 830-341-1386 or schedule an appointment online for knee osteoarthritis treatment in New Braunfels, TX.

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