Do your knees hurt when you walk, climb stairs, or stand up? You might be dealing with knee arthritis. This is a problem that happens when the soft cushion between your knee bones wears away. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. Sometimes, it even makes it hard to move around or do everyday things.
Knee arthritis is very common, especially as people get older. But you don’t have to live with the pain. There are many ways to feel better. Some treatments help reduce the pain. Others help you move more easily. The best part is — you don’t always need surgery. With the right care, you can feel strong again.
If you live in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, or Hillsboro, there are good options for help nearby. Getting care close to home means less travel and more support from your family. It’s easier to stay on track with your treatment.
One trusted place for help is HWY Physical Therapy with Dr Raj. You can visit him at Center 50+, Salem City Building, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301. You can also call 971-202-1979 to learn more or book an appointment.
Knee arthritis means your knee joint is hurting because the soft part between your bones is wearing out. This soft part is called cartilage. It helps your bones move smoothly. When it gets thin or damaged, the bones rub together. That causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.
There are different reasons why this happens. It can come from getting older, past injuries, or even inflammation in the body. Many people in Oregon feel this pain every day and don’t know what to do.
If you have knee arthritis, you may feel:
These problems can make it hard to go shopping, play with your grandkids, or even sleep well at night. You may feel tired and frustrated. But the good news is — help is available.
In cities like Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro, many people have to slow down because of knee pain. Cold and rainy weather in Oregon can sometimes make the pain worse. If you don’t get the right treatment for knee arthritis, the pain may grow over time.
That’s why it’s important to get help early. In Salem, you can visit Dr Raj at HWY Physical Therapy inside Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301. You can call 971-202-1979 to ask about treatment that fits your needs.
Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of knee arthritis. It happens when the cartilage in your knee slowly wears away. This makes the bones rub together, which causes pain and swelling. Many people in Portland, Salem, and Hillsboro feel this kind of pain, especially after walking or standing for a long time.
Osteoarthritis usually starts slowly and gets worse over the years. It can make your knees feel stiff in the morning or after sitting for a while.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a kind of autoimmune disease. This means your body starts to attack its own joints by mistake. It causes inflammation inside your knee. The pain can come and go, and both knees may hurt at the same time.
People in Gresham and Eugene with this kind of arthritis may feel tired often. Their knees may feel warm, red, and swollen. It's important to get help early to stop the damage.
This kind of knee arthritis happens after a bad injury. It could be from a car accident, sports, or a fall. Even if the injury happened years ago, pain can show up later. This is called post-traumatic arthritis.
In places like Salem and Portland, active people and athletes sometimes get this type. The pain might feel sharp or come when you move a certain way.
Each type of arthritis is a little different:
But all types cause pain, swelling, and less movement. No matter which kind you have, you can still get better with the right care.
If you're in Salem, call Dr Raj at HWY Physical Therapy (971-202-1979) at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE. He can help you find the best plan for your knees.
Finding knee arthritis early is very important. The sooner you know, the sooner you can start treatment for knee arthritis. Early care helps you feel better faster and keeps your knees from getting worse.
In places like Salem and Gresham, many people wait too long before getting help. They think the pain will go away on its own. But arthritis doesn’t heal by itself. If you start care early, you may avoid surgery and keep doing the things you love.
Doctors use different tests to see if you have knee arthritis:
In Oregon cities like Portland, Eugene, and Hillsboro, these tests help doctors make a full plan. They can see how bad the arthritis is and what treatment will help most.
You should see a knee arthritis specialist if:
If you live near Salem, you can visit Dr Raj at HWY Physical Therapy. He sees patients at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301. You can call 971-202-1979 to set up a visit.
Getting help early can make a big difference.
Physical therapy is one of the best ways to treat knee arthritis without surgery. A trained therapist will teach you safe exercises that make your knee stronger. These moves help the muscles around your knee support your joint better.
In Salem and Eugene, many people feel stronger and have less pain after doing these exercises. You don’t have to push hard or feel pain — just stay active in the right way.
