Knee Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Treatment
Knee osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the knee joint, occurring when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the femur, tibia, and patella gradually wears down over time — exposing the underlying bone, producing inflammation, and causing the pain, stiffness, and swelling that progressively limit mobility and quality of life. While age-related wear is the most common driver, knee osteoarthritis also frequently develops as a consequence of prior sports injuries, meniscus removal, ligament damage, fractures, or years of repetitive high-impact activity. The condition affects millions of Americans and is one of the leading reasons patients eventually consider knee replacement surgery — but a wide range of effective treatments exist between the earliest symptoms and a joint replacement, and the right approach depends on the stage of the disease, the location of the damage, and each patient’s activity level and goals.
Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, with over 30 years of experience treating knee arthritis across the full spectrum — from early-stage cartilage preservation in competitive athletes to robotic-assisted partial and total knee replacement in patients with advanced disease. As Chief Medical Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers, he manages the long-term joint health of professional athletes whose prior injuries place them at elevated risk for post-traumatic osteoarthritis, and he is an early adopter of biologic therapies including bone marrow concentrate for cartilage preservation. With more than 15,000 orthopedic procedures performed and recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2000, Dr. Glashow provides comprehensive knee arthritis evaluation and treatment at his Upper East Side practice in New York City.
Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis in NYC
Our joint specialists, led by Dr. Jonathan Glashow, can offer effective options for knee arthritis and osteoarthritis treatment. We have interventional treatments, like steroid or non-steroid innovative injections, that can be used to address inflammation and reduce pain in the earlier stages of osteoarthritis. For more severe damage to the joint from arthritis, we offer surgical options to repair or replace the knee joint. We offer robotic resurfacing of the knee joint or replacement of some or all of the knee joint components. Dr. Glashow has a stellar reputation as one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country, utilizing the most advanced techniques for both minimally-invasive osteoarthritis knee repairs and complete joint replacements.
Managing knee arthritis with the right treatment options can help you remain active and improve your quality of life. For world-class orthopedic care for your knee arthritis, contact our team at Jonathan Glashow, MD, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine on NYC’s Upper East Side.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Arthritis
What are the early signs of knee osteoarthritis?
Early knee osteoarthritis typically presents as stiffness in the knee first thing in the morning or after prolonged sitting, aching pain that develops during or after activity and improves with rest, mild swelling around the joint, and a gradual reduction in range of motion. As the condition progresses, patients may notice grinding or crepitus during movement, pain that occurs even at rest, increased difficulty with stairs or walking, and visible changes in leg alignment. Because early intervention can slow the progression of arthritis and preserve joint function longer, Dr. Glashow recommends evaluation for any persistent knee pain that has not responded to rest and over-the-counter medications.
What causes knee osteoarthritis?
The most common cause is age-related cartilage degeneration — the natural wearing down of the smooth, protective surface lining the knee joint over decades of use. However, knee osteoarthritis can also develop as a result of prior knee injuries such as ACL tears, meniscus tears, or fractures that alter joint mechanics, previous surgery that removed cartilage or meniscus tissue, excess body weight that increases load on the joint, genetic predisposition, and repetitive high-impact activities over many years. Dr. Glashow evaluates each patient’s specific risk factors and disease pattern to develop a targeted treatment plan.
What non-surgical treatments are available for knee arthritis?
Dr. Glashow offers a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatments that can provide significant relief for many patients, particularly those with early- to mid-stage disease. Options include activity modification and low-impact exercise programs, physical therapy focused on strengthening the muscles that support the knee, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain, viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid) injections to improve joint lubrication, and biologic therapies such as PRP and bone marrow concentrate that aim to support the body’s natural cartilage maintenance processes. Many patients experience substantial improvement with non-operative care and are able to delay or avoid surgery for years.
When is knee replacement surgery recommended?
Knee replacement is typically considered when knee arthritis has progressed to the point where non-surgical treatments no longer provide adequate pain relief or functional improvement, and the condition is significantly impacting the patient’s daily activities and quality of life. Dr. Glashow discusses both partial knee replacement — which preserves the healthy portions of the joint — and total knee replacement depending on the extent and location of the damage. He also offers robotic-assisted knee replacement, which uses advanced imaging and computer guidance to optimize implant positioning and alignment for each patient’s unique anatomy.
What is the difference between partial and total knee replacement?
A partial knee replacement — also called unicompartmental knee replacement — replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee while preserving the healthy cartilage, bone, and ligaments in the unaffected portions of the joint. This approach involves a smaller incision, less bone removal, and often a faster recovery than total knee replacement. A total knee replacement resurfaces all three compartments of the knee and is used when arthritis has spread throughout the joint. Dr. Glashow evaluates each patient’s X-rays, MRI, and clinical examination to determine which approach will provide the best long-term outcome.
Can knee osteoarthritis be prevented?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent knee osteoarthritis — particularly the genetic and age-related forms — several strategies can reduce risk and slow progression. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the load on the knee with every step. Staying physically active with low-impact exercise strengthens the muscles that support the joint and nourishes the cartilage. Addressing knee injuries promptly and completely — rather than pushing through pain — helps protect the joint surface from further damage. And for patients with malalignment contributing to uneven cartilage wear, corrective procedures like high tibial osteotomy or distal femoral osteotomy can redistribute load and preserve the joint for years.
