Knee arthritis is common cause of pain.
Image © Medical Multimedia GroupWhat is the most common type of knee arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee arthritis. Also called wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint. As the protective cartilage is worn away by knee arthritis, bare bone is exposed within the joint. Who develops knee arthritis?
Knee arthritis typically affects patients over 50 years of age. It is more common in patients who are overweight, and weight loss tends to reduce the symptoms associated with knee arthritis. There is also a genetic predisposition to this condition, meaning knee arthritis tends to run in families. Other factors that can contribute to developing knee arthritis include trauma to the knee, meniscus tears or ligament damage, and fractures to the bone around the joint.
What is the treatment for knee arthritis?
Treatment of knee arthritis should begin with the most basic steps and progress to the more involved, possibly including surgery. Not all treatments are appropriate for every patient, and you should have a discussion with your doctor to determine which treatments are appropriate for your case. The range of options:
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee arthritis. Also called wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint. As the protective cartilage is worn away by knee arthritis, bare bone is exposed within the joint. Who develops knee arthritis?
Knee arthritis typically affects patients over 50 years of age. It is more common in patients who are overweight, and weight loss tends to reduce the symptoms associated with knee arthritis. There is also a genetic predisposition to this condition, meaning knee arthritis tends to run in families. Other factors that can contribute to developing knee arthritis include trauma to the knee, meniscus tears or ligament damage, and fractures to the bone around the joint.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis symptoms tend to progress as the condition worsens. What is interesting about knee arthritis is that symptoms do not always progress steadily with time. Often patients report good months and bad months, or symptoms that fluctuate with the weather. This is important to understand because comparing the symptoms of arthritis on one particular day may not accurately represent the overall progression of the condition. The most common symptoms of knee arthritis are:- Pain with activities
- Limited range of motion
- Stiffness of the knee
- Swelling of the joint
- Tenderness along the joint
- A feeling the joint may "give out"
- Deformity of the joint (knock-knees or bow-legs)
What is the treatment for knee arthritis?
Treatment of knee arthritis should begin with the most basic steps and progress to the more involved, possibly including surgery. Not all treatments are appropriate for every patient, and you should have a discussion with your doctor to determine which treatments are appropriate for your case. The range of options:
- Weight Loss
Probably one of the most important, yet least commonly performed treatments. The less weight the joint has to carry, the less painful activities will be. - Activity Modification
Limiting certain activities may be necessary, and learning new exercise methods may be helpful. - Walking Aids
Use of a cane or a single crutch is the hand opposite the affected knee will help decrease the demand placed on the arthritic joint. - Physical Therapy
Strengthening of the muscles around the knee joint may help decrease the burden on the knee. Preventing atrophy of the muscles is an important part of maintaining functional use of the knee. - Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs) are prescription and nonprescription drugs that help treat pain and inflammation. - Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections may help decrease inflammation and reduce pain within a joint. - Synvisc
Synvisc may be effective against pain in some patients with knee arthritis and may delay the need for knee replacement surgery. - Joint Supplements (Glucosamine)
Glucosamine appears to be safe and might be effective for treatment of knee arthritis, but research into these supplements has been limited. - Knee Arthroscopy
Exactly how effective knee arthroscopy is for treatment of arthritis is debatable. For some specific symptoms, it may be helpful. - Knee Osteotomy
While most patients are not good candidates for this alternative to knee replacement, it can be effective for young patients with limited arthritis. - Total Knee Replacement Surgery
In this procedure, the cartilage is removed and a metal & plastic implant is placed in the knee. - Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Also called a unicompartmental knee replacement, this is replacement of one part of the knee. It is a surgical option for the treatment of limited knee arthritis.
Early Treatments of Knee Arthritis
Injections For Knee Arthritis
Surgery Treatment For Knee Arthritis
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