NYC Top Orthopedic Surgeon Shares More About Knee Arthritis Symptoms and Risk Factors
What is Knee Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the knee, also called degenerative arthritis, is a gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is a tough, flexible connective tissue that protects the ends of bones in the joints. Knee arthritis is common in the knees because the knees bear the weight of the body. Osteoarthritis of the knee can severely impact a person’s lifestyle. Dr. Armin Tehrany is a top New York orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee arthritis diagnosis, treatment, and management.
Knee Arthritis Symptoms
There are three main types of arthritis that affect the knee – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. The most common knee arthritis symptoms are:
- Gradual increase in pain over time
- Swelling and stiffness in the knee that reduces mobility
- A popping, or clicking sound when moving due to loose fragments of cartilage
- An increase in pain when weather conditions change
- Weakness in the knee due to pain
Contact Manhattan Orthopedic Care’s Staten Island office if you suspect that you may have knee arthritis.
Knee Arthritis Causes and Risk Factors
Knee arthritis commonly develops as a result of the wear and tear of aging. It also frequently results from traumatic injury to the joint. The following factors increase the risk of developing knee arthritis:
- Age – cartilage becomes weaker and less flexible as you get older
- Gender – women are more likely to develop knee arthritis than men
- Certain diseases, such as gout and metabolic conditions
- Bone deformities may attribute to the development of knee arthritis
- Genetics – your chances of developing knee osteoarthritis are increased if someone in your immediate family has it
- Obesity – knees are weight-bearing joints and obesity places additional strain on these joints
Progression of Arthritis in the Knee
In a healthy knee, the ends of the bones are covered by a layer of cartilage. Healthy cartilage allows the bones to glide smoothly against each other. But in a knee with osteoarthritis, this cartilage begins to deteriorate and wear away.
Bone Spur Formation
Repetitive motion or injury may speed up cartilage deterioration. Eventually, the bones may rub directly against each other. This rubbing can cause the gradual growth of bony bumps along the edge of the joint. These lumps, called bone spurs (or osteophytes), can cause joint pain.
Knee Arthritis Treatment in New York
Dr. Armin Tehrany is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with offices in Staten Island and Manhattan. Contact his office for a virtual appointment or schedule an in-person consultation to discuss your knee pain and personalized treatment plan.
Don’t let knee pain keep you from living your life to the fullest. Manhattan Orthopedic Care may be able to help reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.
