Knee Arthritis Treatment in Los Gatos 

Knee arthritis affects nearly 25% of adults. It can make everyday movements, like walking, climbing stairs, or standing from a chair, more difficult.

At Resilience Orthopedics, Dr. Pamela Mehta focuses on how knee arthritis impacts your life. She creates a personalized treatment plan to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you stay active.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the knee, which gradually wears down the cartilage that cushions the bones. As the cartilage thins, bones may rub together, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Knee arthritis can make it harder to bend or straighten your leg. You may notice weakness, a grinding sensation, or changes in the shape of your knee. Without proper care, symptoms can worsen and affect daily activities.

What Causes Knee Arthritis?

Knee arthritis usually develops over time. Several factors can increase the risk:

• Cartilage naturally becomes thinner and less flexible with age.
• Past fractures, ligament tears, or meniscus injuries can increase the risk later in life.
• Frequent kneeling, squatting, or heavy lifting can strain the knee.
• Extra weight adds pressure to the knees with every step.
• Arthritis can run in families.
• Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can damage the knee joint over time.

What Types of Knee Arthritis Occur?

Knee arthritis can take different forms, and understanding the type can help guide treatment:

• Osteoarthritis: Cartilage gradually wears down over time, often due to aging or long-term joint stress. Conditions such as chondromalacia patella can increase stress on the joint and contribute to osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Develops years after a knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear.
• Gout: Caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals, leading to sudden pain, redness, and swelling.

Each type can lead to pain and reduced mobility if left untreated, but treatments are available to manage symptoms and protect the joint.

What are the Symptoms of Knee Arthritis?

Knee arthritis often develops gradually, and early signs can be subtle. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the knee, especially during or after activity
• Stiffness, often worse in the morning or after sitting
• Swelling around the joint
• Grinding or clicking sounds when moving the knee
• Reduced range of motion or difficulty bending and straightening
• Weakness or instability, as if the knee might give out

These symptoms can make everyday activities more challenging. Early detection and care are important to reduce discomfort and help you move with ease.

When Should I See a Specialist?

If knee pain is making everyday activities harder, don’t wait to get help. Early care can protect your joints and keep you active. 

A specialist can work with you to create a plan that fits your needs and keeps your arthritis from getting worse.

How is Knee Arthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with reviewing your symptoms and examining your knee. Dr. Mehta will check for swelling, stiffness, and how well the joint moves. 

This helps her understand what may be causing your pain and how advanced the arthritis may be. To confirm the diagnosis, she may recommend:

• X-rays to look for cartilage loss or changes in the bones.
• MRI scans for detailed images of cartilage and other soft tissues.
• Lab tests to rule out inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

How Do We Treat Knee Arthritis?

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are. Dr. Mehta usually begins with conservative care to reduce pain and improve movement.

Non-surgical treatments may include:

• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the knee.
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling.
• Cortisone or hyaluronic acid injections, if needed.
• Knee brace or support to reduce pressure on the joint.

If these treatments no longer provide relief and arthritis becomes advanced, surgery may be recommended.

Surgical treatments may include:

• Arthroscopy to repair or remove damaged tissue
• Partial or total knee replacement for severe joint damage

At our Los Gatos clinic, Dr. Mehta guides you through each step to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.

How Can I Take Care of Myself if I Have Knee Arthritis?

Daily habits play a big role in managing knee arthritis. These strategies can reduce pain and support mobility:

• Low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, helps keep joints flexible.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the knee and reduce discomfort.
• A knee brace provides extra stability during daily activities.
• Ice packs reduce swelling and stiffness.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may relieve pain.
• Strengthen the muscles around the knee to improve support and mobility.
• Listen to your body and allow time to recover.

Consistent care can help you stay active, reduce discomfort, and stay on the go.

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