Dr. O'Connor describes knee arthritis.
Dr. O'Connor:
Arthritis of the knee is a condition where basically the cartilage cushion is worn away. And when that cartilage cushion wears away, then you have pain, and the damage to the cushion can occur because of numerous things.
It could have happened when you were younger with a sports injury. It could have happened with an accident. And it could happen because you are getting older and you may have more of a genetic predisposition to arthritis. And it could happen because you are not taking good care of yourself and doing the things to try and keep your joints healthy.
About Dr. O'Connor, M.D.:
Dr. Mary O'Connor, M.D., was accepted as a resident in orthopedic surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, New York in 1985. She joined the orthopedic surgery staff at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida in 1991, and since 2005 has served as department chair. Dr. O'Connor cares for people with hip and knee arthritis, failed joint replacements, and pelvic tumors.