Knee arthritis is a common problem that causes pain and stiffness. It happens when the cartilage in the knee wears down over time. This makes it hard to walk, climb stairs, or do daily tasks.
People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro suffer from knee arthritis every year. Some feel mild pain, while others struggle to move. If left untreated, the pain gets worse. It can lead to reduced mobility and even disability.
Early treatment helps reduce pain and improve movement. Many options are available, like physical therapy, exercise, medications, and injections. In severe cases, surgery might be needed. The right treatment depends on the person’s age, health, and pain level.
In Oregon, many people look for non-surgical knee arthritis treatments. Physical therapy is one of the best ways to improve knee health. It helps make the knee stronger and more flexible. Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ in Salem offers expert care for knee arthritis. He helps people move better and feel less pain. You can call 971-202-1979 to learn more.
This article will explain the best knee arthritis treatments in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro. You will learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment options. The goal is to help you find the best way to manage knee arthritis and stay active.
Knee arthritis is a disease that damages the knee joint. It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, the knee becomes weak and hard to move.
The most common type is osteoarthritis. It happens when the cartilage wears down. Cartilage is the soft tissue that protects the bones. When it gets damaged, the bones rub against each other. This causes pain and swelling.
Other types of knee arthritis include:
Knee arthritis symptoms can be mild or severe. The pain may come and go or get worse over time.
Common signs include:
These symptoms make daily activities harder. Without treatment, knee arthritis can lead to serious mobility problems.
Knee arthritis makes simple tasks difficult. Walking, standing, and sitting can be painful and tiring. Many people avoid movement, which makes the knee weaker and stiffer.
It also affects mental health. People with chronic knee pain may feel frustrated, anxious, or depressed. They may avoid social activities or hobbies they once enjoyed.
In cities like Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro, many people struggle with knee arthritis. Proper treatment helps them stay active and independent.
Physical therapy is one of the best ways to improve knee function. Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ in Salem helps patients regain strength and mobility. You can call 971-202-1979 for more details.
Early treatment is important. The sooner you start, the better your knees will feel.
As people get older, their knee joints wear down. The cartilage that cushions the bones gets thinner and weaker. This leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Most people over 50 years old have some signs of knee arthritis. However, not everyone feels pain. Those who stay active and maintain a healthy weight have a lower risk.
Some jobs and activities put extra stress on the knees. People who do heavy lifting, kneeling, or squatting often develop knee arthritis earlier.
Lack of movement also increases the risk. Sitting for long hours weakens the knee muscles. This makes the joint less stable and more prone to damage.
Being overweight puts extra pressure on the knees. Every extra pound adds more strain. This speeds up cartilage breakdown and worsens knee pain.
People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro with active or sitting jobs should take steps to protect their knees.
Some people have a family history of knee arthritis. If parents or grandparents had it, their risk is higher.
Certain medical conditions also increase the chances of knee arthritis, including:
If you have any of these conditions, it is important to take preventive steps.
Physical therapy can slow down joint damage and reduce pain. Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ in Salem provides expert care. You can call 971-202-1979 to learn more.
Many people in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro want to avoid surgery. Luckily, there are many non-surgical treatments that help reduce pain and improve movement.
Physical therapy is one of the best treatments for knee arthritis. It helps strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
A physical therapist teaches special exercises that make the knee stronger. These exercises help:
Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ in Salem offers expert care for knee arthritis patients. He designs custom exercise programs based on each person’s needs. You can call 971-202-1979 to book a session.
Exercise is key to keeping the knees healthy. It reduces pain and helps people stay active longer.
The best exercises for knee arthritis are:
Regular movement prevents stiffness and slows down arthritis progression. People should avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping.
Many over-the-counter and prescription medications help reduce knee pain. Some of the most common are:
Medications only manage symptoms. They do not cure arthritis. It is best to use them with exercise and therapy for long-term relief.
Non-surgical treatments work best when started early. People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro can find relief with physical therapy, exercise, and medication.
For a customized knee arthritis treatment plan, contact Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ in Salem. Call 971-202-1979 to schedule an appointment.
Many people in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro prefer natural treatments for knee arthritis. These methods help reduce pain and improve knee function without side effects.
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that helps reduce knee pain. It involves placing thin needles in specific areas of the body. This improves blood flow and reduces inflammation.
Studies show that acupuncture can help arthritis pain. Some people feel relief after a few sessions. Others need long-term treatments for better results.
People looking for alternative knee arthritis treatments in Oregon can try acupuncture along with physical therapy.
Eating the right foods helps reduce swelling and pain. Some nutrients support joint health and slow down arthritis.
Best foods for knee arthritis:
Many people also take supplements to support knee health. Popular choices include:
Eating a healthy diet along with exercise and therapy leads to better results.
Using heat and cold packs can bring quick relief from knee arthritis pain.
