Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that cause inflammation and symptoms within a joint. In the knee, arthritis can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced motion, and difficulty walking. The cause matters because different forms require different treatment.
Types of Knee Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It is a progressive whole-joint disease involving deterioration of articular cartilage, changes in the underlying bone, and variable inflammation of the joint lining. Osteoarthritis may develop gradually or after a previous injury.
Inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, is driven by immune-system activity and may affect multiple joints.
Crystal arthritis, including gout and pseudogout, can produce sudden, intense inflammation. Septic arthritis is infection within the joint and requires urgent treatment.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms may include activity-related pain, stiffness after rest, swelling, reduced motion, grinding, alignment changes, and pain at rest or at night. X-ray severity does not always match symptom severity.
The provider examines motion, alignment, tenderness, swelling, strength, and stability. Weight-bearing X-rays can show joint-space narrowing, osteophytes, bone changes, and alignment. If inflammatory, crystal, or infectious arthritis is suspected, blood tests or joint-fluid analysis may be needed. MRI is not routinely necessary for established osteoarthritis but may be ordered externally when another condition is suspected.
Treatment
Osteoarthritis treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, weight management when relevant, bracing, a walking aid, medication, or corticosteroid injection. PRP or BMAC may be discussed selectively after reviewing evidence, alternatives, expense, and goals.
Inflammatory arthritis may require rheumatology treatment with disease-modifying medication. Total knee replacement may be considered when advanced joint damage causes substantial pain and disability despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment.
Locations
Our orthopedic team provides evaluation and treatment at clinics in New Braunfels, Seguin, Cuero, Kenedy, Hallettsville, and Yoakum. Services and provider availability vary by location.