What is arthritis of the knee?
Arthritis of the knee is the wear and tear of the cartilage (ends) of the knee joint. The knee joint is made up of 3 bones (femur, tibia and patella) and the arthritis can involve any or all of these bones. How badly the cartilage is damaged effect how much pain, swelling and stiffness are felt in the knee. |
What can I do to help my knee pain?
Non-surgical treatment options are the first line of defense for knee arthritis. Avoid high impact activities (stairs, running) and instead focus on low impact leg strengthening exercise (swimming, stationary bike). Weight control is also very important to reduce knee pain with arthritis and even as small amount of weight loss can improve knee pain. Anti-inflammatory pain medications, ice, heat, compressive knee braces are all techniques for short term pain relief of the knee. |
What other treatments will Dr. Girling offer prior to surgery for knee arthritis?
When the knee pain is severe and effecting a patients quality of life, a knee injection is a common treatment option that can be given by the doctor in the clinic. Their are may different types of injections but the most common injection given 1st contains a numbing medication and a steroid. The numbing medication will make knee pain better almost immediately if the pain is coming from the knee and the steroid will start working after a couple of days often lasting months. Other types of knee injections contain nutritional medication, cushioning agents as well as substances designed to help your knee heal itself. Your physician will discuss these in greater detail depending on your situation. Other common nonsurgical options include physical therapy, oral medications, topical medications and bracing. This list is not inclusive of all treatment options available as new treatments are constantly being created. |
What surgery will I be offered for my knee arthritis?
The 3 basic surgeries offered for knee arthritis include arthroscopy, osteotomy and arthroplasty (replacement). Arthroscopy involves “cleaning out” the knee and reserved for minor arthritis that has failed nonsurgical treatment. Small areas of worn out cartilage can be addressed through this technique. Osteotomy is a technique where the leg is “straightened out” by cutting the thigh and/or shin bones to put in better position. This technique is designed to take the pressure off the damaged part of the knee joint. Joint arthroplasty (replacement) involves removing the damaged part of the joint and replacing it with a combination of metal and plastic. The pain and function are improved by restoring motion with out the damaged cartilage being present. |
Clinic Hours
Monday: 1:30-4:30 on Spurs Lane 2nd floor Med Center Tuesday: 1:30-4:30 on Judson Northeast Clinic Wednesday: 1-4:30 on Broadway Alamo Heights Clinic Thursday: 9:00-11:00 on Herff Rd Boerne Clinic Friday: 8-11:00 on Judson Northeast Clinic |
TelephoneMain office number
210-699-8326 Direct clinic number for text 210-929-2736 |