Slocum Orthopedics evaluates and treats knee arthritis for patients across Eugene, Springfield, and the southern Willamette Valley. As the region’s largest orthopedic practice, our specialists help individuals understand the causes of knee pain and the options available for relief.
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is a condition where the cartilage coating on the knee bones breaks down and wears away, causing the bones to rub together. This causes the knee joint to hurt and not work properly. The wearing out of the cartilage causes stiffness and limping. The wearing of the cartilage sometimes occurs on one side of the knee, causing the knee to bow in (“bow-leg”) or out (“knock-knee”).
Conditions like inflammatory arthritis (examples: Lupus and Rheumatoid), post-traumatic arthritis (years after an old injury), and some other medical conditions can cause the cartilage to wear away and destroy the knee joint.
Diagnosis of Knee Arthritis
To diagnose knee arthritis, Our team will provide a thorough evaluation, including:
• A detailed medical history
• Physical examination
• X-rays and possibly other imaging studies
• Discussion of all treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical
We’ll work with you to determine if knee replacement is the best option for your individual situation. Our goal is to provide you with the information and support you need to make an informed decision about your health care.
Medical Management of Knee Arthritis
Before considering total knee replacement surgery, there are several non-surgical approaches that can help manage knee arthritis and potentially slow its progression. While they won’t cure arthritis or reverse joint damage, these strategies can be very effective in managing symptoms and may help delay the need for surgery.
Weight Reduction
The basic truth is that the more weight your knee has to carry, the more pain you will experience in the joint and the faster the remaining cartilage will deteriorate. Your knee experiences up to 3 times your body weight with each step, and up to 6 times when going downstairs. Extra weight means more pressure and faster cartilage wear. Even small weight reductions can significantly reduce knee pain and slow joint deterioration. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Adaptive / Walking Devices
Using a cane in your opposite hand can reduce weight on your knee joint by up to 50%, significantly easing pain. The less weight the knee joint experiences, the less pain you should experience from the bone on bone contact. Walkers are less effective, but may be necessary if your overall health or balance prohibits the use of a cane or walking sticks.
Activity Modifications
High-impact activities can accelerate knee damage and increase pain. Avoid activities like jumping, running on pavement, and deep squats/lunges. Instead, choose knee friendly exercises like swimming, water aerobics, stationary cycling, and controlled resistance training. These activities strengthen muscles around your knee without excessive joint stress while maintaining cardiovascular health and helping with weight management.
When Surgery is Considered
When pain from arthritis causes severe limitations to your life and conservative treatments no longer help, it may be time to consider knee replacement surgery. However, it’s a major decision that requires careful consideration.
You might be a candidate for knee replacement if you experience:
• Severe knee pain that interferes with everyday activities
• Pain that persists even when resting or sleeping
• Knee stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Failure to improve with other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy
• Visible deformity of the knee (bowing in or out)
If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, the next step is to make an appointment and consult with a Slocum orthopedic specialist.
Why Patients in Eugene Turn to Slocum for Knee Pain
For more than 80 years, Slocum Orthopedics has helped keep the Eugene–Springfield community active. Our team includes board-certified specialists in knee and joint conditions, supported by on-site imaging, physical therapy, and a dedicated orthopedic surgery center.
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Feature
August 15, 2025
Slocum to Open New Surgery Center in Eugene
Slocum Orthopedics is building a brand-new, physician-led ambulatory surgery center right here in Eugene. This state-of-the-art facility will expand access to high-quality orthopedic care and help meet the growing demand for surgical services in our community.
