Although there are many forms of arthritis that can affect the knee joint, osteoarthritis is the most common.

Osteoarthritis involves the wear and tear on the joint surface or articular cartilage that, when normal, is the protective cushion at the ends of the bones making up the knee joint (femur, tibia, patella or knee cap).

The knee joint is the joint most affected by osteoarthritis and it can be caused by a variety of things including injury or trauma, leg alignment (i.e. too “knock kneed” or “bowlegged”), being overweight (obesity) and genetics.

Also, certain surgeries can predispose the knee to developing arthritis.

Knee arthritis treatment

There are a variety of effective treatments and preventative measures for osteoarthritis of the knee ranging from simple conservative (non-operative) measures to a variety of surgical treatments.

Even though the treatment of arthritis can be effective, we should place much more effort in its overall prevention.

Note: I do not believe that prolotherapy (injection of saline or similar solutions around the knee) has a place in the treatment of knee disorders and I do not endorse it.

Scientific studies supporting its efficacy are lacking. I do not recommend it to my patients.

Unfortunately, it is becoming more popular as a treatment alternative recommended by some physicians in the treatment of knee pain, instability and arthritis.