KNEE ARTHRITIS PASADENA

• Osteoarthritis: The most common form, caused by wear and tear on the knee joint over time, leading to cartilage breakdown.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation and damage.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after a knee injury or fracture, which can accelerate cartilage deterioration.
• Gout: A type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint, leading to sudden, severe pain.
• Pseudogout: Caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals forming in the joint, leading to inflammation and pain.

• Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the knee joint, which may worsen with activity and improve with rest.
• Stiffness: Reduced flexibility and difficulty bending or straightening the knee, especially in the morning or after inactivity.
• Swelling: Fluid accumulation in or around the knee joint, causing visible puffiness and discomfort.
• Tenderness: Sensitivity around the knee, particularly along the joint line or surrounding tissues.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the knee through its full range of motion.
• Crepitus: A grating or crunching sound when moving the knee, often due to roughened cartilage surfaces.
• Instability: A sensation of the knee giving way due to weakened muscles and joint structures.

To prevent knee arthritis, adopting a proactive approach to joint health is essential. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as excess body weight places additional stress on the knee joints, accelerating cartilage wear. Regular exercise, particularly low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking, helps strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility without putting undue stress on the joint. Practicing good posture and body mechanics during physical activities can prevent unnecessary strain on the knees. Wearing supportive footwear with proper arch support and cushioning also plays a significant role in reducing impact and maintaining joint alignment. Additionally, avoiding repetitive stress by incorporating rest breaks and varying activities can help prevent overuse injuries. Engaging in stretching and strengthening exercises regularly further supports knee health by enhancing muscle strength and joint flexibility. By integrating these preventive measures into daily routines, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing knee arthritis and maintain better joint function.

At Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, we offer a variety of treatments tailored to your specific needs. Our goal is to alleviate pain and restore function through personalized care plans, which may include:

• Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and promote joint health.
• Orthotics: Custom-made knee braces to provide support and reduce pain.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques to repair or clean out the joint or Radiofrequency Ablation to prevent the pain signals from reaching the brain.
• Injections: Corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections

Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. Our comprehensive diagnostic approach includes:

• Medical History: Detailed assessment of your symptoms and medical background.
• Physical Examination: Thorough examination of your knee and surrounding areas.
• Imaging Studies: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to identify the extent of joint damage.
• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to detect inflammation or autoimmune conditions.