Knee Arthritis Surgery in San Antonio
Personalized Knee Arthritis Treatment
When knee arthritis begins limiting your life, we're here to help. From conservative care to advanced knee surgery, our specialists create treatment plans tailored to your goals and lifestyle.
What is knee arthritis?
Knee arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain, affecting millions of adults each year. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the knee joint gradually wears away, causing the bones to rub together. Over time, this can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased mobility that make everyday activities more difficult.
The most common form is osteoarthritis, which develops naturally as the joint ages. Other types include rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation within the joint, and post-traumatic arthritis, which can develop after a previous knee injury.
While knee arthritis cannot be reversed, the right treatment plan can significantly reduce pain, improve function, and help you maintain an active lifestyle.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF KNEE ARTHRITIS
Knee arthritis often develops gradually, with symptoms becoming more noticeable over time. Early treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of joint damage. You may be experiencing knee arthritis if you have:
Pain: Persistent knee pain, especially during weight-bearing activities or after periods of inactivity, is a common symptom. The pain may be dull, aching, or sharp.
Stiffness: It is common to experience stiffness in the knee joint in the morning or after extended periods of rest.
Swelling: Inflammation of the knee joint can lead to swelling, which may be accompanied by warmth and redness.
Limited Range of Motion: Knee arthritis can limit the range of motion of the joint, making it difficult to stretch or flex.
Crepitus: Those with knee arthritis may notice grating or popping when moving their knee.
Weakness: Muscle weakness in the surrounding thigh muscles is common.
If these symptoms are interfering with your daily life, our specialists can evaluate your condition and recommend the treatment approach that's right for you.
WHEN IS KNEE ARTHRITIS SURGERY THE RIGHT NEXT STEP?
The good news is that most patients with knee arthritis do not need surgery right away. At San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, we always begin with the most appropriate treatment for your condition, often starting with physical therapy, medications, activity modification, bracing, or joint injections.
When these treatments no longer provide lasting relief and knee pain continues to affect your mobility, independence, or quality of life, surgery may become the best long-term solution. For most patients with advanced knee arthritis, this means a knee replacement, depending on the severity and location of the joint damage.
During your first appointment, our doctors will consider several factors, including:
The severity of your arthritis
Which part of the knee is affected
Your pain level and functional limitations
Your age, activity level, and overall health
How you've responded to conservative treatments
Our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether a partial knee replacement, total knee replacement, or another treatment option is the best choice based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
WHY PATIENTS CHOOSE SAOS FOR KNEE ARTHRITIS CARE
At SAOS, we believe every patient deserves individualized care, not a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
Fellowship-Trained Knee Specialists
Conservative Treatment First
Advanced Knee Arthritis Surgery Options
Personalized Treatment Plans
Dedicated Orthopaedic Surgery Center
Comprehensive Support Before, During, and After Treatment
A More Connected, Concierge Approach to Care
Types of Knee Arthritis Surgery
Not all knee arthritis requires the same surgical approach. The right procedure depends on the location and severity of your arthritis, your age, activity level, and overall goals.
Tissue-Sparing Knee Replacement
When arthritis affects multiple areas of the knee, a total knee replacement is often the most effective solution. During this procedure, the damaged cartilage and bone are replaced with durable implants designed to restore smooth movement, reduce pain, and improve overall function.
Partial Knee Replacement
If arthritis is limited to just one compartment of the knee, a partial knee replacement may be an option. This procedure preserves healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments while replacing only the damaged portion of the joint. Many patients experience a more natural-feeling knee and a faster recovery.
Other Surgical Options
In select cases, procedures such as an osteotomy or arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. While these surgeries are not commonly used to treat advanced arthritis, they may be appropriate for younger patients or those with specific types of joint damage. Many patients return to an active lifestyle.
WHICH KNEE ARTHRITIS TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Every patient's knee arthritis is different. While many people find relief with physical therapy, injections, or other conservative treatments, others reach a point where surgery offers the best opportunity for lasting pain relief and improved mobility. At San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, we'll help determine the right path for you based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER KNEE ARTHRITIS SURGERY
Recovery is an important part of achieving the best possible outcome after knee arthritis surgery. While every patient's experience is different, most people begin walking with assistance shortly after surgery and gradually return to daily activities over the following weeks and months.
Your recovery plan will be personalized based on your procedure, overall health, and activity goals. Throughout the process, our team will provide guidance, monitor your progress, and help you safely regain strength, flexibility, and confidence.
Why Recovery Looks Different at San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists
Your recovery is about more than healing, it's about returning to the activities that matter most to you. At San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, we take a personalized approach to recovery, providing guidance, education, and support every step of the way.
Meet Our Board Certified Orthopaedic Knee Surgeons
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Adam Harris, MD
Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Knee and Hip Surgeon
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Brandon Broome, MD
Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Knee and Hip Surgeon
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Brandon Couch, MD
Board Eligible, Fellowship Trained Knee and Hip Surgeon
HOW KNEE REPLACEMENT HELPED THIS PATIENT GET BACK TO THE LIFE HE LOVES
Years of chronic knee pain made it difficult for this active patient to continue doing the things he enjoyed most. After minimally invasive knee replacement surgery with Dr. Harris, he was able to regain his mobility, eliminate his pain, and return to an active lifestyle.
Hear firsthand how his knee replacement gave him a fresh start and why he trusted Dr. Harris and the San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists team for his care.
1,000+ Reviews. Countless Comebacks.
We’re here to support our patients throughout their entire knee replacement journey.
YOUR knee arthritis JOURNEY STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION
No two patients experience knee arthritis the same way, which is why every treatment plan at San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists is built around your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. We'll help you understand your options and guide you toward the care that's right for you.
FAQs about Knee Arthritis, Surgery, & More
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Knee surgery may be recommended when arthritis pain continues to limit your daily activities despite conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, bracing, or joint injections. During your evaluation, our specialists will determine whether surgery is the most appropriate option based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall joint health.
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Not always. While partial and total knee replacement are the most common surgical treatments for advanced knee arthritis, some patients may be candidates for other procedures depending on the severity and location of their arthritis. Our orthopedic surgeons will recommend the treatment that best fits your individual needs.
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The right procedure depends on several factors, including the extent of your arthritis, which areas of the knee are affected, your activity level, and your overall health. After a thorough examination and imaging, your surgeon will determine whether a partial knee replacement, total knee replacement, or another treatment option is right for you.
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Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery and your individual health. Many patients begin walking shortly after surgery and start physical therapy soon afterward. While recovery timelines differ, most patients gradually return to everyday activities over the following weeks and months with the guidance of their orthopedic care team.
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Yes. Many patients successfully manage knee arthritis with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, activity modification, medications, bracing, and joint injections. At San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, we always explore conservative treatment options first and recommend surgery only when it offers the best opportunity for lasting pain relief and improved function.