According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, around 13 percent of women and 10 percent of men aged 60 years and older are affected by symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. The number of adult Americans with knee arthritis is projected to increase due to the aging population and the rising number of obese or overweight individuals.
Arthritis is a progressive condition that tends to worsen with time. If you have symptoms of knee arthritis and are trying to manage it at home, there may come a time when you need expert care.
A knee doctor can create a treatment plan to help you get greater relief from your symptoms. Let’s discuss when to see a knee doctor for arthritis.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Arthritis in the knee causes tell-tale symptoms in most people. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Persistent Pain: If your knee pain doesn’t go away after a few days of rest and home treatment, it’s time to see a knee doctor.
- Swelling: Noticeable swelling around the knee joint can be a sign of arthritis.
- Stiffness: If you feel stiff and have trouble bending or straightening your knee, you should consult a professional.
- Limited Mobility: Difficulty moving your knee or walking normally can indicate that arthritis is progressing.
- Creaking and Grinding: Hearing creaking or grinding sounds while moving your knee could be a sign of cartilage wear.
When to Seek Medical Help
You know it’s time to seek out the expertise of a knee doctor for the following symptoms:
- Constant Pain: Pain that interferes with your daily activities and doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications.
- Recurring Swelling: If your knee swells regularly, even after rest and icing, it’s time for a professional evaluation.
- Loss of Function: If you can’t perform simple tasks, like walking up stairs or standing from a seated position, a knee doctor can help.
- Deformity: Visible changes in the shape of your knee should prompt a visit to the doctor.
- Instability: Feeling like your knee might give out or buckle under pressure needs medical attention.
What to Expect at the Knee Doctor’s Office
The knee doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and any treatments you’ve tried. He will examine your knee for swelling, warmth, and tenderness, and check its range of motion.
The doctor may order an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to get a clear view of your knee joint. Depending on the results of testing, the doctor creates a personalized treatment plan for your knee condition.
The imaging scans will show the severity of arthritis, and reveal the following:
- Inflammation in the joint
- A narrowed joint space
- Cartilage loss and damage
- Changes in the bones and deformity
- Bone spurs (osteophytes) around the joint
Treatment Options
Knee arthritis treatments are usually customized for the patient. They may involve a combination of different techniques.
Your treatment program may include:
- Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and possibly disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for more severe cases.
- Physical Therapy: Tailored workout routines can strengthen the muscles around your knee and enhance flexibility.
- Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections can reduce inflammation and pain.
- Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, low-impact exercises, and dietary changes can significantly improve knee arthritis symptoms.
- Assistive Devices: Knee braces, orthopedic shoe inserts, and a cane or walker can help relieve pressure on your knee. Doing so provides greater comfort throughout the day.
- Surgery: In severe cases, when other treatments don’t work, surgery might be necessary. Options include arthroscopy, osteotomy, or knee replacement.
When to Call a Knee Doctor
If knee pain does not improve and limits physical mobility, it is time to see a knee doctor. If you are unhappy with your current treatment plan, a doctor can adjust your treatment plan.
Seeing a medical professional, you can learn about other forms of treatment, including the latest techniques. If possible, act early before your knee condition worsens and you need more invasive treatments.
Top Knee Doctor in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, FL
If you’re experiencing worse-than-normal or unrelenting knee pain, visit us here at Total Orthopaedic Care. We have a talented team of orthopedic surgeons. Our knee doctors are board-certified, fellowship-trained, and some of the best in South Florida and the country. We will help relieve your pain and restore your ability to enjoy your life.
To schedule an appointment with our knee doctor for arthritis, call our office today at (954) 735-3535 or use our convenient appointment request form.
