Arthritis

Arthritis causes joint inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Symptoms can interfere with daily activities. Dr. Romanelli offers personalized treatments, including physical therapy, medications, injections, and surgery, to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

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Persistent knee pain, especially after activity or prolonged periods of inactivity

Stiffness, particularly after waking up or sitting for extended periods

Swelling and warmth around the knee joint

Limited range of motion, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee

A grating or "crunching" sensation when moving the knee

Instability or a feeling of the knee "giving way"
Dr. Romanelli will begin with a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of symptoms and a physical examination to assess knee function and range of motion. X-rays may be used to check for joint space narrowing or bone spurs, common signs of arthritis. In some cases, an MRI may be needed to get a more detailed view of the cartilage and soft tissues within the knee.
The goal of arthritis treatment is to relieve pain, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options vary based on the severity of arthritis and the patient’s lifestyle.
For early-stage arthritis, non-surgical treatments may be effective in managing symptoms and improving mobility. These include:

Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and prescription medications may be used to manage pain and inflammation.

Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve joint stability can help reduce pain and improve function.

Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.

Viscosupplementation: Hyaluronic acid injections may be used to lubricate the joint and reduce friction, offering relief from symptoms.
In more advanced cases, when non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, surgical options may be necessary. Depending on the severity of the arthritis and the patient’s individual needs, Dr. Romanelli may recommend:

Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to clean out loose cartilage or bone fragments in the knee joint.

Osteotomy: A procedure that involves cutting and reshaping bones to relieve pressure on the knee joint.

Knee Replacement Surgery: In severe cases of arthritis, partial or total knee replacement may be necessary to replace the damaged joint with an artificial implant.

MACI Procedure: For patients with cartilage defects, the Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) procedure may be used. This innovative procedure involves harvesting the patient’s own cartilage cells, growing them in a lab, and then implanting them back into the knee to regenerate new cartilage and restore joint function.
Physical therapy is a key component of managing arthritis, whether treated non-surgically or surgically. A customized rehabilitation program will focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, improving flexibility, and increasing range of motion. After surgical procedures, particularly knee replacements or the MACI procedure, physical therapy helps patients regain mobility and return to normal activities more quickly. Dr. Romanelli works closely with physical therapists to ensure each patient receives personalized care for optimal recovery.

Arthritis treatments with
Dr. Daniel A. Romanelli

Your joints provide the range of motion you need for everyday activities—from reaching and lifting to throwing and rotating. When pain or injury limits your movement, it can affect your entire lifestyle. Dr. Romanelli specializes in diagnosing and treating these conditions, helping you return to full mobility with personalized, effective care.

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