Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Knee osteoarthritis is a common, progressive joint condition that results from the breakdown of cartilage—the smooth, protective tissue that cushions the bones in your knee. As cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Over time, even simple movements like walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair can become difficult.

Causes

Knee osteoarthritis typically develops gradually and may be influenced by several risk factors, including:

Aging: Cartilage naturally breaks down over time.
Previous injury or surgery: Trauma to the knee can accelerate cartilage wear.
Obesity: Excess weight increases joint stress and inflammation.
Genetics: A family history of OA can increase your risk.
Joint misalignment or overuse: Repetitive strain or improper gait may contribute to uneven wear.

As the condition progresses, inflammation may worsen and bone spurs (osteophytes) may form, causing more pain and stiffness.

Commonly Affected

Knee osteoarthritis most often affects:

Adults over 50, though it can occur earlier with certain risk factors
Individuals with a history of knee injury or surgery
People with physically demanding jobs or high-impact athletic histories
Patients with excess body weight
Those with existing joint conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout

It usually affects one or both knees and may progress slowly over years if untreated.

Treatments Available

At AllSpine Pain and Wellness, we emphasize non-surgical solutions and advanced interventional techniques to manage knee OA. Your care plan may include:

Genicular Nerve Blocks: A targeted injection that numbs the sensory nerves in the knee, offering significant temporary pain relief for moderate to severe arthritis.
Corticosteroid Injections: Reduces inflammation and swelling, easing pain for several weeks.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation): Lubricates the joint and improves shock absorption, helpful in mild to moderate OA.
Knee Bracing and Assistive Devices: Helps offload pressure from the affected area, allowing for easier movement and joint protection.

We focus on restoring function while avoiding or delaying the need for surgery, particularly joint replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is knee osteoarthritis curable?

Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, but symptoms can be effectively managed. With the right treatment plan, many patients avoid surgery and maintain active lifestyles.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for genicular nerve blocks?

If you’ve had limited relief from medications or injections and want to avoid surgery, nerve blocks may be a suitable option. A diagnostic injection is typically used first to assess effectiveness.

Are injections safe?

Yes. Both corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections are commonly used for knee OA and have been shown to be safe when administered properly under clinical supervision.

Will I eventually need a knee replacement?

Not always. Many patients manage OA for years without surgery. Interventional pain treatments and rehab can significantly delay or even eliminate the need for joint replacement in many cases.

What can I do at home to support treatment?

Weight management, low-impact exercise, proper footwear, and avoiding repetitive stress on the knees can all support your in-clinic treatments and improve outcomes.

Bibliography

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). (2023). Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Guide. Retrieved from https://www.aaos.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). (2023). Osteoarthritis Overview. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov