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KNEE ARTHRITISKNEE ARTHRITISKnee arthritis is mainly of three kinds- 1.) Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of knee arthritis. OA is usually a slowly progressive degenerative disease in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. It most often affects middle-aged and older people. 2.) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can destroy the joint cartilage. RA can occur at any age. RA generally affects both knees. 3.) Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury to the knee. This type of arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis and may develop years after a fracture, ligament injury or meniscus tear. 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 of 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. The joint may become stiff and swollen, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee. Pain and swelling are worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity. Pain may also increase after activities such as walking, stair climbing or kneeling. The pain may often cause a feeling of weakness in the knee, resulting in a "locking" or "buckling." 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) Making the diagnosis for knee arthritis-- Your doctor will perform a physical examination that focuses on your walk, the range of motion in the limb, and joint swelling or tenderness. X-rays typically show a loss of joint space in the affected knee. Blood and other special imaging tests such as an MRI may be needed. Treatment options-- In its early stages knee arthritis is treated with conservative, non surgical measures-- - Lifestyle modification including losing weight. - Exercises can help increase range of motion and flexibility as well as help strengthen the muscles in the leg. - Using supportive devices such as a cane, wearing energy-absorbing shoes or inserts, or wearing a brace or knee sleeve can be helpful. - Physical and occupational therapy. - Other measures may include applications of heat or ice, water exercises, liniments or elastic bandages. - Alternative therapies such as acupuncture etc. Several types of drugs can be used in treating knee arthritis-- - Anti-inflammatory medications - Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate - Corticosteroids - Hyaluronate. - Special medical treatments for RA include gold salt injections and other disease-modifying drugs. Surgical Treatment -- If your knee arthritis does not respond to these non operative treatments, you may need to have surgery. - Arthroscopic surgery uses fiber optic technology to enable the surgeon to see inside the joint and clean it of debris or repair torn cartilage. - An osteotomy cuts the shinbone (tibia) or the thighbone (femur) to improve the alignment of the knee joint. - A total or partial knee arthroplasty replaces the severely damaged knee joint cartilage with metal and plastic. - Cartilage grafting is possible for some knees with limited or contained cartilage loss from trauma or arthritis. - Total knee replacement - Partial knee replacement. Degenerative arthritis At a Glance • It is a joint inflammation that results from cartilage degeneration. • It can be caused by aging, heredity, and injury from trauma or disease. • The most common symptom of degenerative arthritis is pain in the affected joint(s) after repetitive use. • There is no blood test for its diagnosis. • The goal of treatment is to reduce joint pain and inflammation while improving and maintaining joint function. |
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