Introduction
Knee arthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain. Along with pain, swelling and stiffness can be seen in the knee joint. Different types of arthritis can affect your knee, and each type is treated differently depending on the symptoms and location in the affected knee joint.
The knee joint is a hinge joint. Its motion is similar to that of a door opening and closing. There are three main bones in the knee joint. The point where the two bones meet is covered by a protective covering of cartilage. Small pieces of cartilage, known as meniscus, provide additional support to the knee joint.
These protective pieces of cartilage prevent the bones in the knee from rubbing against each other and causing pain.
Its susceptibility to injury to the knee due to its daily activities makes it prone to developing arthritis. Arthritis of the knee can cause swelling in one or both of the knee joints.
What are the types of arthritis?
There are many types of arthritis. Some of them also occur in the knee, including:
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type of arthritis that affects the knee. It occurs when the protective cartilage around the knee joint, known as the articular cartilage, begins to break down. When this happens, the bones of the knee joint rub against each other, causing pain. Articular cartilage covers the shinbone (top of the tibia), patella (knee cap), and thigh bone (bottom of femur). During the early stages of osteoarthritis, you may only feel pain during specific activities. . As arthritis progresses, pain may be felt even while performing routine activities.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body starts attacking its own healthy cells. It causes inflammation in the joint which can lead to swelling, stiffness, warmth and extreme pain. If left untreated, RA can cause permanent damage to the knees. This type of arthritis always affects the joints symmetrically. If one knee is affected, it is likely that the other will also be affected. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can also appear in the hands and wrists.
Gout
A type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by a build-up of uric acid crystals, also known as monosodium urate crystals, in the knee joint. These crystals get deposited in the soft tissue of the knee joint and cause severe pain, swelling and redness.
What are the symptoms of knee arthritis?
Each person may experience a different set of arthritis symptoms of the knee. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Knee swelling
- Stiffness
- Knee tenderness
- Pain when moving legs
- A pronounced deformity in the knee joint
- Limited range of motion
- Crepitus, a popping or clicking sound in the knee joint during movement
- Knee joint weakness
- Unstable knee
When should the doctor be seen?
Depending on the inflammation in the knee joint, you may experience warmth and redness in the knee. Usually, with time, the symptoms of arthritis of the knee worsen. If you have any of the above symptoms of knee arthritis, consult a doctor immediately.
What is the cause of knee arthritis?
Knee arthritis is the result of loss of protective cartilage around the knee joint. Causes of arthritis of the knee include:
- Age: People who are 40 years of age or older are more likely to develop arthritis of the knee.
- Gender: Women are more prone to osteoarthritis.
- Obesity: Excess body weight puts pressure on the knee joint and increases the risk of knee damage.
- Genetics: Having a family member with inflammatory arthritis or osteoarthritis may increase your risk of developing arthritis of the knee.
- Previous knee injury: A previous knee injury such as a ligament tear, knee fracture, or torn meniscus can also lead to knee arthritis.
How is arthritis of the knee diagnosed?
To diagnose arthritis of the knee, a doctor may conduct a number of tests and examinations such as a physical exam, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
Your doctor may begin the diagnosis by reviewing your medical history. He or she may do a physical examination of the knee to look for any obvious deformity, redness, or warmth to the touch. The doctor may also ask you to walk to check your leg movements.
To better evaluate the knee, the doctor may perform some imaging tests, such as:
- X-ray: This can help detect degenerative joint diseases and bone fractures in the knee.
- CT scan: This will combine X-rays from different angles and develop cross-sectional images of the knee. CT scans can help diagnose minor fractures and bone problems
- MRI: This uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to create a 3D image of your knee. MRI can help diagnose injuries to soft tissues such as ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and muscles.
- In case of inflammation or infection, the doctor may perform a procedure called
- Arthrocentesis, where a small amount of fluid around your knee is collected for laboratory analysis.
Can knee arthritis be treated?
After carefully diagnosing your knee, a doctor can suggest a treatment option that includes lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery.
lifestyle changes
Early stage arthritis of the knee can be treated with various lifestyle changes and techniques, such as:
Weight Loss: Excess weight can lead to pain in the knee joints. Taking pressure off the joint may also help keep knee arthritis from getting worse.
Regular exercise: Exercising regularly can help improve the strength of your leg muscles. It will also provide better support to your knee joints.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy, such as muscle strengthening, can help reduce the pressure on the joints.
Medicines
Your doctor may recommend the following medications to help relieve symptoms of arthritis of the knee:
Anti-inflammatory drugs: Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen can be used to treat knee pain. If your doctor thinks you may need a stronger NSAID, he or she may prescribe other NSAIDs.
Knee injections: Corticosteroid and viscosupplements injections contain gel-like substances that help provide lubrication and cushioning similar to the fluid surrounding the knee joint.
Other pain relievers: Acetaminophen helps in relieving pain but does not relieve swelling in the knee joint. To relieve severe pain, the doctor may prescribe opioid analgesics.
Surgery
In severe cases of knee arthritis, doctors may prescribe surgery. Surgical options include:
Partial knee replacement: The surgeon will replace the most damaged part of your knee with a high-grade plastic or metal substitute. This surgery is minimally invasive through small incisions to provide better recovery rates.
Total knee replacement: The surgeon will remove damaged bone and cartilage from the shin bone, thigh bone, and kneecap. It is replaced by an artificial joint made of polymers, high-grade plastics and metals.
Knee arthroscopy: The surgeon will make a small incision and repair the damage to the knee using long, narrow instruments and a tiny camera. This surgical option is helpful in reconstructing the torn ligaments and removing the loose body from the knee joint.
What are the preventive measures for arthritis of the knee?
It may not always be possible to prevent knee pain, but the following preventive measures can help prevent it:
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body weight can put extra strain on your joints and increase your risk of knee injuries.
Stay in shape: Whatever sport you play, take the time to condition your muscles. This will help prepare your muscles for the demands of the sport.
Stay flexible: Weak muscles are one of the major causes of knee pain. You can try balance and stability training to train your muscles so they work more efficiently.
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