Managing Knee Osteoarthritis
Jan 15, 2025
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Managing Knee Osteoarthritis
What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition where the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of bones in our joints gradually wears down. As the most common form of arthritis, OA has a significant impact on our largest joint—the knee.
What is OA of the Knee?
OA of the knee develops when the cartilage in the knee joint wears away. This affects the three bones that make up the joint: the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (knee cap).
What are the Symptoms of Knee OA?
The most common symptom of knee OA is stiffness, making it harder to bend or straighten the knee, especially after periods of immobility, such as after sleeping, sitting, or resting. You may also experience swelling, pain, and discomfort, which can worsen with changes in weather.
How is Knee OA Diagnosed?
Knee OA is typically diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination and imaging. During the physical exam, your doctor will assess joint tenderness, range of motion, stability, crepitus (joint sounds), and your gait pattern.
Imaging usually begins with X-rays to check for loss of joint space, and may be followed by an MRI or CT scan to assess the severity of the arthritis. Together with your medical history, these results will help confirm the diagnosis.
How is Knee OA Treated?
Although there is no cure for OA, treatment focuses on managing pain and improving function. Treatment options range from conservative measures to surgical interventions.
Conservative treatments include lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, injections, physical therapy, and acupuncture. When these options are not enough, surgical treatments may be considered, ranging from arthroscopy—a minimally invasive procedure to address joint damage—to arthroplasty, a full joint replacement.
A targeted physical therapy program can help strengthen the muscles supporting your knee, improve your range of motion, enhance balance, and reduce pain, allowing you to stay active and comfortable in daily life.
Acupuncture serves as a safe and effective complement to these treatments. Studies show that it can offer enhanced pain relief and improved function when combined with standard care. Patients receiving viscosupplement injections for knee OA find acupuncture helpful in between treatments, as it can provide additional pain management and support overall recovery.
If you or a loved one are experiencing knee osteoarthritis, contact our office at 973-910-1441 to schedule an evaluation.
About the Author
Jason Sargis, DAOM, Dipl Ac (NCCAOM), C.SMA, LAc, is an acupuncturist and herbalist at Total Acupuncture and Physical Therapy in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. He earned a Master of Science in Acupuncture in 2008 and a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2009 from the Tristate College of Acupuncture in New York, NY. Jason went on to earn his Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, OR. Dr. Jason Sargis is committed to excellence in the clinical space by expanding his knowledge base and skill set, and provides well-rounded and thoughtful treatment for all patients.
Dr. Sargis’s approach to acupuncture is informed by his clinical studies in Beijing and his background as a biology major at the University of Chicago, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. Dr. Sargis’s practice focuses on helping people achieve optimal health and well-being in every phase of their healing journey.