Knee Arthritis Treatment
The WellStar Center for Joint Replacement excels in the treatment of knee joints affected by arthritis. In fact, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) certified WellStar’s Total Knee/Hip Program, recognizing it as a preeminent major joint reconstruction program in Georgia.
Initial Treatment
Conservative treatment is always attempted before a total knee replacement is considered. Initial treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Physiotherapy
- Weight loss
- Activity modification
- Ambulatory assistive devices
- Braces
- Corticosteroid injections
- Tibial osteotomy
- Arthroscopy
- Viscosupplementation
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement replaces the damaged part of your knee with an artificial joint, which, like a normal knee, has smooth weight-bearing surfaces. The femoral component covers your thigh bone, the tibial component covers the top of your shin bone and the patellar component covers the underside of your kneecap.
You may benefit from total knee replacement if you experience the following:
- Severe knee pain that limits your everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs
- Moderate or severe knee pain while resting
- Chronic knee pain, inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest or medications
- Knee deformity, such as a bowing in or out of your knee
- Knee stiffness, such as an inability to bend and straighten your knee
- Failure of substantial improvement using other treatments such as cortisone injections, physical therapy or other surgeries
The sooner knee arthritis is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. The course of treatment depends on the type of arthritis, its severity and your overall health. Successful treatment will increase joint mobility and strength, and help you learn to manage arthritis pain.