What It Is

Arthritis in the knee refers to inflammation of the joint that causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. The most common form of knee arthritis is Osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact. Rheumatoid Arthritis is another form, where the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation. Arthritis can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life if left untreated.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Persistent knee pain, especially after activity or prolonged periods of inactivity
  • Stiffness, particularly after waking up or sitting for extended periods
  • Swelling and warmth around the knee joint
  • Limited range of motion, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee
  • A grating or “crunching” sensation when moving the knee
  • Instability or a feeling of the knee “giving way”

Diagnosis

Dr. Romanelli will begin with a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of symptoms and a physical examination to assess knee function and range of motion. X-rays may be used to check for joint space narrowing or bone spurs, common signs of arthritis. In some cases, an MRI may be needed to get a more detailed view of the cartilage and soft tissues within the knee.

Treatment

The goal of arthritis treatment is to relieve pain, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options vary based on the severity of arthritis and the patient’s lifestyle.

Non-Surgical Treatment

For early-stage arthritis, non-surgical treatments may be effective in managing symptoms and improving mobility. These include:

  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and prescription medications may be used to manage pain and inflammation.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve joint stability can help reduce pain and improve function.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
  • Viscosupplementation: Hyaluronic acid injections may be used to lubricate the joint and reduce friction, offering relief from symptoms.

Surgical Procedure

In more advanced cases, when non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, surgical options may be necessary. Depending on the severity of the arthritis and the patient’s individual needs, Dr. Romanelli may recommend:

  • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to clean out loose cartilage or bone fragments in the knee joint.
  • Osteotomy: A procedure that involves cutting and reshaping bones to relieve pressure on the knee joint.
  • Knee Replacement Surgery: In severe cases of arthritis, partial or total knee replacement may be necessary to replace the damaged joint with an artificial implant.
  • MACI Procedure: For patients with cartilage defects, the Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) procedure may be used. This innovative procedure involves harvesting the patient’s own cartilage cells, growing them in a lab, and then implanting them back into the knee to regenerate new cartilage and restore joint function.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a key component of managing arthritis, whether treated non-surgically or surgically. A customized rehabilitation program will focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, improving flexibility, and increasing range of motion. After surgical procedures, particularly knee replacements or the MACI procedure, physical therapy helps patients regain mobility and return to normal activities more quickly. Dr. Romanelli works closely with physical therapists to ensure each patient receives personalized care for optimal recovery.