Knee Arthritis —
Treatment Charlotte, NC
From early-stage osteoarthritis to end-stage joint disease — the full range of treatment options explained clearly.
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing down of the articular cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the knee joint. As cartilage thins and deteriorates, the bones begin to rub against each other — causing pain, stiffness, inflammation, and progressive loss of function.
It is the most common form of arthritis and affects over 32 million adults in the United States. While it is more prevalent in older adults, it can develop in younger patients — particularly those with a history of knee injury, obesity, or physically demanding occupations.
Treatment Options by Stage
Weight management, low-impact exercise, quadriceps strengthening, and activity modification can significantly slow arthritis progression and reduce pain in early-stage disease.
Cortisone injections reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. Hyaluronic acid (gel) injections lubricate the joint. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections may promote healing. Oral NSAIDs help manage daily pain.
When arthritis is isolated to one compartment of the knee, partial replacement preserves healthy bone and tissue while resurfacing only the damaged area. Faster recovery than total replacement.
When arthritis affects the entire knee and conservative measures no longer provide relief, total knee replacement reliably eliminates pain and restores function — with 15–20+ year implant longevity.
Knee arthritis doesn't have to stop you.
Dr. Vasileff offers every treatment option — from injections to replacement — and will recommend only what you actually need.