Knee Arthritis Treatment in Boston
Dr. Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD treats knee arthritis with cortisone injections, PRP injections, gel injections, and other non-surgical care. Same-day or next-day appointments at four Massachusetts offices.
Call 978-969-3624
What is knee arthritis, and how is it treated?
Knee arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, causes pain, stiffness, and reduced motion. Rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis can also affect the knee.
Dr. McLaughlin treats knee arthritis with a range of non-surgical options, including cortisone injections, PRP injections, gel injections, and physical therapy. He discusses all options and develops a plan based on the patient’s level of arthritis and goals.
Dr. McLaughlin does not perform knee replacement surgery. Call 978-969-3624 to schedule a consultation.
Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, named a Boston Magazine Top Doctor in 2025 and 2026. He sees every patient himself.
- Condition Knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, post-traumatic
- Treatment Cortisone, PRP, gel injections, physical therapy
- No knee replacement
- Appointments Same-day or next-day at four offices
Knee arthritis treatment options
Dr. McLaughlin tailors the treatment plan to each patient’s level of arthritis and activity goals. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can ease mild symptoms. When they are not enough, injections are an option.
Cortisone injections
Cortisone injections reduce pain and inflammation in the arthritic knee joint.
Learn more →PRP injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use growth factors from the patient’s own blood to support joint health. PRP injections are $750 per injection at Boston Concierge Orthopedics.
Learn more →Gel injections
Gel injections (viscosupplementation) add lubrication to the knee joint and can reduce pain and stiffness from arthritis.
Learn more →Physical therapy
Strengthening the muscles around the knee reduces stress on the joint and can improve function. Low-impact exercise such as cycling or swimming, and losing excess weight, can also reduce stress on the knee. Expedited PT referrals are available when needed.
Common symptoms of knee arthritis
Knee arthritis usually develops gradually. Common signs include pain when walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a chair; stiffness after sitting or first thing in the morning; swelling around the joint; a grinding or clicking feeling when the knee bends; and a knee that feels weak or gives way. Pain that limits daily activities, swelling that does not settle, or a knee that locks or will not straighten are good reasons to see an Orthopedic surgeon.
What to expect at your visit
Dr. McLaughlin sees every patient himself, with same-day or next-day appointments at all four offices. He examines the knee, reviews your history and goals, and explains every option before recommending a plan. Treatment can often begin at the first visit. If the knee is swollen with fluid, he can drain the joint (joint aspiration) in the office to relieve pressure. When imaging or physical therapy is needed, expedited options for MRI and physical therapy are available.
Choosing between cortisone, gel, and PRP injections
Each injection works differently. Cortisone injections calm inflammation and are often used for flare-ups. Gel injections add lubrication to the joint and are typically considered for mild to moderate arthritis. PRP injections use your own platelets and are an option when cortisone is not enough. Dr. McLaughlin recommends the option that fits your level of arthritis, activity, and goals, and many patients combine injections with physical therapy.
Runner’s knee (chondromalacia patella)
Dr. McLaughlin also treats chondromalacia patella, often called runner’s knee, which affects the cartilage under the kneecap. Call 978-969-3624 for a same-day or next-day appointment.
What causes knee arthritis?
Osteoarthritis develops as cartilage wears down over time. Age, a previous knee injury, excess body weight and years of high-impact activity raise the risk.
Knee arthritis questions
What is knee arthritis?
Knee arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, causes pain, stiffness, and reduced motion. Rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis can also affect the knee.
How is knee arthritis treated?
Knee arthritis can be treated with cortisone injections, PRP injections, gel injections (viscosupplementation), physical therapy, and activity modification. Dr. McLaughlin discusses all options and develops a plan based on the patient’s level of arthritis and goals.
Does Dr. McLaughlin perform knee replacement?
No. Dr. McLaughlin does not perform knee replacement surgery. He treats knee arthritis with injections and other non-surgical care.
When should I see a doctor for knee arthritis?
When knee pain limits walking, stairs, sleep, or exercise, when swelling keeps coming back, or when the knee locks or gives way. Same-day or next-day appointments are available. Call 978-969-3624.
Can fluid be drained from a swollen arthritic knee?
Yes. Dr. McLaughlin performs joint drainage (aspiration) in the office when a knee is swollen with fluid.
How is knee arthritis diagnosed?
Knee arthritis is diagnosed with a physical exam, a review of your symptoms and history, and imaging when needed. Expedited MRI options are available.
Can knee arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients manage knee arthritis with injections, physical therapy and activity changes. Dr. McLaughlin does not perform knee replacement.
Knee arthritis care at all four offices
One phone number for every office: 978-969-3624. Phones are answered Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Boston
115 Newbury Street5th Floor
Boston, MA 02116Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Norwood
520 Boston Providence Tpk.Suite 14
Norwood, MA 02062Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Beverly
900 Cummings CenterSuite 221U
Beverly, MA 01915Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions