Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among adults over 40 — and in many cases, the underlying issue is knee osteoarthritis (OA).
As cartilage wears down over time, the knee joint becomes stiff, inflamed, and painful. But thanks to advanced orthopedic therapies like PRP, stem cell treatments, and cartilage restoration, surgery isn’t your only option.
In this article, Dr. Robert Burke — board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 35 years of experience — explains how to recognize knee osteoarthritis, what causes it, and the latest non-surgical and surgical treatments available in Houston and Pearland.

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic joint condition where the protective cartilage that cushions your bones gradually wears down.
It affects:
The medial (inner), lateral (outer), or patellofemoral (kneecap) compartments
Adults typically over 45
Both active individuals and sedentary patients
As cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against each other — causing pain, swelling, and restricted motion.

6 Common Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

Not sure if your knee pain is osteoarthritis? These are the classic signs:
Pain during or after movement
Morning stiffness lasting under 30 minutes
Swelling or tenderness around the joint
Crackling or grinding sounds
Limited range of motion
Joint instability or buckling

💡 Dr. Burke Tip: “If your knee pain gets worse with activity and better with rest — and you’re over 40 — OA could be the cause.”

Top Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing knee osteoarthritis:
Age: Cartilage thins naturally as you age
Obesity: Extra weight adds pressure on knee joints
Previous injuries: ACL, meniscus, or fracture injuries
Genetics: Family history of arthritis
Repetitive stress: From certain jobs, sports, or activities

How Knee OA Is Diagnosed

Dr. Burke uses a combination of in-office diagnostics, including:
Digital X-rays to check for joint space narrowing and bone spurs
MRI to evaluate cartilage and soft tissues
Physical exam: swelling, range of motion, tenderness
Severity is classified from Grade 1 (mild) to Grade 4 (severe bone-on-bone).

Conservative & Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Before surgery is considered, Dr. Burke offers several minimally invasive solutions to manage symptoms and slow progression:
Lifestyle Modifications:
Weight loss reduces pressure on knees
Low-impact exercises (cycling, swimming)
Anti-inflammatory diet
Physical Therapy:
Strengthens surrounding muscles to reduce joint stress
Improves balance and function
Medications & Bracing:
NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
Hyaluronic acid or steroid injections
Knee braces or orthotics

Regenerative Treatments: PRP, Stem Cells, MACI

PRP Injections
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy uses your own blood’s growth factors to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Stem Cell Therapy (BMAC)
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate contains stem cells that may regenerate cartilage tissue and reduce pain over time.
MACI (Cartilage Restoration Surgery)
Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation implants lab-grown cartilage cells into your damaged joint — ideal for younger, active patients with localized cartilage loss.
Dr. Burke is one of few Houston-area orthopedic surgeons experienced in performing MACI and other cutting-edge regenerative therapies.

When to Consider Knee Replacement

If symptoms become severe despite conservative treatment, knee replacement may be the next step:
Total knee replacement for widespread OA
Partial replacement if damage is localized
Robotic-assisted surgery for optimal precision and recovery
See this guide for a full breakdown of partial vs total knee replacement.

Dr. Burke’s Proven OA Care Approach
✅ Personalized treatment plans for every stage of osteoarthritis
✅ Advanced diagnostic tools on-site
✅ Experience with MACI, PRP, BMAC, and robotic surgery
✅ Two convenient locations: Houston & Pearland
✅ 4.9+ stars from verified patient reviews

📅 Schedule Your Knee Osteoarthritis Evaluation Today
Don’t let OA keep you from doing what you love. Dr. Burke’s team will help you explore every option — from non-surgical care to surgical solutions — with compassion and expertise.
👉 Call Now: (713) 436-3488

👉 Or Request a Consultation Online [Contact Us]