Knee arthritis can make everyday movement feel like a challenge. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine.
He has a clinical focus on the shoulder, knee, and elbow. He completed his sports medicine fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.
His practice serves patients throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, with offices in Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and Orange, and takes a non-surgical-first approach. You get a clear plan that starts with the least invasive options and moves forward only as needed. This page walks you through what knee arthritis is, what symptoms to watch for, and the treatment path available to you.
What Are Common Knee Arthritis Symptoms
Knee arthritis often starts with stiffness and a dull ache that gets worse with activity. You may notice pain when you stand up after sitting for a while or when you climb stairs. Swelling around the joint is common, especially after a long day on your feet.
Some people feel a grinding or clicking sensation when they bend the knee. The joint may feel stiff in the morning and loosen up after about 30 minutes of movement.
Over time, the pain can become more constant and start to limit how far you can walk. Recognizing these signs early helps you and your doctor build a plan before the joint damage progresses further.
Lifestyle Changes To Manage Knee Arthritis
Small daily changes can take pressure off your knees and slow the condition’s progression. Carrying extra weight adds stress to the joint. Losing even a modest amount of weight can reduce pain and improve function.
Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking on flat surfaces keep the joint moving without overloading it. A physical therapist or trainer can guide you toward exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee.
Stronger quadriceps and hamstrings act like a natural brace for the joint, using supportive footwear and avoiding high-impact movements also helps. These habits work alongside medical care to keep you active longer.
Benefits Of Physical Therapy For Knee Arthritis
Physical therapy targets muscle weakness and movement patterns that make knee arthritis worse. A structured program improves your range of motion and teaches you how to move in ways that protect the joint. You learn exercises that build strength without causing flare-ups.
Manual therapy techniques can reduce stiffness and improve how the knee cap tracks. For patients in Los Angeles, working with a therapist who coordinates with your orthopedic surgeon creates a more connected care experience. Dr. Jazayeri integrates prehabilitation and structured conditioning into his treatment plans.
This means you start strengthening before any procedure and continue with guided recovery afterward. The goal is to keep you moving well at every stage.
Non-Surgical Treatments For Knee Arthritis Pain
Most knee arthritis cases respond well to treatments that do not involve surgery. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help manage day-to-day pain. Topical creams offer a localized option with fewer systemic effects.
Bracing or using a cane on the opposite side shifts weight away from the damaged part of the joint. Activity modification reduces stress on the knee while keeping you active. Dr. Jazayeri explores these options first for patients across the Greater Los Angeles area.
His non-surgical-first approach means you try conservative measures before discussing more involved procedures. The right combination depends on your specific symptoms, activity level, and how the arthritis has progressed on imaging.
Role Of Injections In Knee Arthritis Management
When oral medications and therapy are not enough, injections can provide meaningful relief. Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation quickly and may ease pain for weeks or months. Hyaluronic acid injections aim to improve the lubricating quality of the joint fluid.
These are not cures, but they can create a window of comfort that lets you participate more fully in physical therapy. Dr. Jaz also uses biologics and regenerative medicine approaches, including PRP and stem cell augmentation, as part of his practice. These orthobiologic options draw on his advanced training and peer-reviewed research.
Injections are one tool in a broader plan. They work best when paired with strengthening and lifestyle adjustments.
Surgical Options For Advanced Knee Arthritis
When arthritis has worn away much of the cartilage, surgery may become the right choice. Arthroscopy can clean out loose debris and smooth rough surfaces inside the joint. An osteotomy realigns the leg to shift pressure away from the damaged side.
Partial knee replacement resurfaces only the worn compartment while preserving healthy tissue. Total knee replacement addresses widespread damage by resurfacing the entire joint. Dr. Jaz applies minimally invasive techniques across his knee procedures.
His Bio-Fertilization Technique combines biologic augmentation with metabolic optimization to support healing. These are significant decisions. You and Dr. Jazayeri review imaging, symptoms, and your personal goals together before choosing a surgical path.
Choosing The Right Treatment For Knee Arthritis
No single treatment works for everyone. The right choice depends on how advanced your arthritis is, your age, your activity goals, and how you have responded to earlier treatments. Start with an honest assessment of what you want to get back to doing.
A younger patient who wants to return to recreational sports may benefit from a different approach than someone whose main goal is walking without pain. Dr. Jazayeri brings over 15 years of experience treating athletes, active adults, and combat sports practitioners.
He uses that background to match treatments to real-life demands. Patients in the Greater Los Angeles area have access to a full range of options, from conservative care to advanced reconstruction, all guided by one surgical team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Arthritis Treatments
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Knee arthritis often starts with stiffness and a dull ache that worsens with activity. You might feel pain when standing after sitting or climbing stairs, and swelling around the joint is common.
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Small daily changes can reduce pressure on your knees. Losing weight, engaging in low-impact exercises, and strengthening the muscles around the knee can all help improve function and reduce pain.
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Physical therapy helps improve your range of motion and teaches you how to move in ways that protect your knee. A structured program can build strength without causing flare-ups, making it a key part of your treatment plan.
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Injections can provide relief when other treatments aren’t enough. Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation, while hyaluronic acid injections improve joint lubrication, helping you engage more fully in physical therapy.
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Surgery may be an option when arthritis has significantly damaged the joint. Procedures like arthroscopy or knee replacement can be discussed if conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
Why Choose Us For Knee Arthritis Care?
We focus on providing personalized treatment for knee arthritis. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine.
He understands the unique challenges knee arthritis presents. Our approach starts with non-surgical options, ensuring you receive the least invasive care first.
We offer a range of treatments to meet your specific needs. From physical therapy to injections, we explore all avenues to help you manage pain and improve mobility.
Dr. Jazayeri’s training at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic means you benefit from advanced techniques and a commitment to your well-being. Your care is our priority, and we work with you every step of the way.
Meet Dr. Reza Jazayeri
Dr. Reza Jazayeri specializes in sports medicine with expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. A Southern California native, Dr. Jazayeri combines an engineering background with elite surgical training, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the nationally ranked NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.
After more than 15 years caring for patients within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Jazayeri joined DOCS Health to expand a practice focused on personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care and surgical excellence. As Director of Longevity at DOCS Health, he leads the development and implementation of optimization protocols and regenerative medicine strategies designed to improve long-term musculoskeletal health and extend healthspan.
His published work includes a 2026 coauthored review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View Dr. Jazayeri’s research publications and training.
Dr. Jazayeri, took care of both my shoulder replacements. I am exceptionally happy with his care and the quality of time he spent with me. Both my shoulders are now feeling great. I’m able to do all the activities that I have previously thought was never possible. I got denied by multiple surgeons who told me this was gonna be impossible given the advanced deformation from my previous injuries . Dr. Jazayeri was able to take me through both sides and gave me the comfort and confidence I needed, and now I’m able to go back to golf, tennis and pick up my grandkids. Highly recommend him!!
Consult With Dr. Reza Jazayeri For Personalized Care
Living with knee arthritis does not mean giving up the activities you enjoy. Dr. Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with sports medicine fellowship training from the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. He sees patients at his Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and Orange offices, with a philosophy rooted in treating every person like family.
His practice explores non-surgical options first and uses minimally invasive techniques when procedures are needed. If knee arthritis is slowing you down, take the next step.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and build a treatment plan that fits your life. Virtual visits are available for patients across California and beyond.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
