Knee Arthritis Care
Relief and Motion with Knee Treatment
Regaining Comfort and Mobility
Knee arthritis is a common condition where cartilage in the knee joint wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Our orthopedic knee doctors in Austin provide guidance for managing arthritis and, when needed, surgical solutions. Our team helps patients move with less discomfort and regain confidence in their daily activities. If you’re looking for the best knee doctor in Austin, our clinic offers evaluation, treatment, and ongoing support.
What’s Happening Inside the Knee?
In a healthy knee, cartilage cushions bones, allowing smooth motion. With arthritis, the cartilage gradually thins, bones may rub together, and inflammation develops. Over time, this leads to stiffness, swelling, and pain. The joint can become harder to move, making simple activities feel uncomfortable. Our orthopedic knee specialists assess the joint and recommend care plans based on your situation.
Signs That Worsen Over Time
Stiffness
Many people with knee arthritis notice stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The joint may feel rigid or “locked,” making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee fully. Stiffness can improve slightly with gentle movement, but persistent stiffness often signals cartilage wear and inflammation inside the joint.
Swelling
Inflammation from arthritis can cause swelling around the knee joint, making it appear larger or puffier than usual. Swelling can occur after activity or even at rest, and it sometimes comes with warmth or tenderness. This buildup of fluid puts extra pressure on the joint and can worsen stiffness and pain.
Pain
Pain is one of the most noticeable symptoms of knee arthritis. It often worsens with weight-bearing activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods. Pain can be dull and aching, sharp with certain movements, or feel like pressure inside the joint. Persistent pain signals the need to consult an orthopedic knee doctor or knee specialist.
Reduced Motion
As arthritis progresses, the knee loses its full range of motion. Bending, straightening, squatting, or kneeling can become difficult or uncomfortable. Limited motion can interfere with daily activities, like sitting in a chair, getting in a car, or climbing stairs. Our knee replacement specialists help restore function when conservative care isn’t enough.
How Osteoarthritis Affects Everyday Movements
Knee arthritis changes how you move. Walking, climbing stairs, squatting, and even sitting can feel uncomfortable. Some people adjust posture or movement to avoid pain, which can strain other joints. Working with a knee specialist or orthopedic knee doctor helps reduce strain, manage symptoms, and maintain daily function.
Imaging and Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a physical exam by our orthopedic knee specialists, followed by imaging if needed. X-rays show cartilage loss and bone changes. MRIs reveal soft tissue health. These tests allow our knee replacement specialists to create an effective care plan for arthritis, including nonsurgical treatment or knee replacement if appropriate.
Risk Factors That Increase Joint Wear
Certain factors increase the likelihood or progression of knee arthritis:
Age – cartilage thins naturally over time
Weight – extra stress on the knee joint
Previous Injury – past fractures or ligament tears
Repetitive Motion – high-impact activities
Genetics – family history of arthritis
Meet Our Knee Pain Specialists
The surgeons at Austin Orthopedic Institute have treated thousands of knee injuries and conditions. They specialize in a patient-first approach, utilizing the latest techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, to ensure precision and personalized outcomes.
Common Knee Pain Treatment Available at All Locations
Austin | Marble Falls | Georgetown | Killeen
Our experienced orthopedic providers at all Austin Orthopedic Institute locations can diagnose and treat many common knee and lower extremity conditions, including:
✓ Diagnostic Evaluation – Initial assessment and treatment planning for all knee and lower limb conditions.
✓ Surgical Planning – Comprehensive preoperative assessment and customized surgical mapping for patients requiring treatment.
✓ Joint Injections – Corticosteroid or viscosupplementation injections for pain and lubrication.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before Your Visit
We encourage you to take advantage of our complimentary MRI, X-ray, and CT scan review service. Send us your images, and one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will personally review them, offering an expert second opinion and letting you know if you need to come in.
During Your Visit
Conservative Care – We develop a personalized plan, with most patients starting with 6-12 weeks of non-surgical treatment.
Surgical Planning – If surgery is necessary, we use advanced computerized and robotic pre-operative planning for optimal, precise outcomes.
Recovery Support – We ensure close follow-up and coordinate your rehabilitation with our in-house physical therapy team for maximum recovery and a swift return to your active life.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Don’t let chronic knee pain sideline your life any longer. At Austin Orthopedic Institute, we believe your injury is unique to you—and we treat it that way. Our expert, compassionate, and dedicated team is ready to diagnose your condition and develop a Personalized Treatment Plan that gets you moving again.
Why Choose Austin Orthopedic Institute for Knee Care?
✓ Robotic Knee Replacement Specialists – Access to cutting-edge technology (Mako® & AR) for superior precision
✓ 100% Fellowship-Trained Knee Surgeons – Advanced, subspecialty expertise you can trust
✓ Same-Day & Next-Day Appointments – When you’re in pain, we’re here to help quickly
✓ Over 130 Years of Combined Experience – Decades of proven orthopedic success in Central Texas
✓ Comprehensive Care, All Under One Roof – From initial diagnosis to surgery and in-house physical therapy
✓ Conservative Approach First – We exhaust non-surgical options before recommending surgery
✓ Four Convenient Locations – Austin, Marble Falls, Georgetown, and Killeen
✓ Complimentary Second Opinions – Free review of your existing MRI/X-ray/CT scans
Our Locations
Austin Orthopedic Institute has four locations – Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, and Killeen. All of our providers go to the main office in Austin and our Georgetown location. Only Dr. Hurt visits our Marble Falls satellite location and only Dr. Robin visits the Killeen satellite location.
Austin
Marble Falls
Georgetown
