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Knee

Knee Arthritis

What is Knee Arthritis?

The knee joint is formed where the femur (thighbone) meets the tibia (shinbone) and the patella (kneecap). It is cushioned by a layer of cartilage that absorbs shock and facilitates smooth movements. In knee arthritis, this cartilage erodes, and in severe cases, bone can rub against bone. There are three compartments in the knee where cartilage can occur. Two of the compartments are between the femur and tibia bones, known as the tibiofemoral joints. Between these two bones, arthritis can happen on the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) compartments, or both. Additionally, arthritis can occur between your kneecap (patella) and femur (trochlea) – this is called patellofemoral arthritis. It can happen by itself, or with arthritis in the other parts of the knee.

Knee arthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away. This causes the bones to rub against each other, leading to stiffness, swelling, pain, and loss of mobility. The most common form of arthritis in the knee is osteoarthritis, which is often associated with aging or wear and tear.

As an expert knee surgeon in the Detroit area, Dr. Ben Mayo specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of knee arthritis. When determining the best knee arthritis treatment plan, Dr. Mayo considers multiple factors including your activity level, goals, and injury severity to find the best treatment for you. Contact Dr. Mayo’s team today to schedule a consultation at one of his offices in Livonia, Sterling Heights, and Troy.

There are several risk factors that can contribute to the development of knee arthritis, including age, obesity, previous injury to the knee, repetitive stress on the knee, and family history of arthritis.

Symptoms of knee arthritis might include:

  • Gradual increase in knee pain, often worse in the morning or after inactivity
  • Swelling or tenderness around the joint
  • Stiffness and decreased mobility
  • Feeling of warmth in the joint
  • A crunching or clicking sound when moving the knee

Arthritis is a chronic condition and cannot completely heal on its own. However, the symptoms can be managed with treatment to slow down the progression of the disease and to improve quality of life.

Knee arthritis can be diagnosed through a physical exam, where your knee surgeon Dr. Mayo checks for swelling, range of motion, and pain. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans can provide more detailed images of the joint and help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for knee arthritis focuses on relieving symptoms and improving function. Options include:

  • Physical therapy and exercise: Strengthening the muscles around the knee can make it more stable and decrease pain.
  • Medications: These can help manage pain and inflammation.
  • Weight loss: Reducing weight can alleviate stress on the knee joint.
  • Assistive devices: Using aids like canes or wearing braces can provide support.
  • Injections: Steroids or hyaluronic acid can be injected into the knee to reduce pain and swelling.

Surgery is usually considered when other treatments have not provided relief, and the pain is significantly affecting quality of life. The decision on when to have surgery varies and is individualized based on the patient’s level of pain, disability, and overall health. It is a completely elective procedure, and does not need to be done urgently, and can be done when fits your schedule best.

There are several surgical options for knee arthritis:

  • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that can be used to remove loose pieces of cartilage.
  • Osteotomy: The surgeon cuts the bone either above or below the knee to shift the body weight away from the damaged area.
  • Cartilage preservation surgeries: If the damaged cartilage area is small, this is called an osteochondral defect, and procedures may be performed to preserve or replace the cartilage.
  • Total knee replacement: The damaged knee joint is replaced with a prosthesis.
  • Partial knee replacement: If the cartilage is only damaged in one part of the knee, just replacing that part with a metal and plastic piece may be an option.

Schedule a knee consultation

If you’re experiencing symptoms of or have been diagnosed with knee arthritis it’s essential to seek expert opinion from a board-certified, fellowship trained knee surgeon such as Dr. Ben Mayo. As an expert in knee arthritis surgery, Dr. Mayo is pleased to offer state-of-the-art techniques to his patients in the Detroit area. Contact his office today to learn about how he can help you return to the activities you love. He treats athletes and patients of all ages at his offices in Sterling Heights and Livonia, and regularly sees patients from the surrounding communities such as Troy, Canton, Macomb, Farmington Hills, and Royal Oak. Please call or make an appointment online today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mayo.

At a Glance

Ben Mayo, MD

  • Board-Certified, Fellowship Trained Sports Surgeon
  • Specializes in Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, & Knee Surgery
  • Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters
  • Learn more
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