According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, people suffering from knee pain are gradually increasing, where 1 in 2 people are likely to experience symptoms of knee arthritis.
Knee Arthritis indicates inflammation of the knee joints and is characterized by degenerative changes in the bones and joints. It affects the functioning of your joints, causing pain and resulting in disability. Scroll down to learn about the causes, overview, and treatment for arthritis in the knees.
Causes of Knee Arthritis
The causes of knee arthritis depend on the type of arthritis. Below we have listed some of the causes of knee arthritis. Let’s discuss them below.
- Age-Related Wear and Tear
The knee joints have a cartilage coating that cushions between the bones. As people age, this cartilage wears down, resulting in knee arthritis. When left unchecked, the condition worsens, and the knee becomes stiff and painful, hampering daily tasks or activities.
- Genetic Predisposition
If an individual has a history of knee arthritis, they are more likely to develop the condition. Genetic predisposition or mutation can also be one of the primary causes of knee arthritis.
- Obesity
Too much weight can increase the pressure on your knee joints. Over time, this exertion due to increased weight damages the joints and might result in knee arthritis.
- Previous Knee Injury
Another common cause of knee arthritis is injury or physical trauma. Generally, overuse of the injured joint results in a tear in the cartilage or broken bones, gradually affecting the knee mechanisms.
- Repetitive Stress on the Knee
People in physically demanding jobs are vulnerable to developing knee arthritis. For instance, squatting, weightlifting, and kneeling professionals are more likely to experience the condition than others.
- Infection or inflammation
In case of an infection or swelling in the knee, the affected area will feel warm and appear red due to joint inflammation. This sign indicates that the condition has surpassed the early to moderate, severe stage of knee arthritis.
Now that we know about the causes of knee arthritis let’s understand the symptoms in detail below.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
Knee Arthritis can be easily identified through certain signs and diagnostics. Here we have listed out the common symptoms of arthritis in the knee.
- Stiffness in the Knee Joint
People might experience consistent pain or stiffness in the knees, especially when they wake up every morning. It causes a seize-up, making even 30 minutes of movement more difficult. Extending or flexing your knees will also be impossible due to the rigid joint stress.
- Swelling and Tenderness
Swelling in knee joints are the most common cause of arthritis. It occurs due to the formation of bone spurs or the storage of extra fluid around the joints. The inflammation and tenderness of the affected will be more noticeable after a prolonged period of rest/inactivity.
- Decreased Range of Motion
The changes in bones and cartilage of knees after a trauma or injury will make it challenging to move seamlessly. Mobility and balance will be difficult to maintain, including walking, standing up, and performing daily activities.
- Cracking or Popping Sounds in the Knee
You will feel a grinding sensation or hear a cracking/popping sound whenever you straighten or bend your knee. This symptom is called crepitus, which occurs due to cartilage tissue loss that promotes smooth movement. The cartilage damage causes the irregular areas to rub against each other, which produces sounds.
- Weakness or Instability in the Knee
Your knees may be shaky or weak due to the inflammation caused due to knee arthritis, even when doing basic activities. The loss of flexibility to move your joint will limit your range of motion.
Types of Knee Arthritis
Arthritis and Knee pain have many forms and have their symptoms and treatment options. Here are some degenerative types of knee arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs due to bone degeneration. Research shows that osteoarthritis often affects older people over the age of 50 due to wear and tear of the joints. However, with an increasingly hectic lifestyle, previous injuries, and pre-existing malfunctions, the condition might also affect younger people.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis happens when the joints have inflammation or swelling. The excess fluid accumulation in the joints will damage the cartilage, limiting movement. Studies show that the condition affects 1% of the world’s population and is more prevalent in women than men.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis indicates the type of arthritis that develops after a potential knee injury, such as ligament injury, fracture, or torn meniscus. It will take months to years to develop the condition, especially in individuals who suffer from vehicle accidents, falls, and past sports injuries.
- Gouty Arthritis
Gout is a painful type of arthritis due to extra uric acid in your body. It will form a sharp crystals-like structure in our joints. The condition will cause gout attacks that involve frequent and sudden pain and swelling as flare-up symptoms.
Diagnosis of Knee Arthritis
- Physical Examination
The healthcare professional will physically inspect the knee, observing any swelling, stiffness, pain, and range of motion symptoms.
- Imaging Tests
X-ray – X-ray will examine whether there is loss of joint space that will prove the damage in cartilage tissues of the knee.
MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging shows the soft tissues, including ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and bone.
CAT Scan – This special x-ray equipment will provide multiple images of the internal structure of joints, including tissues and ligaments, to examine the condition deeply and clearly.
Laboratory tests – Your doctor might also recommend a blood test and joint fluid analysis to recognize other degeneration causes.
Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis
There is no cure for the condition. However, following certain knee arthritis treatment options will aid in pain management and keep patients active.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Lifestyle Changes
Healthy lifestyle changes such as proper diet and exercise routine will improve the strength of your knee and other muscles around the joints. It will make it easy for you to move around while reducing the pain and preventing excess strain on the knee.
- Medications
Taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the severity of the condition.
- Injection Therapy
The therapy involves certain drugs like Corticosteroids, which are administered to relieve knee pain that prominently affect the daily life o an individual.
Surgical Treatment
- Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is usually suggested to treat meniscus or tenor tears, cartilage damage, and locked knees. It will increase your range of motion, improving the quality of your life.
- Joint Replacement
Partial or total knee replacement surgery relieves and improves function for patients with severe knee damage. However, they cannot engage in highly impactful activities to avoid any damage to the new replacement knee.
- Osteotomy
Osteotomy is appropriate for young people with arthritis. The surgery will re-alight the joint to relieve the pressure and reduce wear and tear on one side of the knee.
Summing up!
Knee arthritis can be severe and painful when not treated on time. If persistent joint pain in your knees interferes with your daily activities, diagnosing the condition early and beginning individualized treatment is essential.
It will effectively reduce the pain and extend the lifespan and functionality of the crucial knee joints while restoring your full mobility. In addition, keeping your knees flexible and muscles stronger through a healthy diet and exercise regime will help you reverse the damage.