Knee Osteoarthritis
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis, often referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones may begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, inflammation, and loss of joint function.
Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:
- Pain: Persistent pain in the knee joint, especially during weight-bearing activities or after periods of inactivity.
- Stiffness: Stiffness and limited range of motion in the knee joint, particularly in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
- Swelling: Swelling and tenderness around the knee joint, often accompanied by warmth and redness.
- Joint Instability: Feeling of weakness or instability in the knee, which may cause the joint to give out or buckle.
Diagnosing knee osteoarthritis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. During your consultation, Dr. Cruz will perform a thorough examination of your knee, review your medical history, and may order additional tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to assess the extent of joint damage.
Dr. Christian Cruz offers a range of treatment options to help manage knee osteoarthritis and improve quality of life. These may include:
- Non-Surgical Treatments: Conservative approaches such as physical therapy, weight management, activity modification, and pain medications may be recommended to alleviate symptoms and improve joint function.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be used to reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint.
- Surgical Interventions: In cases where conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, surgical options such as arthroscopic debridement, osteotomy, or knee replacement surgery may be considered to restore function and alleviate pain.
Why choose Dr. Christian Cruz for Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment?
If you are experiencing knee osteoarthritis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Christian Cruz, a dedicated knee surgeon serving Alexandria, Arlington, and Lanham. Dr. Cruz offers expert care to manage pain and improve mobility, using the latest techniques to help you maintain an active lifestyle. Contact us today to explore your treatment options.
At a Glance
Dr. Christian Cruz
- Fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery
- Expertise in complex knee and shoulder reconstruction
- Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Uniformed Services University School of Health Sciences
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