Understanding Knee Pain & Bone-on-Bone Conditions

Effective Treatments for Knee Pain and Bone-on-Bone Osteoarthritis

Knee pain is a frequent complaint, often due to injuries, overuse, or degenerative issues like osteoarthritis. One of the more severe causes of knee pain is a bone-on-bone condition, where the cartilage that cushions the bones in the knee joint deteriorates. As a result, the bones make direct contact, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Recognizing the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for bone-on-bone knee conditions is essential for managing discomfort and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Osteoarthritis and Knee Pain

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of bone-on-bone knee conditions. Over time, the cartilage in the knee can wear down due to age or repetitive stress, resulting in bone-on-bone contact. This wear and tear can cause friction, leading to pain, swelling, and inflammation. While this issue is more common in older adults, younger individuals who have sustained previous knee injuries or engage in high-impact activities may also experience early onset osteoarthritis.

Knee Stiffness and Swelling

Bone-on-bone knee pain often leads to significant discomfort. Many people feel sharp pain during movements such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods. Stiffness and swelling, especially after resting or being inactive, are also common. As the condition progresses, the knee joint may become unstable, making daily tasks difficult and lowering overall quality of life. In some cases, individuals may notice a grinding or clicking sensation in the knee, signaling cartilage loss.

Initial treatments for bone-on-bone knee pain usually focus on reducing pain and improving joint function. Physical therapy, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking pain-relief medications are often advised to alleviate pressure on the joint and increase mobility. Assistive devices like knee braces can provide support, while injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid can help decrease inflammation and relieve pain temporarily. Although these methods manage symptoms, they do not restore lost cartilage.

Orthopedic Knee Surgery: Is Surgery the Right Solution?

If non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgery may be necessary. Florida OrthoCare can help with a total knee replacement, where the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one, is the most common solution for bone-on-bone conditions. Depending on the extent of the damage, partial knee replacements or procedures to repair cartilage may be options. After surgery, rehabilitation through physical therapy whether at home or in an outpatient clinic is essential to restore strength, mobility, and function in the knee, allowing individuals to regain their quality of life.