Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness and swelling. Learn about symptoms and management with Dr. Tortland in Glastonbury, CT.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis (knee arthritis) is wear-related change in the cartilage and other joint tissues that can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced walking or stair tolerance. Treatment starts with exercise-based care, activity adjustments and weight management when appropriate; selected injections may be considered after diagnosis and discussion of the evidence.

Considering knee replacement? Review the separate guide to alternatives to knee replacement and when a surgical opinion may be appropriate.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Knee condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

What are treatment options for knee osteoarthritis?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland first evaluates the knee, symptoms, and imaging to determine whether pain is due to osteoarthritis or another condition. Options for selected patients may include PRP injections for knee arthritis, cellular orthobiologics (BMAC/MFAT), or intraosseous injections; evidence and candidacy differ by treatment; no injection can guarantee cartilage restoration. You can also review alternatives to knee replacement.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Traditional management includes physical therapy for strength and range of motion, low-impact activity, weight management when appropriate, braces or walking aids for selected patients, and topical or oral medication if safe. Other injections may be discussed after reviewing risks and expected duration of benefit.

When other care may be needed: Ongoing pain that limits walking, sleep, or daily function merits an individualized assessment. An orthopedic surgeon can discuss the benefits and limitations of knee replacement when symptoms remain severe despite non-surgical care.

Common questions

Questions about knee osteoarthritis

What causes knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis develops as cartilage and other joint tissues change over time. Age, prior injury, body weight, genetics and repeated joint stress can contribute. Symptoms and function matter more than an X-ray alone when deciding which options may help.

What are the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis?

Symptoms may include pain with activity or stairs, stiffness after rest or in the morning, swelling, grinding and gradually reduced function or range of motion. Symptoms often fluctuate. New severe swelling or inability to bear weight warrants assessment for another cause.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for knee osteoarthritis?

Non-surgical care may include exercise therapy, activity modification, weight management when appropriate, bracing or walking aids, and medication based on individual risks. Selected injections may be discussed after diagnosis. Treatment should match severity and goals, and not every knee needs an injection.

What regenerative options may help knee osteoarthritis?

Dr. Tortland may discuss selected injection treatments, which can include PRP or cellular orthobiologics, depending on severity and your goals. When an MRI shows a bone marrow lesion beneath the cartilage, intraosseous (into-the-bone) injection may also be considered. Results vary between patients, and advanced arthritis may still warrant a surgical opinion.