5 Signs That It’s Time to Get Help With Knee Arthritis

May is arthritis awareness month, a perfect time to bring attention to one of the most common forms of arthritis: osteoarthritis. More than 50 million adults are living with arthritis, and 32 million of those are diagnosed with osteoarthritis, which commonly affects the knee joint. 

Many people with knee arthritis find themselves going from an active lifestyle to cutting out activity because their knees are stiff and achy. While it’s easy to brush off early symptoms or blame age, there comes a point when ignoring knee pain causes more harm than good.

The office of Matthew Pifer, MD, specializes in assisting people in managing joint pain with advanced orthopedic care. Dr. Pifer is a board-certified orthopedic shoulder and sports medicine surgeon providing services to the Santa Barbara community and the surrounding areas. 

Dr. Pifer provides advanced solutions, including arthroscopic surgery to remove damaged knee tissue and therapies such as platelet-rich plasma. 

Recognizing the tipping point of when to get professional help is key to protecting your long-term joint health.

1. You’re losing mobility 

If knee arthritis is keeping you from walking more than a block, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair without help, it’s time to consider professional evaluation with a skilled orthopedic specialist. 

Limited mobility can impact your independence and increase your risk of falls, especially as your muscles weaken from underuse. If you’re avoiding activities you used to enjoy because of knee pain or concern over knee stability, your quality of life is already impacted.

2. You rely on pain meds to get through the day

Occasional use of over-the-counter pain relievers is one thing. However, if you're reaching for ibuprofen or acetaminophen daily just to function, your arthritis needs more attention. 

Long-term reliance on medication can strain your liver, kidneys, or stomach lining and also puts you at an increased risk of dependence. 

You shouldn’t have to depend on pills to get through your workday or make it through the night.

3. Your sleep is getting interrupted

Joint pain that lingers into the night is more than exhausting. It’s also a sign that inflammation is more advanced. If you wake up because of dull, aching pain in your knees or can’t find a comfortable sleeping position, your body tells you it needs help. A vicious loop that can quickly wear you down is created when you don't sleep enough since it enhances pain perception.

4. Your knee looks or feels different

Swelling, stiffness, popping, or changes in the way your knee moves or feels can point to worsening cartilage damage. If your knee joint looks visibly enlarged or you feel grinding or catching with movement, it’s time for imaging and a proper evaluation. It’s important to know that arthritis is progressive, and the earlier it’s treated, the better.

5. You’ve tried other approaches without adequate relief

When lifestyle changes, braces, ice, and exercise no longer give you relief, don’t wait for the pain to get unbearable. Our team offers treatment options that range from cortisone injections to minimally invasive surgical solutions. 

Dealing with knee arthritis head-on

You don’t have to settle for pain or let it shape your routine. Dr. Matthew Pifer and the rest of our skilled team can help you get back in the driver’s seat and in control of knee arthritis. 

Contact our Santa Barbara, California, office today to schedule a personalized evaluation and explore your options.