For morning stiffness, heat therapy works best. For swelling after activity, use ice packs.
Many people in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro use these methods before and after therapy for better pain control.
Natural remedies work best when combined with other treatments. Physical therapy helps people stay active and avoid surgery.
For a personalized knee arthritis treatment plan, contact Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ in Salem. Call 971-202-1979 for expert care.
When exercise, physical therapy, and medication do not provide enough relief, some people look for advanced treatments. Injections and newer therapies help reduce pain and improve mobility.
People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro may benefit from these treatments if they struggle with daily activities due to knee arthritis.
Corticosteroid injections are a common treatment for knee arthritis. These injections help reduce swelling and pain in the knee joint.
Benefits:
Limitations:
Corticosteroid injections do not cure arthritis, but they help manage pain for a short time.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections add lubrication to the knee joint. This helps the bones move smoothly and reduces friction and pain.
Who can benefit from HA injections?
HA injections work best when combined with physical therapy. They help people stay active and move without pain.
PRP therapy is a newer treatment that uses the patient’s own blood. The blood is processed to take out healing platelets. These platelets are injected into the knee to help the body repair damaged tissue.
Potential benefits of PRP therapy:
PRP therapy is still being studied, but many people report less pain and better knee movement.
These treatments work best when used with physical therapy and exercise. Injections can delay surgery and help people stay active longer.
For a personalized knee arthritis treatment plan, visit Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ in Salem. Call 971-202-1979 to learn more.
When non-surgical treatments no longer help, surgery may be the best option. Knee surgery can reduce pain, restore movement, and improve quality of life.
People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro should consider surgery if they struggle to walk, climb stairs, or do daily tasks.
Surgery is usually needed when:
Doctors recommend surgery when arthritis makes daily life too painful. The goal is to reduce pain and improve movement.
There are two main types of knee replacement surgery:
Both surgeries use metal and plastic parts to replace damaged cartilage. Most people feel less pain and move better after surgery.
Recovery takes time. Most people need physical therapy to regain strength and movement.
What to expect after surgery:
Physical therapy helps people recover faster and prevent future problems. Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ in Salem provides post-surgery rehab programs. You can call 971-202-1979 for expert care.
Surgery is a big decision, but it can bring long-term relief. People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro should talk to a doctor about the best treatment for their condition.
Making simple lifestyle changes can help slow down knee arthritis. These changes reduce pain, improve movement, and protect the joints.
People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro can stay active and independent by following these tips.
Extra weight puts more pressure on the knees. Every extra pound adds stress to the joints. This makes arthritis worse and speeds up cartilage breakdown.
Losing even a small amount of weight helps:
Eating healthy foods and doing low-impact exercises can help manage weight and protect the knees.
Wearing the wrong shoes can make knee arthritis worse. The right footwear helps reduce pressure on the joints and improve balance.
Best shoes for knee arthritis:
People should avoid high heels and flat sandals. These do not support the knees and may increase pain.
Making small changes at home helps people move safely and avoid falls.
Helpful adjustments include:
These changes help people stay independent and reduce strain on the knees.
Lifestyle modifications help slow down arthritis and improve quality of life. Along with physical therapy, they can delay or prevent the need for surgery.
For personalized knee arthritis care, contact Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ in Salem. Call 971-202-1979 to get expert guidance on managing knee arthritis.
Finding the right treatment for knee arthritis is important. The best treatment depends on pain level, mobility, and daily activities. People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro have many options for managing knee arthritis.
A good knee arthritis specialist helps create a custom treatment plan. When choosing a specialist, consider:
Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ in Salem offers expert arthritis care. He provides personalized therapy plans to help people move better. Call 971-202-1979 to schedule a consultation.
Living with knee arthritis can be challenging. Joining local support groups helps people stay motivated and share experiences.
Many community centers in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro offer:
Local senior centers, libraries, and community centers often host these groups.
Early treatment helps prevent knee arthritis from getting worse. People who seek treatment early experience:
Ignoring arthritis pain can lead to serious mobility issues. Getting help early makes daily life easier and more comfortable.
For expert knee arthritis treatment, visit Dr. Raj at HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ in Salem. Call 971-202-1979 to start a customized therapy plan today.
Knee arthritis does not have to control your life. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can reduce pain and stay active.
Physical therapy, exercise, and healthy habits help slow down arthritis. Early treatment prevents further damage and improves daily movement. People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro have many options to manage knee arthritis without surgery.
If you want to learn more about knee arthritis treatments, check out these topics:
Are you struggling with knee arthritis pain? Do you want a natural and effective way to move better?
At HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+ in Salem, Dr. Raj helps people regain strength, reduce pain, and stay active. Whether you need therapy, exercise guidance, or a personalized arthritis care plan, expert support is available.
Call 971-202-1979 today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward pain-free movement!