Knee Arthritis
Most people think knee arthritis only hits the elderly. Even professionals in the medical community used to believe it was only a wear-and-tear disease, something that happens as you age. The truth of the matter is that arthritis can strike anyone. Arthritis in the knees can significantly affect anyone at any age.
Knee arthritis — simply a change in the cartilage around your knee — often goes undiagnosed for years. That's why it was assumed only older people were afflicted. This type of arthritis commonly leads to knee pain and swelling, making getting around difficult. Treatment for arthritis in the knees ensures continued mobility.
Arthritis in Knee NYC — SPIN Sports Pain Specialists
Ready to treat your knee arthritis?
Same-day knee arthritis appointments available.
Types of Knee Arthritis
There are three main types of arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Post-traumatic arthritis
Visit your pain management doctor to find out what type of arthritis you have. It's possible to have more than one type of arthritis in the knees.
Still, only a qualified and experienced NYC sports medicine doctor can advise you about the most effective knee arthritis pain treatment plan.
What Are the Knee Arthritis Symptoms?
You may notice one day that you're making more noise than you used to while getting off the couch. It could just be that you're getting older, but don't make excuses for something more sinister. Arthritis pain likes to grow slowly.
What starts as a bit of pain when standing up or waking up may get worse and harder to ignore. Don't let arthritis in your knees sneak up on you.
Some symptoms to look for include:
Increase in daily pain
Poor range of motion in your knee
Visible bone spurs
Change in the appearance of your knee
Your knee buckles or locks
Swelling in your knee
You don't need all of these symptoms to start thinking about knee arthritis. Maybe you have a little swelling in the morning. Maybe your knee buckles every so often.
Cracking or popping joints are a little more problematic. While a quick pop of a knuckle or a neck crack may not indicate arthritis, a grinding feeling is something to get checked out. Some loss in your range of motion can result in a popping sound due to a loss of cartilage.
How to Treat Knee Arthritis?
Your doctor starts with questions about your pain levels. A physical exam follows, during which your joints are checked for swelling or tenderness. Your sports and pain physician also looks for a limited range of motion and inconsistencies with your gait.
Blood tests and imaging tests can help find the source of your knee pain so you and your doctor can begin helping you feel better with knee arthritis pain treatment.
Non-surgical treatments for arthritis in knees include:
- A steroid injection eases your pain and reduces inflammation, which is helpful in conjunction with other treatments.
- You consistently put more pressure and stress on your knees if you're overweight. Consider losing some weight.
- Consider some physical therapy to strengthen your legs and joints.
Ready to find relief from knee arthritis?
Dr. Melepura's Midtown Manhattan clinic offers same-day appointments for evaluation and treatment.
More Invasive Arthritis in Knee Pain Treatment
In addition to the non-surgical options, there are surgical treatments for arthritis in the knees. If the pain is too great or limiting your daily activities, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment. As with any medical procedure, there are always risks. Talk with your physician to determine which operation is suitable for your case. Possible surgical options include:
- Arthroscopy, which is more common for a meniscal tear
- Osteotomy, during which a bone is reshaped to help relieve pressure on your joint
- Cartilage grafting, where healthy cartilage is taken from another joint and grafted to the area in need
- Synovectomy is the removal of your damaged joint lining
- Knee replacement, either total or partial, which isn't that common anymore
Your recovery depends on your knee arthritis treatment. But committing to a good recovery plan is necessary before your procedure.
Just as physical therapy is used instead of surgery, your arthritis pain doctor will likely recommend it after surgery too. It's a great way to regain your range of motion and strength.
Although there are no guarantees, it's possible to return to your entire range of motion before the surgery. Following the post-operative instructions from your team of doctors is part of your arthritis-in-knee treatment. So, don't let your pain linger, get help and relief.
Real Stories from our Patients
Dr. Febin Melepura, MD
Double Board-Certified Pain Specialist
Meet Dr. Febin Melepura — Your Knee Arthritis Specialist in NYC
Dr. Febin Melepura, MD is a double board-certified interventional pain management specialist and the founder of the Sports Pain Institute of New York. He completed his residency and fellowship training at New York Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center, one of the nation's leading academic medical centers.
He holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine, and has treated more than 7,500 patients and performed over 5,250 procedures throughout his career. He has been named a Top Pain Management Doctor in New York and one of America's Top Doctors™ by Castle Connolly.
Dr. Melepura's approach to knee arthritis is rooted in precision: identify the exact source, treat it with a targeted injection, and get you back to your daily life as quickly as possible.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
Same-day appointments available. Call (212) 621-7746 or book online.
What Our Knee Arthritis Patients Say
"Able to make an appointment to see Dr. Melepura on short notice… attentive to my concerns… Jazmin was also very kind and helpful."
"Excellent hospitality, listener and explainer… highly recommend the doctor and the place."
"Dr. Melepura is the best! He worked with me to find the optimal solution to my shoulder pain while I was preparing for a fight!"
"Lovely, bright and modern… doctor and staff were kind… felt my concerns were heard."
"Helpful and friendly staff who gladly follows up with you if and when needed. Dr Melepura was very helpful and professional as well as provided me with excellent information and feedback."
"Dr Febin is fantastic! Highly recommend him and his practice the Spin clinic. The doctor is a good listener, kind, attentive and gave me great advice. "
"Dr.Melepura was very efficient and interpersonal, felt like he was understanding the problems I was having and explained the processes to take to rehabilitate. I would recommend."
"I felt listened to and truly understood by Dr. Melepura. Started PT the very next day. They were very friendly and I didn't feel rushed at all. Already recommended them to my friends who have or continue to play through pain."