You can visit Dr Raj at HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301. He will help you find the right plan. Call 971-202-1979 to learn more.
Some people need medicine to help with the pain. Over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can lower swelling and help you feel better. Sometimes, your doctor may give stronger pills for short-term use.
In Oregon clinics, doctors also use topical creams, heat therapy, and ice packs to help with daily pain.
These are easy ways to get relief without surgery.
Knee braces can take pressure off your joint and make it easier to walk. Shoe inserts help keep your legs straight and reduce stress on the knee.
In Gresham and other parts of Oregon, people use canes, walkers, or walking poles to stay safe and mobile. These tools are easy to find and use at home or outside.
They help you move with less pain and more confidence.
If you're carrying extra weight, it can hurt your knees more. Even losing a small amount of weight helps take pressure off your joints. This means less pain and better movement.
Eating healthy, drinking water, and moving a little each day can help a lot.
Simple changes in your daily life can protect your knees in the long run. Talk to a physical therapist like Dr Raj to find what works best for you.
Some people with knee arthritis try new treatments like PRP therapy or stem cell therapy. These are called regenerative treatments. They use your own blood or cells to help your knee heal.
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. A doctor takes a small amount of your blood, spins it in a machine, and puts the rich part back into your knee. This may help reduce pain and help the joint feel better.
Stem cell therapy uses special cells that may help repair the damaged parts of your knee.
In places like Portland and Hillsboro, these treatments are becoming more popular. They don’t work for everyone, but some people feel a lot better without surgery.
Always ask a trusted provider if these options are safe for you.
Another treatment is called viscosupplementation or gel injection. A doctor puts a special gel into your knee to act like the fluid your joint is missing. This helps your bones move more smoothly.
People in Salem, Eugene, and Gresham use this treatment when other options don't work. It may take a few shots, but many people say it helps with pain and stiffness.
This is a good choice if your arthritis is not too advanced.
Some people in Eugene and Salem try alternative therapies like:
These may not fix arthritis, but they can help you feel more relaxed and mobile. Many people use them along with physical therapy for better results.
If you want to try gentle, safe care, talk to Dr Raj at HWY Physical Therapy in Salem. He can guide you to the right steps. Visit him at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE or call 971-202-1979.
Most people with knee arthritis don’t need surgery right away. But sometimes, other treatments stop working. You may need to think about surgery if:
If you're in Portland, Eugene, or Salem, and you feel like nothing helps anymore, talk to a specialist. Dr Raj from HWY Physical Therapy in Salem can help you decide if surgery is needed. Visit him at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE or call 971-202-1979.
There are different types of knee surgery:
These surgeries are done in hospitals in Gresham, Hillsboro, and other Oregon cities. Most people go home the same day or after one night.
Surgery is often the last option after trying other treatments first.
After surgery, you’ll need physical therapy to get your strength back. It may take a few weeks or months to feel better. You’ll do easy exercises to help your knee bend, stretch, and support your body.
In Gresham and Portland, rehab clinics help patients recover and walk again without pain.
If you're thinking about surgery, start with a physical therapist like Dr Raj. He can tell you if it's the right time or if non-surgical care might still help.
When looking for the best treatment for knee arthritis, you want a place that cares about you. Good clinics have:
In Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro, many people choose care close to home. Local clinics make it easy to visit often, which helps healing.
If you're near Salem, a trusted place is HWY Physical Therapy. Dr Raj helps people every day at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301. You can call 971-202-1979 to ask questions or book a visit.
A good knee arthritis specialist will:
You should feel safe and understood. You should also feel clear about the treatment. A great specialist works with you — not just on you.
That’s what you’ll find with Dr Raj in Salem.
Before starting your care, ask these simple questions:
Asking helps you understand your journey. Don’t be shy — your health is important.
Meet Linda from Portland. She is 67 years old and loves walking in the park. But knee pain started to slow her down. She felt stiff in the mornings and had trouble getting up from her chair.
