About OA of the Knee
If you have been diagnosed with OA of the knee, you are not alone–more than 10 million Americans have OA of the knee. Although there is no cure for OA of the knee, there are treatments available  which can reduce pain and help you stay active.

Signs & Symptoms
The main symptoms commonly associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee are:

• Knee pain that worsens when you are active and improves when you rest
• Stiffness, with reduced ability to move the knee
• Swelling around the knee
• Cracking (crepitus) when moving the knee

Other possible symptoms of OA of the knee include:

• Buckling or instability of the knee
• Bony enlargement of the knee
• Deformity of the knee

If you have any of these symptoms or signs, see your doctor and talk with him or her about your symptoms — where the pain is, how long you’ve had it, and what types of things make it better or worse. Your doctor will perform tests to determine the cause of your knee pain or may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. If the cause of your pain is OA of the knee, there are numerous treatment options available.

Causes
Although doctors are not completely certain what causes OA of the knee, some possible contributors are:

• Advancing age
• Wear and tear on the knee over many years
• Previous injury
• Excessive weight
• Genetics: It may “run in the family”
• Gender: Women are more likely than men to have OA of the knee

Diagnosing osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
The first thing your doctor will do is talk with you about your symptoms. He or she will ask you where the pain is, how long you’ve had it, and what types of things make it better or worse. He or she will also probably perform a physical exam of your knee. Following that, there are several tests that can aid your doctor in making a final diagnosis:

X-ray: An x-ray can give your doctor a good view of the bones and cartilage in your joint–if the space between the bones is narrower than usual, it may indicate damage to the cartilage, a sign of OA
MRI: An MRI may be used if an x-ray is not providing a clear indication of the cause of your knee pain
Blood test: A blood test can rule out rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other possible causes of joint pain
Other, less common tests include:

• Joint fluid analysis: A needle is used to draw fluid from your joint; the fluid is then checked for signs of infection or other conditions
• Arthroscopy: A tiny camera is inserted through small incisions around your knee to look directly at the joint

Progression
OA of the knee is a chronic condition that gradually worsens over time.
Normal knee: Cartilage covers the ends of the bones and keeps them from rubbing together. A small space between the bones contains synovial fluid, which lubricates and protects the joint.
Mild OA: Tiny cracks and pits may begin to form in the cartilage as its surface begins to break down.
Moderate OA: Large sections of cartilage lose their flexibility and start to wear down, making the cartilage even more likely to be damaged by daily wear and tear or injury. Bone spurs may form on the edges of the bones. The synovial fluid also starts to break down, losing its effectiveness.
Severe OA: Sections of cartilage completely wear away, leaving the bones unprotected so that they rub against each other. Tiny bits of cartilage may also float freely in the joint, causing further damage and pain.

The good news: OA of the knee is manageable, especially if detected early, and there are many treatment options. So, if you experience pain, stiffness, or any of the symptoms listed above, see your doctor. Only your doctor can diagnose OA of the knee. If it is OA, you and your doctor will work together to find a treatment that is right for you.

Treatment

Although osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is not curable, there are many treatment options available that can help you to control pain and maintain an active lifestyle. OA is usually managed with a combination of approaches, including medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.

Lifestyle changes
There are changes you can make to your lifestyle that may help with the management of OA of the knee:

• Exercise/physical therapy: Your doctor can help you design an exercise plan that is right for you or recommend a physical therapist
• Weight loss (if you are overweight)
• Physical therapy
• Oral and topical medications

Medications:

• Aspirin
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
• Ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®)
• Naproxen (Aleve®)
• Topical pain relievers (creams, rubs, sprays)
• Prescription pain medications, such as:
• Celecoxib® (Celebrex)
• Mild narcotic pain relievers (usually for short-term use only, as they may be addictive)

Injections
There are two types of injections commonly used in the treatment of OA knee pain:

• Corticosteroid injections: Anti-inflammatory hormones that can decrease pain
• Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections (such as Euflexxa®): Injections of HA similar to the natural HA found in the fluid that surrounds a healthy knee

Surgery
Surgery may also be an option in treating OA of the knee. A surgeon can remove loose bone and cartilage, and reposition or smooth out bones. In addition, a surgeon can perform a total or partial knee replacement, in which all or some of a joint is replaced with an artificial one.
The best thing to do is to talk with your doctor. Together, you will be able to work out a plan that can help you manage the symptoms of OA of the knee.

Non-Surgical Orthopaedics, P.C. treats OA of the knees utilizing all of the most up to date treatments available. Call 770-421-1420 to schedule and appointment or visit our website at lowbackpain.com.