Knee arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the knee joint. It is a progressive disease, meaning that it gets worse over time.
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of knee arthritis, including:
- Age: Knee arthritis is more common in people over the age of 50.
- Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop knee arthritis than others due to their genes.
- Injury: A previous knee injury can increase your risk of developing knee arthritis.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts extra stress on your knees, which can increase your risk of developing knee arthritis.
- Occupational overuse: Activities that put repetitive stress on your knees, such as running or playing sports, can increase your risk of developing knee arthritis.
How does knee arthritis develop?
The cartilage in your knee joint acts as a cushion between the bones. In knee arthritis, the cartilage breaks down over time, which causes the bones to rub against each other. This can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
The breakdown of cartilage in knee arthritis is a complex process that is not fully understood. However, there are a few factors that are thought to contribute to the breakdown of cartilage, including:
- Inflammation: Inflammation can damage the cartilage in your knee joint.
- Free radicals: Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells in your body, including the cartilage in your knee joint.
- Enzymes: Enzymes can break down the cartilage in your knee joint.
What are the symptoms of knee arthritis?
The symptoms of knee arthritis can vary from person to person. However, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Pain: Pain is the most common symptom of knee arthritis. The pain is usually worse when you use your knee, such as when you walk or climb stairs.
- Stiffness: Your knee may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after you have been sitting for a long time.
- Inflammation: Your knee may be red, swollen, and warm to the touch.
- Loss of range of motion: You may have difficulty bending or straightening your knee.
- Crepitus: You may hear a crackling or popping sound when you move your knee.
How is knee arthritis diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose knee arthritis based on your medical history, your symptoms, and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, to confirm the diagnosis.
How is knee arthritis treated?
There is no cure for knee arthritis, but there are treatments that can help relieve your symptoms and improve your function. Treatment for knee arthritis may include:
- Medications: There are a variety of medications that can help relieve the pain and inflammation of knee arthritis. These medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and hyaluronic acid injections.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve your range of motion, strength, and flexibility.
- Weight loss: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help reduce the stress on your knees and relieve your symptoms.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pain and improve the function of your knee. There are a variety of surgical procedures that can be used to treat knee arthritis, including total knee replacement and partial knee replacement.
What is the prognosis for knee arthritis?
The prognosis for knee arthritis varies from person to person. However, most people with knee arthritis are able to manage their symptoms and live active lives. With proper treatment, most people with knee arthritis are able to avoid surgery.