Knee Arthritis Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment in New Haven
Knee arthritis can be a debilitating condition which hinders a person’s ability to manage day to day tasks, or achieve important goals, or simply enjoy life to its fullest. For patients who believe they have the condition and are looking to regain their independence, calling Dr. Lee Rubin for a personalized consultation is highly recommended. Dr. Rubin can answer any questions you have and help you determine whether you are a candidate for treatment. Call (203) 785-2579 today to schedule your consultation!
Patient Testimonial
“Look no further. Dr. Rubin is the most talented and gifted surgeon that anyone could hope for. Not only did Dr. Rubin perform a knee replacement surgery on me, two months later, he performed an emergency broken kneecap surgery on the same knee! ( The kneecap had to be totally rebuilt.) Without his skill and precision, there was a high probability that my mobility would be compromised for the rest of my life. Dr. Rubin is my super hero and I will forever be grateful to him.”
What is knee arthritis?
Knee arthritis is inflammation of the knee joint, caused when the cartilage surrounding the bones in the knee joint is worn down. This causes the bones in the joint to begin rubbing together, causing inflammation and pain. Cartilage may deteriorate due to normal wear and tear over time, or it may result from a specific injury, or an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. The most common form of knee arthritis is knee osteoarthritis (OA), which affects millions of people in the US. This causes knee pain and can lead to loss of proper knee function if left untreated.
What causes knee arthritis?
Knee arthritis can occur as the result of various causes, including the following:
- Normal wear and tear over time
- A traumatic knee injury
- Excessive stress on the knee joints
- Participating in sports or activities that place stress on the knees
- Improper development of the knee joint
- Genetic defects in cartilage
Knee Arthritis Types
There are various types of knee arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis of the knee is known as the “wear and tear” arthritis, and develops gradually over time. It tends to cause pain later in life, after years of joint damage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee is an autoimmune disease that causes a person’s immune system to attack the tissues in the knee joint, causing damage over time.
- Psoriatic arthritis of the knee stems from psoriatic skin disease and causes weakening and damage of the knee joint.
- Post-traumatic arthritis of the knee occurs as a result of a previous injury or trauma to the knee joint, which resurfaces later in life as arthritis.
If you are suffering from any of the below signs and symptoms of knee arthritis, it is important to visit your doctor for an evaluation:
- Pain in the knee joint that increases over time
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the joint
- Inability to put full weight on the knee (“buckling” or “giving out” feeling)
- Sound or feeling of “crunching” in the knee
- Lowered ability to walk, stand, or climb stairs
Knee Arthritis Risk Factors
Knee arthritis can occur in anyone, but there are certain risk factors that put some people at a greater risk of developing the joint disease. Any of the following factors tend to increase the chances of developing knee arthritis, and can accelerate the condition in those who already have it:
- Being older in age
- Being overweight or obese
- Participating in high-impact sports
- Having structural problems in the knee joint
- Suffering past joint trauma in the knee
Where can I get a knee arthritis diagnosis?
If you believe you may be suffering from knee arthritis, it is important to visit a physician who can perform an evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Dr. Lee Rubin is an orthopedic knee specialist who has an extensive background in diagnosing and treating knee arthritis.
While there is no specific knee arthritis test, your doctor may use an imaging test, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test or x-rays, paired with a physical evaluation, to determine whether you’re suffering from joint damage and to make an accurate knee arthritis diagnosis.
What are my knee arthritis treatment options?
Knee arthritis can be treated conservatively in some cases, using non-surgical treatments that may include:
- Rest
- Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
- Joint injections
- Physical therapy
- Low-impact exercises
- Weight loss
When conservative treatments fail or the condition is severe, Dr. Rubin may recommend one of the following advanced knee surgeries to restore function and ease your knee pain:
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’re suffering from knee arthritis, the first step to feeling better is scheduling an evaluation with Dr. Lee Rubin, an expert in joint replacement surgery. To request an appointment, call (203) 785-2579 or fill out the form on this page.