What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, a degenerative joint disease. This condition involves degeneration of the joint cartilage and the underlying bone, leading to pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis usually occurs among people who are middle-aged or older, particularly in the hip, knee, and thumb joints.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee?

Also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that provides cushioning between the joints wears away. Symptoms of knee arthritis include:

Pain that increases with activity and improves with rest
Decrease in mobility of the knee
Swelling
Warmth in the joint
Stiffness in the knee, particularly in the morning or after sitting
Crackly, creaking sound when the knee moves

Man pausing his run, holding his knee in discomfort

What causes knee osteoarthritis?

The most common cause of knee osteoarthritis is aging. Other factors that increase the risk of developing this condition are:

Repetitive stress injuries: Repetitive motions causing overuse injury to the knee can occur in certain occupations. People with jobs that involve activities such as squatting, kneeling, or heavy lifting are more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee.

Athletics: Athletes involved in sports such as tennis, soccer, and long-distance running have a higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis and should take preventative steps to avoid injury.

Other illnesses: People with rheumatoid arthritis and certain metabolic disorders run a higher risk for osteoarthritis.

Gender: Women ages 55 and older are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis.

Heredity: Genetic tendencies and inherited abnormalities in the bones around the knee joint can increase the risk of developing this disease.

How is knee osteoarthritis treated?

Dr. Yoon offers cutting-edge treatments in Los Angeles for knee osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases. Among the treatments he may consider when designing your treatment plan are:

Viscosupplementation: Hyaluronic acid is a main component of cartilage and synovial (joint) fluid. It has viscoelastic properties that allow for shock absorption and lubrication in the joints. When injected for treatment of knee osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid provides lubrication that can reduce friction, inflammation, and swelling, and relieve pain.

Corticosteroids: Steroids injected into the knee can relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and swelling.

Ultrasound and fluoroscopy guided imaging: This allows for precision in injecting medications to treat knee osteoarthritis.

Stem cell therapy: Stem cells can be harvested from a variety of sources for treating knee osteoarthritis. Those sources include bone marrow, adipose tissue, amniotic fluid and matrix, and umbilical cord blood. Stem cells have the ability to develop into other types of cells and repair damaged tissues.

Platelet rich plasma: PRP is plasma rich in platelets, taken from the patients own blood. Platelets in PRP release growth factors, which promote hearing and tissue regeneration.