Have you started dreading the stairs? Does getting up from the couch come with an accompanying soundtrack of pops, cracks, and aching pain? If your knees are feeling stiff, swollen, and increasingly uncooperative, you might be dealing with knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Knee OA is incredibly common, but the pain and limitation it brings shouldn't be accepted as just a "normal part of getting older."
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis
Think of a healthy knee joint as a well-oiled hinge. The ends of your bones are covered in a smooth, slippery tissue called cartilage, which allows them to glide easily over each other. Osteoarthritis occurs when this protective cartilage gradually wears away over time. As the cartilage thins, bone can begin to rub on bone, leading to friction, inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
Why Is This Happening?
Often, knee OA is simply the result of decades of regular wear-and-tear. However, past knee injuries, carrying extra weight, and genetics can all speed up the process.
Finding Relief at Thrive Orthopedics
When your knees hurt, your natural instinct is to stop moving. Unfortunately, inactivity actually makes osteoarthritis worse, leading to weaker muscles and stiffer joints. The key to managing knee OA is finding the right balance of treatment and movement.
That's where Thrive Orthopedics comes in. We understand how frustrating it is when your knees hold you back from doing what you love—whether that's playing a round of golf, hiking, or just keeping up with your family. Our expert team provides thorough assessments to pinpoint the severity of your OA and develop a customized treatment plan.
Your strategy might include joint injections to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief, targeted physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around your knee, or bracing for extra support. We aim to reduce your pain, improve your mobility, and delay or avoid the need for surgery whenever possible.
You don't have to settle for a life sidelined by knee pain. Reach out to Thrive Orthopedics today for a comprehensive evaluation, and let's get you moving freely again.
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