The knee is one of the body’s most complex and heavily used joints. Every step, bend, or twist relies on smooth coordination between bones, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. When the protective cartilage that cushions these bones begins to break down, the result is knee arthritis — one of the most common causes of chronic joint pain worldwide.
The two main types seen in adults are osteoarthritis, a degenerative “wear-and-tear” condition, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that attacks healthy joint tissue. Both can cause stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility that interfere with everyday life.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas receive personalized, evidence-based care to relieve pain, preserve function, and restore quality of life.
The knee joint connects three bones — the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap). These bones are covered by articular cartilage, a smooth, rubbery tissue that allows friction-free movement. The joint is also surrounded by a thin lining called the synovium, which produces fluid to keep the cartilage lubricated.
When arthritis develops, this system begins to fail:
- In osteoarthritis, the cartilage gradually wears away, causing bones to rub together.
- In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue destruction.
Over time, both types lead to pain, stiffness, and deformity if untreated.
Osteoarthritis (OA) most often results from age-related degeneration, but several factors can accelerate the process:
- Prior knee injuries (fractures, meniscus tears, ligament sprains)
- Repetitive stress from sports or occupation
- Obesity, which increases joint load
- Direct trauma: A hit or impact to the hip from sports or accidents.
- Genetic predisposition
- Misalignment or abnormal joint mechanics
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) stems from an autoimmune reaction. Although its exact cause is unknown, contributing factors include:
- Genetic markers (HLA-DR4 and others)
- Hormonal changes
- Viral or environmental triggers
- Smoking or chronic inflammation
Risk factors for both types:
- Over age 45
- Family history of arthritis
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Previous knee surgery or trauma
- Inflammatory conditions affecting multiple joints
Arthritis symptoms can develop slowly and worsen over time. Common signs include:
Common symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness after sitting or upon waking
- Swelling and tenderness around the joint
- Grinding, clicking, or popping sounds during movement
- Loss of flexibility or difficulty straightening the leg
- Weakness or instability when walking or climbing stairs
- Joint deformity in advanced cases
Rheumatoid arthritis often affects both knees simultaneously, while osteoarthritis may start in one and progress gradually.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a detailed evaluation to confirm the type and extent of arthritis.
Diagnostic steps include:
- Medical history: Discussion of symptoms, duration, and prior injuries.
- Physical exam: Assessing joint swelling, alignment, and range of motion.
Imaging:
- X-rays reveal joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or alignment issues.
- MRI shows cartilage loss and soft-tissue inflammation.
- Ultrasound may detect fluid buildup or synovial thickening.
Lab testing: Blood tests for inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) and rheumatoid factors help distinguish RA from OA.
Accurate diagnosis guides treatment — ensuring the best balance between symptom relief and joint preservation.
Arthritis treatment is designed to reduce pain, maintain mobility, and slow progression. Dr. Burke creates individualized plans based on each patient’s age, activity level, and disease severity.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Improves flexibility, strengthens supporting muscles, and retrains joint mechanics to relieve stress on the knee.
- Medication: NSAIDs and anti-inflammatory agents reduce pain and swelling.
- Activity modification: Adjusting exercise routines and avoiding high-impact movements.
- Weight management: Reducing body weight decreases pressure on the joint surface.
- Bracing or orthotics: Provides stability and offloads damaged areas.
- Uses platelet-rich plasma to promote tissue healing.
- Viscoelastic injections: Replace lost joint fluid for smoother movement and cushioning.
Surgical Treatments
When conservative options fail or arthritis has significantly progressed, surgery may restore mobility and quality of life:
- Minimally invasive cleanup of inflamed tissue or cartilage debris.
- Partial Knee Replacement: Targets one damaged compartment while preserving healthy tissue.
- Replaces the entire joint with a precision implant to restore alignment and comfort.
- Addresses complex deformities or combined tissue damage.
Dr. Burke utilizes robotic-assisted techniques for improved surgical accuracy and faster recovery.
Recovery depends on the severity of arthritis and whether surgery is performed.
Typical recovery timelines:
- Non-surgical: 4–8 weeks of physical therapy and gradual strengthening.
- Partial/total replacement: 3–6 months for full return to daily activity, longer for high-impact sports.
Rehabilitation goals:
- Reduce inflammation and stiffness
- Strengthen quadriceps, hamstrings, and core muscles
- Improve balance and joint alignment
- Gradually restore walking endurance and range of motion
Every recovery plan at Dr. Burke Orthopedics is customized for safety, comfort, and long-term joint health.
While arthritis cannot always be reversed, proper management significantly slows its progression and maintains function for years.
Preventive and long-term strategies:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint load
- Engage in low-impact exercises like cycling, swimming, or walking
- Stretch daily to maintain flexibility
- Strengthening surrounding muscles for better support
- Avoid prolonged kneeling or repetitive heavy lifting
- Address minor injuries early to prevent degeneration
Many patients enjoy lasting relief and improved mobility through a combination of non-surgical care and lifestyle adjustments.
You should see an orthopedic specialist if:
- Knee pain persists for longer than two weeks
- Swelling, warmth, or stiffness interferes with activity
- You notice grinding or clicking sounds with movement
- You experience instability or “giving way”
- Pain persists despite rest, medication, or therapy
Early evaluation ensures better treatment outcomes and prevents further joint deterioration.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If chronic knee pain or stiffness is affecting your mobility, expert care can help you move with confidence again.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide compassionate, research-driven treatment for all forms of knee arthritis — combining advanced technology with personalized care.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, helping patients regain strength, stability, and quality of life.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee arthritis and joint reconstruction.
