Knee Arthritis Treatment in Wayne, NJ

Arthritis can present in any joint and under several forms, including the knee. Arthritis in the knee can have debilitating effects on your quality of life. However, as soon as you receive a diagnosis, you can explore surgical and non-surgical treatment options with your doctor. If you’re affected by this condition, know that there are treatment options available in Wayne, NJ at High Mountain Orthopedics. Our expert team of orthopedic specialists, surgeons, and doctors is ready to help.

Understanding Arthritis of the Knee

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that eats away at healthy cartilage over time. While there are many types of arthritis, the two forms we see most often at High Mountain Orthopedics include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that causes the body to turn on itself and attack its own cartilage. This can affect any joint in the body, including the knee.
• Osteoarthritis: OA is the most common form of arthritis. It is generally described as arthritis brought on by a general wear-and-tear of the cartilage within the joint.

Osteoarthritis is typically found in adults over the age of 50. While there’s no definitive cause linked to RA, the main difference is that it targets the lining of the joints, not just the joints themselves.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Knee Arthritis

While arthritis has the potential to appear suddenly and without a single root cause, there are several factors that have been known to increase risk. These may include:

• Gender (female)
• Age
• Being overweight
• Existing medical conditions
• Existing or previous knee injuries
• History of arthritis in the family
• Long-term repetitive knee strain

If one or more of these situations apply to you, look for signs and symptoms of arthritis of the knee. Catching it early on can drastically reduce damage, allowing you to take preemptive steps towards lessening the symptoms and reducing the risk of further injury.

Knee Arthritis Treatment Options

The first step is diagnosis. Consult our expert doctors when you first begin to notice symptoms to discuss possible treatment options. Our team will work with you to achieve a personalized treatment plan that best suits your needs. Reaching a diagnosis often involves the following:

• Blood panel
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Testing for fluid in the knee
• X-rays

If this condition is caught in its early stages, you may only need anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, an exercise regimen, physical therapy, and a hot or cold compress applied to the affected area. However, if the arthritis is in its later stages, a minimally invasive knee arthroscopy may be recommended, which is designed to remove damaged cartilage and gently shape the knee into a natural position. In some cases, a knee replacement may be necessary.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Whether it’s OA, RA, or another form of arthritis, we offer several treatment options at High Mountain Orthopedics for patients throughout Wayne, NJ. If you think you may have arthritis in the knee, contact us to schedule an office or telemedicine appointment today.