Robert BurkeKnee pain is one of the most common complaints among adults over 40 — and in many cases, the underlying cause is knee osteoarthritis (OA).
As the joint’s protective cartilage wears down, movement becomes painful and stiff. Fortunately, today’s regenerative orthopedic treatments provide real options to restore mobility and reduce discomfort — often without immediate surgery.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, led by board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert L. Burke, patients receive expert care using advanced technology and over 35 years of orthopedic experience. Below, we explain how to recognize knee osteoarthritis, what causes it, and the latest non-surgical and surgical treatment options available in Houston and Pearland, Texas.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage cushioning the bones inside your knee gradually breaks down.
It can affect:
- The medial (inner), lateral (outer), or patellofemoral (kneecap) compartments
- Adults typically over age 45
- Both active and sedentary individuals
As cartilage deteriorates, bone surfaces begin to rub together — causing pain, inflammation, and restricted motion.
💡 Dr. Burke Insight: “If your knee pain worsens with activity but eases with rest — and you’re over 40 — osteoarthritis could be the reason.”
6 Common Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
Not sure if your knee pain is due to osteoarthritis? These are classic warning signs:
- Pain during or after activity
- Morning stiffness lasting under 30 minutes
- Swelling or tenderness around the joint
- Crackling, clicking, or grinding sounds
- Reduced range of motion
- Feeling that the knee may “give out” or buckle
💡 Related Reading: Common Causes of Knee Pain ➜
Top Causes and Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the risk of developing knee OA:
- Age: Cartilage naturally thins over time
- Obesity: Added body weight increases joint stress
- Past Injuries: ACL or meniscus tears, or previous fractures
- Genetics: Family history of arthritis
- Repetitive Stress: From physical jobs or high-impact sports
How Knee OA Is Diagnosed
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, accurate diagnosis starts with advanced, on-site imaging and examination:
- Digital X-rays: Reveal cartilage loss, joint space narrowing, and bone spurs
- MRI Scans: Evaluate cartilage and surrounding soft tissue
- Physical Exam: Identifies swelling, tenderness, and motion limits
Knee osteoarthritis is typically graded from Grade 1 (mild) to Grade 4 (severe bone-on-bone degeneration).
Conservative & Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Before considering surgery, Dr. Burke focuses on minimally invasive and regenerative orthopedic care designed to manage symptoms and improve joint function.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Weight loss to decrease joint load
- Low-impact activities like cycling, swimming, or walking
- Anti-inflammatory diet emphasizing omega-3s and whole foods
Physical Therapy
- Strengthens surrounding muscles
- Improves balance, flexibility, and joint stability
Medications & Bracing
- Over-the-counter or prescribed anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
- Targeted injection therapies (e.g., hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids)
- Knee braces or custom orthotics for alignment and support
Regenerative Orthopedic Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to support the body’s natural repair process and reduce inflammation within the joint.
Regenerative Cartilage Therapy (formerly stem cell–based care)
This cell-based regenerative orthopedic treatment uses your body’s own biological materials to help restore cartilage health and improve knee function — performed under FDA-cleared standards at Dr. Burke Orthopedics.
Cartilage Restoration Procedure (MACI)
Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) implants your lab-prepared cartilage cells into the damaged area. It’s ideal for younger or active patients with localized cartilage defects.
Dr. Burke is among Houston’s few orthopedic surgeons experienced in performing MACI and regenerative orthopedic procedures, offering patients access to advanced, personalized care.
💡 Learn More: Regenerative Cartilage Therapy for Knee Pain ➜
When to Consider Knee Replacement Surgery
If pain and stiffness persist despite conservative treatment, knee replacement may be the best next step:
- Partial Knee Replacement: For localized joint damage
- Total Knee Replacement: For advanced, multi-compartment OA
- Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Provides greater precision, alignment, and faster recovery times
💡 Compare Options: Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement ➜
Dr. Burke’s Proven Knee OA Care Approach
✅ Personalized treatment plans for every OA stage
✅ Advanced imaging and diagnostics on-site
✅ Expertise in regenerative cartilage therapy, PRP, and MACI
✅ Robotic-assisted surgical technology
✅ Two convenient locations — Houston & Pearland
✅ 4.9★ average rating from verified patient reviews
Schedule Your Knee Osteoarthritis Evaluation Today
Don’t let knee osteoarthritis keep you from the activities you love.
Dr. Burke’s team provides compassionate, personalized orthopedic care for every stage of knee degeneration — helping you move freely and live pain-free again.
📞 Call (713) 436-3488 or Request a Consultation Online ➜
Same-day appointments available for qualified patients.
Disclaimer
All references to regenerative or biologic therapies on this website are for educational purposes only.
Dr. Burke Orthopedics provides regenerative orthopedic care performed under FDA-cleared standards and does not advertise or sell biologic or prescription drug products.