Patellofemoral Arthritis Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC
Pain in the front of the knee that worsens with stairs, squatting, kneeling, or prolonged sitting may be a sign of patellofemoral arthritis. This condition develops when the cartilage between the kneecap (patella) and the femur wears down, leading to pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Without proper treatment, everyday activities can become increasingly difficult.
Blake Ohlson, M.D. provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patellofemoral arthritis in Mount Pleasant, SC, helping patients identify the underlying cause of knee pain and develop personalized treatment plans. Depending on the severity of cartilage damage, treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, medications, injections, regenerative medicine therapies when appropriate, or surgical intervention for advanced arthritis.
Serving patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities, Dr. Ohlson focuses on relieving pain, restoring knee function, and helping patients remain active with the most appropriate treatment for their condition.
What is Patellofemoral Arthritis?
Patellofemoral arthritis is an inflammatory condition characterized by loss of the smooth cartilage between the kneecap (patella) and the underlying femoral (thigh) bone in the knee joint. When the articular cartilage wears out, the underlying bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted movement.
What are the Causes of Patellofemoral Arthritis?
Patellofemoral arthritis is caused by a wearing away of the cartilage under the kneecap. Some of the risk factors include the following:
- Kneecap fracture or a history of knee trauma
- Wear and tear due to aging
- Dysplasia (abnormal bone cell and tissue growth)
- Patella Alta (kneecap positioned higher than normal)
- Inflammatory conditions such as gout and Paget’s disease
What are the Symptoms of Patellofemoral Arthritis?
The most common symptom of patellofemoral arthritis is a pain in the front of the knee that can be severe and may be present either at rest or during physical activity such as squatting or climbing. Other symptoms include:
- Knee stiffness
- Swelling
- Knee crepitus (cracking sounds)
- Valgus knee deformity (knock knees)
How is Patellofemoral Arthritis Diagnosed?
Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical examination. Diagnostic tests can include the following:
- X-rays: During this study, electromagnetic energy beams are used to produce images of the damaged bones.
- CT scan: Detailed cross-sectional images are produced using multiplex-rays from different angles.
- MRI Scan: Detailed images of the soft tissues and bones are produced by radio waves passing through the structures in a large magnetic field.
What is the Treatment for Patellofemoral Arthritis?
The main goal of treatment is to ease pain, improve joint movement, and prevent further damage to the knee joint. Patellofemoral arthritis can usually be managed by nonsurgical treatment methods including:
- Weight loss: This can help reduce weight on the knee joint.
- Exercises: Physical therapy or exercises such as swimming or walking help strengthen the muscles and reduce stiffness.
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activities that trigger pain.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Viscosupplementation: This involves the injection of a hyaluronic acid preparation into the knee joint to enhance lubrication.
- Cortisone injection: This is injected into the knee joint to reduce inflammation.
If conservative treatment methods are unsuccessful, the following surgical approaches may be used:
- Chondroplasty: This is an arthroscopic procedure in which instruments are inserted through small incisions into the joint to trim and smooth the rough cartilage, thereby reducing friction.
- Cartilage Grafting: In this technique, healthy cartilage tissue is taken from other parts of the knee and grafted into the damaged areas.
- Realignment Surgery: This method involves realigning the position of the kneecap by tightening or releasing the surrounding soft tissue attachments.
- Partial Knee Replacement: The damaged articulating surfaces are replaced with prosthetic implants.
- Tibial Tuberosity Transfer: This technique involves repositioning the tibial tubercle, a bony projection on the tibia to which the lower patellar ligament is attached. This helps realign the patella so that it traverses the center of the femoral groove, thereby reducing pressure on the damaged portions.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Patellofemoral Arthritis Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Choosing the right orthopedic specialist is important when managing patellofemoral arthritis, as early treatment can help relieve pain, preserve joint function, and potentially delay more invasive procedures.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant choose Dr. Blake Ohlson because he offers:
- Board-certified orthopedic expertise in diagnosing and treating knee arthritis
- Comprehensive evaluations to determine the exact source of anterior knee pain
- Personalized treatment plans based on arthritis severity, lifestyle, and activity goals
- Conservative treatment options whenever appropriate, including physical therapy, medications, and injection therapies
- Expertise in regenerative medicine and advanced nonsurgical solutions for selected patients
- Surgical options, including arthroscopic procedures and joint preservation techniques when necessary
- Patient-centered care focused on improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring quality of life
Dr. Ohlson works closely with every patient to develop an individualized treatment plan designed to support long-term knee health and maintain an active lifestyle.
Patellofemoral Arthritis FAQs
What is patellofemoral arthritis?
Patellofemoral arthritis is a form of knee arthritis that affects the cartilage underneath the kneecap (patella) and the groove in the femur where the kneecap moves during bending and straightening.
What causes patellofemoral arthritis?
Common causes include age-related cartilage wear, previous knee injuries, kneecap fractures, abnormal kneecap alignment, inflammatory arthritis, and repetitive stress on the knee joint.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms often include:
- Pain in the front of the knee
- Pain when climbing stairs or squatting
- Knee stiffness
- Swelling
- Grinding or cracking sensations (crepitus)
- Difficulty standing after prolonged sitting
How is patellofemoral arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically includes a physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies such as X-rays. MRI or CT scans may be recommended to evaluate cartilage damage and joint alignment in greater detail.
Can patellofemoral arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients respond well to conservative treatment, including physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, weight management, bracing, corticosteroid injections, or viscosupplementation.
When is surgery recommended?
Surgery may be considered when nonsurgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief or when cartilage damage significantly limits daily activities. Surgical options depend on the severity of arthritis and the patient's overall knee health.
Can regenerative medicine help patellofemoral arthritis?
For appropriately selected patients, regenerative medicine therapies may complement comprehensive arthritis management. Dr. Ohlson will determine whether these treatments may be appropriate based on your specific condition and treatment goals.
When should I see an orthopedic specialist for knee pain?
If knee pain lasts several weeks, worsens with activity, limits mobility, causes swelling, or interferes with daily activities despite conservative care, it's important to schedule an orthopedic evaluation.
Schedule a Patellofemoral Arthritis Evaluation in Mount Pleasant, SC
Living with persistent knee pain doesn't have to limit your daily life. Whether you're experiencing pain while climbing stairs, exercising, or simply walking, early evaluation can help identify the cause and guide the most effective treatment.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Ohlson in Mount Pleasant, SC to receive a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan for patellofemoral arthritis. Dr. Ohlson proudly serves patients from Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities, offering advanced orthopedic care focused on restoring knee function, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you enjoy.