Arthritis is the leading cause of knee pain. Here we will discuss the effects of arthritis on your knees. How it occurs. How it might be prevented. The symptoms and how they may be treated. Historically, arthritis has been one of the most prevalent factors in hindering the way the knee is supposed to function. More times than not, arthritis is a result of degeneration of the cartilage in the knee. It happens slowly, over time and the pain associated with it develops just as gradually. Normally, the knee joint will become swollen, sore and stiff and over time can lose its full range of motion.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
What is osteoarthritis of the knee?
A normal knee joint
A normal knee joint
Often referred to as OA, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It most often occurs in middle-aged and older adults but can occur at any age if the joint has been damaged because of previous fractures or some type of childhood disorder. It is a progressive, degenerative disease and usually affects the large weight-bearing joints of the lower extremities, including hips and knees, but can often affect the spine, neck and hands.
Knee joint with advanced osteoarthritis
Knee joint with advanced osteoarthritis
Causes of osteoarthritis
The causes of osteoarthritis are simply not known at this time. What we do know is there are many factors which can increase your risk of developing it. Things like obesity, muscle weakness, heredity, previous joint injuries, childhood disorders, repetitive motion and aging all enter into the equation of why it can occur.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Pain, swelling or stiffness in the joint are some of the most common symptoms. In early stages, pain may only be felt during activity, but as the cartilage wears away and the bones of the joint rub against each other the pain can become more severe and constant even during times when you are not moving.
Treatment options of osteoarthritis
You and your physician may try several non-surgical measures to relieve your knee pain and inflammation. These may include weight loss, exercise and physical therapy. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements and anti-inflammatory medications may also help. In addition, joint fluid therapy such as SUPARTZ® Joint Fluid Therapy may also be prescribed to lubricate the knee and reduce pain.
If non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful, you and your physician may decide that knee surgery is the best option to help you regain your quality of life.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Knee
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Commonly referred to as RA, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Moreover, it can lead to severe, and at times, rapid deterioration of multiple joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis involves inflammation in the lining of the joints. Usually developing around the time of middle age, rheumatoid arthritis is among the most debilitating forms of the disease.
Causes of rheumatoid arthritis
The precise cause of the disease is not known at this time; however, some experts believe that a virus or bacteria might trigger the disease in those people who are genetically predisposed to it. There are some doctors who believe this disease is actually an autoimmune disease, or a disease in which the joint’s tissue has been attacked by the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis happens most often during middle age and is more likely to affect women than men.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Pain and swelling of the joints and difficulty moving are primary signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Others include loss of appetite and energy, fever, anemia and what are known as rheumatoid modules or small lumps of tissue under the skin. People suffering from the disease will experience flare-ups involving pain and stiffness in multiple joints.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Treatment for pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis may involve medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin and analgesics. If non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful, you and your physician may decide to pursue knee surgery as the best treatment option to help you regain your quality of life.
Post-traumatic Arthritis of the Knee
What is post-traumatic arthritis?
In cases when there is an injury where the bone and cartilage of the knee do not heal properly post-traumatic arthritis may develop. These abnormalities may lead to extra wear on the joint surface and even the development of osteoarthritis.
Causes of post-traumatic arthritis
More times than not post-traumatic arthritis develops after a serious fracture, torn ligament or a tear to the meniscus. Any traumatic injury to the joint, its ligaments or supporting muscles makes the joint unstable. The increased stress on the joint cartilage may lead to arthritis.
Symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis
Oftentimes the signs are pain in the knee joint, stiffness and swelling with pain and swelling being worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity. As the cartilage wears and the bones of the joint rub against each other, the pain can become more severe and constant, interfering with daily activities. Also, pain may increase after walking, climbing stairs or kneeling along with a feeling of weakness or “buckling” of the knee.
Treatment of post-traumatic arthritis
You and your physician may try non-surgical measures to relieve the pain and inflammation. These may include a weight loss and exercise program, physical therapy, glucosine and chondroitin supplements and anti-inflammatory medications. Joint fluid therapy, such as SUPARTZ® Joint Fluid Therapy may also be prescribed to lubricate the knee and reduce pain.
In cases where non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful, you and your physician may decide that knee surgery is the best option to help you regain your quality of life.
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