What is Arthritis?
Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in your knee wears away. There are two main types of cartilage in your knee, the meniscal cartilage (shock absorbers) and articular cartilage (shiny part at the end of chicken bone). As these types of cartilage wear down, they can lead to knee pain.
Are there different types of Arthritis?
Yes. There are many different types of arthritis with the most common being osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory (i.e. gout) and post-traumatic arthritis are other common types of arthritis.
What tests are needed to determine if I have Arthritis?
The severity of arthritis can often be seen on x-ray imaging. Sometimes, your physician will collect fluid from the knee to determine if that fluid has crystals in it (i.e. gout) or an infection.
Do I need an MRI of my knee?
An MRI is often not necessary if you have x-ray findings of arthritis. MRI results would likely not change your treatment plan.
Can I still exercise if I have Arthritis?
Yes! Staying fit and active is important for your overall health. Furthermore, running does not appear to accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis if there is adequate rest between runs. Additionally, there are many forms of exercises that do not put as much stress on your joints. These types of exercise are often referred to as “low impact” exercises and include biking, swimming, yoga and many others.
Do supplements help with Arthritis?
There are many different supplements on the market that claim to help with arthritis. To date, there are no definitive studies that show a specific supplement improves arthritis symptoms in the general population. However, some supplements may provide individual benefits.
What are the treatments for knee arthritis?
There are several different treatment options for knee osteoarthritis. Some of the more beneficial treatments can be lifestyle modifications including weight loss, dietary changes and implementing an exercise routine. Physical therapy, topical or oral NSAIDs (naproxen, acetaminophen) and bracing are also often used. There are also many different injection and surgical options.
Why is physical therapy important in knee arthritis?
Physical therapy can help improve pain and range of motion of the knee joint. Additionally, it can provide you with exercises to help strengthen your body to help optimize the function of your knee.
What different type of injections can be performed for knee arthritis?
The most common type of injection for knee arthritis is a corticosteroid injection, often referred to as a “cortisone” injection. Other injections that are performed include viscosupplementation and regenerative medicine / orthobiologic injections.
What are Orthobiologics?
To quote the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Position Statement: Principles for the Responsible Use of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Medicine, “Orthobiologics are biological substances intended to enhance healing and alter the natural course of orthopaedic disease.” The most common substances used in these treatments include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), “stem cells,” lipoaspirate and
bone marrow concentrate (BMAC). This is a rapidly advancing field with ongoing research thus these
treatments are still considered experimental and are not covered by insurance.
*Are you interested in enrolling in our orthobiologic study for knee arthritis? If so, ask your treating team for more information.
How do I know if I am ready for a knee replacement?
Only you can decide when you are ready for a knee replacement. We often tell people that if they are unable to do the things they want to do in life because of their knee pain despite conservative treatments, they should meet with one of our joint replacement surgeons to discuss their options.
What does a knee replacement surgery look like?
This is a great question. We recommend you meet with one of our joint replacement surgeons to discuss what a joint replacement surgery would entail for you including the procedure in detail, time in the hospital, time off work, activity level post-surgery and any other questions you might have.
Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics provides exceptional care tailored to our patients’ needs. With over 40 years of experience, our team of providers and clinicians know the importance of putting patients first. Our flexibility and comprehensive services mean you can see a physician, get diagnostic imaging, and start treatment all in one convenient location. Contact us today to request an appointment. We’ll help you take the next step toward a pain-free life.
