Osteoarthritis of the Knee
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective articular cartilage covering the ends of bones wears down over time. This cartilage normally allows for smooth, frictionless motion in the knee. As it deteriorates, the bones begin to rub directly against one another, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Unlike other inflammatory forms of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis is considered a “wear-and-tear” condition. It is the most common form of arthritis affecting the knee joint.
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Causes and Risk Factors
There is no single cause of knee osteoarthritis, but several factors increase risk:
- Age: Cartilage naturally wears with age.
- Joint Injury: Prior trauma (e.g., ligament or meniscal tears) can accelerate cartilage breakdown.
- Overuse or Heavy Activity: Jobs or sports involving repetitive motion or heavy lifting increase stress on the joint.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the knee, especially the inner (medial) compartment.
- Malalignment: “Bow-legged” (varus) or “knock-kneed” (valgus) alignment places uneven load on the knee.
- Genetics: Family history of arthritis may predispose individuals to early degeneration.
- Previous Surgery: Partial meniscectomy or ligament reconstruction may alter joint mechanics.
Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time. Common signs include:
- Persistent pain, especially during or after activity
- Swelling and stiffness, particularly after periods of rest
- Grinding or crunching sensation during movement (crepitus)
- Decreased flexibility or range of motion
- Locking or buckling of the knee
- Pain with weather changes (due to pressure sensitivity)
Diagnosis at Kerlan Jobe Institute
Our knee specialists begin with a thorough clinical evaluation, including your medical history, symptoms, and physical exam. To confirm diagnosis and assess severity, we use:
- X-rays: To detect joint space narrowing, bone spurs (osteophytes), and alignment issues
- MRI: Useful for evaluating cartilage wear, meniscal damage, and early joint changes
- Weight-Bearing Imaging: Helps us understand joint function under stress
Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis
At Kerlan Jobe Institute, our goal is to relieve symptoms, slow progression, and help you stay active. We tailor treatment plans based on the stage of OA, your activity goals, and overall joint health.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, activity modification, joint-friendly exercise
- Physical Therapy: Improves strength, flexibility, and joint stability
- NSAIDs: Oral or topical anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Lubricate the joint to improve motion and reduce pain
- Corticosteroid Injections: Targeted anti-inflammatory relief
- Biologic Injections (PRP, stem cells): Support joint healing and may slow progression
Surgical Treatments
When conservative treatment fails to relieve symptoms, surgical options may be considered:
- Arthroscopic Debridement: Smoothing worn cartilage surfaces (typically for mild OA)
- Osteotomy: Bone realignment to offload damaged cartilage in younger, active patients
- Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental): For damage limited to one part of the joint
- Total Knee Replacement: For advanced, widespread cartilage loss
Staging of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is often classified in four stages:
Stage 1
Minor: Little wear; no major pain or functional limitations
Stage 2
Mild: Early signs on X-ray; some stiffness and aching
Stage 3
Moderate: Noticeable joint space narrowing and cartilage loss; daily pain
Stage 4
Severe: Bone-on-bone contact; chronic pain, major loss of motion
Understanding your stage helps us guide appropriate treatment and long-term planning.
Long-Term Management and Support
Our team emphasizes early intervention, customized rehabilitation, and joint preservation strategies.
At Kerlan Jobe Institute, we’re committed to helping you maintain an active lifestyle, delay surgical intervention when possible, and ensure the highest level of care if surgery becomes necessary.
Getting You Back in Motion
Surgery is just the beginning. How do you heal, move, and feel when all is said and done?
From NHL and NBA players to weekend warriors, our goal is the same: getting you back to doing what you love.
Patient Testimonials
highly skilled surgeon
“Dr. Kvitne operated on my shoulder 3 years ago and I had a perfect recovery and no problems since and I do not see a scar. He is kind with a great bedside manor and a highly skilled surgeon.”
Dr. Kharrazi truly got me back on my feet—literally.
One year ago, I tore several ligaments in my knee, and now I’m able to do the things I enjoy again.
His expertise, knowledge, and confidence are what made me choose him as my surgeon, and I will always be grateful to him and his entire team. Rudy, his assistant; Norma, who was always so prompt with all of my emails; and Blanca, who helped with forms—each of them made a difference. I can’t thank them enough for being there with me every step of the way.
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Kvitne
“My experience with Dr Kvitne was amazing he is a outstanding Doctor what a talented man he is my knee was in such bad shape he did not have much to work with but he got in there and fixed me up there was so much that had to be repaired Dr Kvitne with his knowledge and experience repaired my knee so nicely done I have had knee surgery before but never like this I can’t say enough good things about Dr Kvitne awesome human being as well as a awesome excellent Doctor!!”
Dr. Kharrazi gave me my mobility back
After 2 knee surgeries with other Orthopedics I must say that Dr. Kharrazi is a miracle worker. I have my mobility back and my pain level is so greatly improved. Thanks Dr. K!
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Contact the office to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.
Kerlan-Jobe provides comprehensive orthopaedic care for patients seeking expert treatment for sports injuries, joint pain, and mobility limitations. We offers specialized experience and a patient-first approach designed to support lasting results.