Knee Arthritis Treatment in Tempe, AZ — Non-Surgical Options to Keep You Moving

Knee arthritis has a way of shrinking your world. First it’s the long hikes, then the golf round, then the stairs, getting out of a low chair or a walk around the neighborhood. Pain relievers and rest can take the edge off, but for many people the stiffness and swelling keep creeping back. And while knee replacement is right for some patients, plenty of people with knee arthritis want to stay active and avoid or delay surgery for as long as they can. At Sellers Sports Medicine in Tempe, we focus on non-surgical knee arthritis treatment, starting with a precise diagnosis and a plan built around your goals.

What Is Knee Arthritis?

Knee arthritis happens when the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the knee wears down over time. The most common form is osteoarthritis, which is linked to age, prior injuries such as meniscus or ligament tears, repetitive stress, body weight and genetics. As the cushioning thins, the joint becomes inflamed and the surrounding tendons, ligaments and muscles have to work harder.

Common signs of knee arthritis include:

• Pain with walking, stairs, squatting or getting up from a chair
• Stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting
• Swelling or a feeling of fullness in the knee
• Grinding, clicking or popping
• A knee that feels weak, unstable or “gives way”
• Pain that keeps you from exercise or sports you enjoy

Arthritis can affect the inside, outside or front of the knee (behind the kneecap), and each pattern can call for a slightly different plan. For more background, see the knee arthritis overview from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Who We Help

Our knee arthritis patients range from high school and college athletes with early wear after an old injury to retirees who want to keep walking, golfing and traveling. You may be a good fit for our approach if:

• Knee pain has lasted for weeks or months despite rest, ice and over-the-counter medication
• Cortisone shots helped only for a short time, or you’d like to limit how many you get
• You’ve been told you may eventually need a knee replacement and want to explore other options first
• You can’t have, or don’t want, major surgery
• You want to stay active in running, hiking, pickleball, golf or the gym

Our Non-Surgical Knee Arthritis Treatments

There’s no single treatment that’s right for every knee. Depending on your diagnosis, imaging and goals, Dr. Sellers may recommend one or more of the following:

PRP Therapy. Platelet-rich plasma is made from a small sample of your own blood. The concentrated platelets are placed in the knee with ultrasound guidance to stimulate the body’s healing response and create a healthier environment inside the joint. Our PRP is concentrated so that most treatments need only one injection. Read more: why PRP for knee arthritis might be the best idea.

MFAT Injections. For more advanced knee arthritis, microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) uses a small amount of your own fat tissue, processed in the office, to provide cushion and support and help create a healthy environment for healing. Learn more in MFAT for knee arthritis.

MLS Laser Therapy. A non-invasive laser treatment that helps reduce pain and inflammation around the knee with quick, comfortable sessions and no downtime. It can be used on its own or paired with injections. See can MLS laser therapy help knee arthritis?

Other joint injections. Hyaluronic acid (“gel”) injections lubricate the joint and can help with symptoms. Dr. Sellers will explain how they compare with orthobiologic options for your knee.

Movement and strength. Osteopathic manipulation, a home exercise program, bracing and activity changes all help take load off the joint so you can do more with less pain.

PRP and MFAT are both orthobiologics, treatments made from your own body’s tissues. You’ll also see them called regenerative medicine.

What to Expect: Your Knee Visit Step by Step

1. Conversation. We start with your story: when the pain started, what makes it worse, what you’ve tried and what you want to get back to.
2. Exam. Dr. Sellers checks your knee’s motion, stability, swelling and strength, and looks at how your hips and ankles may be adding to the load.
3. In-office ultrasound. Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound lets us look at the joint, tendons, meniscus and any fluid in real time, often at the same visit. We’ll review any X-rays or MRI you already have.
4. Your plan. We explain what’s going on in plain language and lay out your options, from conservative care to PRP, MFAT or laser therapy, with honest expectations for each.
5. Treatment. Injections are placed with ultrasound guidance so they reach the right spot and help the body target where you’re hurt. A PRP visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes from blood draw to injection.
6. Follow-up. You’ll get clear activity guidance and a follow-up schedule so we can track how your knee is responding and adjust the plan.

Results vary from person to person, and no treatment can guarantee an outcome. Our goal is to help you move better, hurt less and avoid surgery when that’s a realistic option.

Knee Arthritis Care for Tempe and the East Valley

The East Valley has one of the largest active-adult populations in the country, and knees take a lot of that load. We see knee arthritis in walkers and runners on the Tempe Town Lake path, hikers on Papago and South Mountain, golfers across the Valley and the growing crowd of pickleball players in Tempe, Chandler and Mesa. Hard courts, steep trails and long seasons without a break all add up. Keeping your knees healthy means you can stay part of the active Arizona lifestyle.

Our clinic on South Mill Avenue is easy to reach from Loop 202, US 60 and I-10.

Service-area line: We see knee arthritis patients from Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Gilbert, Guadalupe and Ahwatukee.

• Experience. Dr. Joel S. Sellers, DO, has practiced sports medicine in the Phoenix area since 1987 and is a Fellow of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine.
• Precision. He is one of the few physicians in Arizona board certified in Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, so injections are guided to the right spot inside the knee.
• Elite-level care. He has served as team physician for the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers and USA Wrestling.
• Every non-surgical option in one place. PRP, MFAT, MLS laser therapy and osteopathic care are all available in our Tempe office.
• Patients agree. 4.8 stars from 138 Google reviews. Read our patient reviews.

Learn more about Dr. Sellers and our team.

Knee Arthritis Treatment FAQs

Can I avoid knee replacement surgery?

Many people with mild to moderate knee arthritis can stay active for years with non-surgical care. Whether that’s realistic for you depends on your exam, imaging and goals. If surgery is the better choice, we’ll tell you.

Is PRP or MFAT better for knee arthritis?

PRP is often used for mild to moderate arthritis, while MFAT is often considered for more advanced arthritis. Dr. Sellers will recommend the option that fits your knee after an ultrasound evaluation.

How many injections will I need?

Our PRP is concentrated so that most treatments need only one injection rather than a series. MFAT is usually a single in-office procedure.

Do I need an MRI first?

Not always. In-office ultrasound and X-rays often give us what we need. If an MRI would change your plan, we’ll recommend one.

Will the injection hurt?

Most patients feel pressure and some soreness that can last a few days. Ultrasound guidance helps place the needle precisely, and we’ll explain what to expect for your knee.

How soon can I get back to activity?

Most people return to normal daily activities quickly, with a gradual return to sports. You’ll get specific guidance based on your treatment.

Visit Our Tempe Clinic

Sellers Sports Medicine
1492 S Mill Ave, Suite 307, Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 426-2667 · Info@SellersSportsMed.com
Hours: Mon–Thu 9:00 am–5:00 pm, Fri 9:00 am–1:00 pm

Related Services

• MFAT Injections
• PRP Therapy
• MLS Laser Therapy
• Regenerative Medicine
• Shoulder Arthritis Treatment
• Orthobiologics