Practical, honest information to help you reduce pain, improve mobility, and take control of your knees. Here is a clear look at your options, from simple first steps all the way to surgery, and how to decide what's right for you.
Download the printable guide (PDF)Knee arthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain and stiffness. It can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or exercising harder. The good news: there are many treatment options, both nonsurgical and surgical, that can help you stay active and improve your quality of life.
Arthritis happens when the smooth cartilage that cushions your knee joint gradually wears away. Without that protective layer, the bones begin to rub together, which leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Knee arthritis doesn't just affect the joint, it affects your lifestyle. Patients often notice difficulty with:
Most patients start with the simplest, least-invasive steps and only move up as needed. Here is the full ladder, from everyday changes to surgery.
Losing even a little weight reduces the stress on your knee, and swapping high-impact activities for gentler ones can ease symptoms. Staying active is part of the treatment, not the opposite of it.
Strengthening the muscles around the knee improves support and reduces pain. A focused therapy program is one of the most effective non-operative tools we have.
Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can help. In some cases, prescription options are appropriate. We'll guide what's safe for you.
These include steroid injections, gel injections (viscosupplementation, or hyaluronic acid), and biologic treatments such as PRP and bone-marrow or fat-derived signaling cells. A note on language: these signaling cells are often marketed as "stem cells," but the honest science is that they help coordinate your body's own healing rather than growing new tissue.
If nonsurgical options no longer provide relief, surgery may be the right step: arthroscopy (helpful only in specific cases), realignment surgery (osteotomy) to shift weight off the damaged area, partial knee replacement for isolated damage, or total knee replacement when the joint is severely worn. Recovery usually involves physical therapy, a walking aid for a short period, and a gradual return to normal activities.
Whether you're at the very first step or wondering about surgery, we'll give you an honest read on where you are and what makes sense next.
This guide is for general education and is not medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition or to replace the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Every patient's situation is unique, and treatment decisions should always be made with your physician.
Wichman Orthopedics