Linda started physical therapy instead of surgery. After a few weeks of simple exercises and care, her pain went down. Now she walks daily again with less pain. Her smile is back, and so is her confidence.
Tom lives in Eugene. He hurt his knee years ago playing sports. Over time, the pain got worse. He could not climb stairs without holding the railing.
Tom met a specialist who explained post-traumatic arthritis. He started with braces, home exercises, and gel injections. Within a few months, he felt stronger and could move better.
Tom says, "I didn’t think I could avoid surgery, but I did — and it worked."
In Salem, Maria found help at HWY Physical Therapy with Dr Raj. She went to Center 50+ at 2615 Portland Rd NE for care. Her knees were stiff from rheumatoid arthritis, and she could not sleep well.
Dr Raj gave her a gentle plan with easy stretching and warm therapy. After some time, her pain became much less, and she felt more active. She now enjoys cooking and playing with her grandkids.
In Hillsboro, Mike used to sit most of the day because of knee pain. After trying viscosupplementation and using a cane, he got back on his feet.
All these people share one thing — they didn’t give up. With the right treatment, they found hope and healing.
Oregon’s weather can change fast. Cold and damp days can make knee arthritis feel worse. That’s why it’s good to know when to use warm or cold therapy.
In places like Portland and Eugene, people often feel better using warm therapy on rainy days and cold packs after busy days.
Moving your knees every day keeps them strong. You don’t need fancy machines. You can do these easy home exercises:
Even just walking for a few minutes helps. In Salem and Hillsboro, people who stretch daily say they feel less pain.
If you need a plan that fits your body, talk to Dr Raj at HWY Physical Therapy, Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem. You can also call 971-202-1979 for tips.
What you eat also helps your knees. Some foods fight swelling in the joints:
Drink lots of water and try to avoid too much sugar or fried food.
People across Gresham, Portland, and Eugene who eat healthy say their knees feel better and they have more energy.
Living with knee arthritis can feel lonely, but you are not alone. Many people in Oregon cities like Salem, Eugene, and Portland meet in support groups. They talk, share stories, and learn from each other.
There are also arthritis foundations that give free tips, tools, and videos to help you feel better at home.
These groups help you stay strong, feel heard, and stay hopeful.
In Hillsboro and Gresham, there are often free workshops and online classes for people with joint pain. You can learn:
Some classes even show how to use a brace or how to move safely at home. Check with local health centers or community buildings for the next event.
You can also ask Dr Raj at HWY Physical Therapy in Salem. He may know about new events. Visit him at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE or call 971-202-1979.
Many senior programs in Oregon offer gentle yoga, walking groups, or balance classes. These help keep your body strong and reduce the risk of falls.
In places like Portland and Eugene, libraries, city parks, and wellness centers often give these programs for free or low cost.
Staying active and connected makes managing knee arthritis easier and more joyful.
Knee arthritis can make life hard. It can stop you from walking, playing, or even sleeping well. But with the right steps, you can take back control.
In Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro, many people are learning how to manage their pain without surgery. From physical therapy and home exercises to injections and healthy food, there are many ways to feel better.
The most important step is to get help early. Don’t wait for the pain to grow. Even small changes can make a big difference.
If you're in Salem, the best place to start is with Dr Raj at HWY Physical Therapy. He helps people every day at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE. You can call 971-202-1979 to talk or set up a visit.
You don’t have to do this alone. Help is right here in Oregon.
Here are three helpful topics you can search on Google to learn more about knee arthritis and how to manage it:
Still unsure about what’s best for your knees? Don’t wait for the pain to get worse.
Dr Raj at HWY Physical Therapy in Salem offers personalized treatment that fits your needs and lifestyle. Whether it’s your first time seeking help or you’re looking for better options, he’s here to guide you every step of the way.
Visit HWY PT at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
Call now: 971-202-1979 to book your appointment or ask questions.
Feel better. Move easier. Live stronger.