Your Options For Non-Operative Knee Arthritis Treatment In Philadelphia

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, our team of knee specialists can help determine the specific condition of your knee arthritis and what treatment option may be the best approach to help you reduce pain.

Knee arthritis can develop in patients a number of different ways. Most often, the condition results from the regular “wear and tear” of daily life, as the cartilage in the knee is worn away through general use. In other cases, overuse of the knee joint in sports or even a genetic predisposition can contribute to the wearing away of protective cartilage. Occasionally, knee arthritis can result after a traumatic injury. In all of these cases, however, arthritis develops as a result of the breakdown of cartilage, which typically protects the bones of the joint from rubbing together. This loss then causes pain and inflammation to develop, especially during movement.

If this pain is just beginning to develop for you or your loved one, it is the best time to talk with a local doctor about your options for non-operative knee arthritis treatment in Philadelphia. Early intervention can often go a long way in slowing the advancement of this condition and delaying the need for more intensive treatments later on.

Some common non-operative treatment options include:

• Weight loss to reduce the pressure placed on the knee joints

• Lifestyle modification including adjustment of activities to reduce the wear or pressure on the knees

• Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the painful swelling of the knees

• Physical Therapy to build strength and improve mobility

• Cortisone Injections to reduce the pain and/or swelling in the joint

Often, some combination of these options is effective for patients in the early stages of knee arthritis in Philadelphia. Before beginning any of these options, however, it is important to talk with a doctor about your particular condition.