Understand and Manage Osteoarthritis of the Knee With the Help of Orthopedic Specialists Near Ballston, VA
Also known as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis of the knee often evolves gradually due to age-related wear and tear. The once-smooth cartilage that lines the knee joint can slowly deteriorate, leading to bone-on-bone contact during movement. In response, the body may produce bony deposits (bone spurs) on the unprotected bone surfaces. This degenerative process can lead to the onset of knee pain and other osteoarthritis symptoms.
Nirschl Orthopaedic Center (NOC) is your premier destination for comprehensive care and effective solutions to address knee osteoarthritis. Our highly acclaimed sports medicine center is minutes away from Ballston, Virginia, offering area residents convenient access to top-notch care for osteoarthritis of the knee and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Unraveling the Sensations: What Does Knee Osteoarthritis Feel Like?
The symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee usually progress slowly, and recognizing the early signs is crucial for seeking timely intervention. In addition to knee pain, some key indicators include:
- Stiffness, “freezing” or seizing in the knee, especially in the morning
- Warmth, swelling and tenderness
- Pain when sitting cross-legged or in a car for an extended time
- Difficulty kneeling, climbing stairs, walking, jogging or running
- A persistent dull ache in the knee punctuated by occasional flareups of intense pain
- Intensified pain and stiffness after rest or prolonged inactivity
Along with symptoms that can be felt, osteoarthritis of the knee can also cause visible joint enlargement, a bony protrusion and/or a cracking sound when the knee is flexed or extended.
Crafting an Effective Treatment Plan
Effective management of osteoarthritis of the knee requires individualized treatment. However, regular exercise and weight maintenance are important for everyone—including those who have arthritis—and many of our patients benefit from physical therapy. Working closely with the licensed and certified physical therapists at our dedicated physical therapy practice, Virginia Sportsmedicine Institute, your physician at NOC can develop a tailored workout program to help relieve your pain, strengthen the muscles that support your knee and improve your mobility. Additionally, low-impact activities such as walking and swimming can be very beneficial for those with osteoarthritis of the knee.
While the degenerative process underlying knee osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, many people can effectively manage their discomfort with lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In severe cases, surgery may be a potential avenue for relief.
Explore Your Treatment Options
Discover a range of cutting-edge knee osteoarthritis treatments tailored to your unique needs at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center. Our overarching goal is to guide each patient toward the most conservative treatment approach that will potentially produce the desired result. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our state-of-the-art sports medicine center near Ballston, VA. Your journey to optimal mobility starts here.