What is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

What is Osteoarthritis?

Arthritis can occur in any joint, but occurs most often in weight–bearing joints such as the knees and hips. There are three major types of arthritis that can affect the knee, which are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis; osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the knee. Osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” of the cartilage in the knee. As the cartilage wears away, it becomes frayed and rough, and the protective space between the bones decreases.  This can become very painful as bone begins rubbing on bone and most often is seen in people 50 years of age and older.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Common symptoms of arthritis in the joint can include:

  • Swelling
  • Warmth in the joint
  • Pain that increases with activity
  • Stiffness especially after periods of inactivity such as sitting for a long period of time
  • Decreased range of motion. You may experience difficulty using stairs, walking, or rising from a sitting position.

Treatment

There are several proactive steps you can take to help alleviate knee pain. Stretching the calf, hamstring and quadriceps muscles takes pressure off your knees and kneecaps. Weight loss can also be beneficial. People with knee arthritis can lessen their pain by about 20 percent with every 10 pounds they lose. Wearing shoes that are comfortable, supportive and have good cushioning can help alleviate pressure being placed on the knee joint. Having strong core muscles in your lower abdomen and lower back improves posture, which lessens the pressure on your knees.

Jon Swenson, MD, FAAOS: Dr. Jon Swenson has been practicing orthopaedic surgery on the Peninsula since 1991. He was born in Davenport, Iowa, and raised outside of Memphis, Tennessee. He graduated with honors from the University of Memphis, with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He went to the University of Memphis on a full academic scholarship. He was the president of Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society, and a member of The Golden Key Honor Society. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch, in Galveston, Texas. He completed his general surgical training at St. John Hospital in Detroit, Michigan and then went on to orthopaedic surgery training at the world renowned Campbell Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Swenson performs surgery at Mary Immaculate Hospital. He has been recognized in the Hampton Roads Magazine in the Top Doctors Hall of Fame 2005-2009, 2013, 2016 and 2017. Dr. Swenson has been recognized nationally as one of “America’s Top Orthopedists” in 2007 by the Consumers Research Council of America. He was also listed in the Guide to America’s Top Surgeons, 6th Edition-2006. Dr. Swenson received the “Top Doc” Award from Coastal Virginia Magazine in 2018. Dr. Swenson is a past president of the Newport News Medical Sociey-2000. He received the Three Year American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award for 1991-1994. He is Board Certified in orthopaedic surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Newport News Medical Society, the Medical Society of Virginia, and the Virginia Orthopaedic Society. Dr. Swenson specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and minimally invasive joint replacement surgery of the shoulder, knee and hip. Dr. Swenson travels the country to instruct other orthopaedic surgeons in joint replacement techniques – especially the tissue sparing anterior approach total hip replacement. He lives in York County, he is married to Christina Swenson M.D., and they have three children: Nicholas, Eric, and Hannah. He enjoys golfing, wake boarding, water skiing, and fishing.