Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis can profoundly impact your quality of life — manifesting as persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that interfere with everyday activities. Dr. McLawhorn offers expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans, from evidence-based conservative care through advanced surgical solutions.

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Arthritis is damage to the joint surfaces where they contact each other.

In the knee, this affects the ends of the femur, tibia, and patella. When cartilage breaks down due to aging, injury, or wear and tear, bone rubs directly against bone. The joint space narrows, bone spurs and cysts form, and the menisci are invariably damaged as part of the arthritic process. In severe cases, the knee may bow outward (varus) or become knock-kneed (valgus).

  • Osteoarthritis (OA)

    The most common form — gradual cartilage degeneration due to wear and tear. May affect only one compartment (partial knee replacement may be an option) or multiple compartments (total knee replacement typically the best choice).

    Inflammatory Arthritis

    Autoimmune diseases in which immune cells attack the joint — including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and others.

    Secondary Arthritis

    Arthritis resulting from prior trauma, skeletal dysplasia, or prior knee infection.

    • Morning stiffness or stiffness after prolonged sitting

    • Pain increasing with activity, climbing stairs, or kneeling

    • Swelling or warmth that does not resolve

    • A grinding or bone-on-bone sensation

    • Pain that wakes you from sleep

  • Non-Surgical

    • Activity modification and weight management

    • Physical therapy — quadriceps and surrounding muscle strengthening

    • Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

    • Cortisone injections — rapid relief for flares

    • Gel injections (viscosupplementation) — FDA-approved for knee OA

    • PRP therapy — regenerative treatment

    • Knee bracing — unloader braces shift weight from the arthritic compartment

    Surgical

If you believe you may have knee arthritis, call 212-606-1065 (NYC) or 203-705-2113 (CT) to schedule a consultation.

Ready to discuss your options? Call 212-606-1065 (NYC) or 203-705-2113 (CT).

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