An orthopedic doctor in PCMC, Pune, Dr. Ankur Kumar has seen many patients suffering from knee arthritis. Knee arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a degenerative disorder that causes pain, swelling, and immobility in the knee joint. In this blog, we will explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for knee arthritis.
What is knee arthritis?
Knee arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation and injury to the cartilage in the knee joint. Cartilage is a tough, rubbery material that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form a joint. It acts as a shock absorber and permits to protect the bones from scratching against each other.
What are the Types of Knee Arthritis?
There are different types of knee arthritis, including:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most ordinary type of knee arthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the joint over time. It happens when the protecting cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the knee joint slowly wears away, leading to bone-on-bone contact and damage to the joint. It normally affects individuals over 50 years old, although it can occur earlier in individuals who have had knee injuries or a family history of the disorder.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition that can affect any joint in the body, including the knee. It causes inflammation of the joint lining, leading to pain, immobility, and swelling.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: This kind of arthritis forms after a knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear. The injury can harm the cartilage in the knee, leading to arthritis.
- Gouty arthritis: Gouty arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint, which leads to inflammation and severe pain, swelling, and redness.
- Psoriatic arthritis: This is a type of arthritis that can develop in individuals with psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that yields skin inflammation. It can involve any joint in the body, including the knee.
- Infectious arthritis: This is caused by an infection in the joint, which can happen due to a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
What Causes of Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Age: As we get older, the cartilage in our joints starts to wear down, which can lead to arthritis.
- Genetics: Some individuals are more likely to produce arthritis because of their genes.
- Injury: A earlier injury to the knee joint can raise the risk of developing arthritis.
- Obesity: Being overweight puts additional stress on the knee joint, which can accelerate the wear and tear of cartilage.
- Infection: In rare cases, an infection in the knee joint can generate arthritis.
What are the symptoms and signs of Knee Arthritis?
The signs & symptoms of knee arthritis may vary from individual to individual, but some of the most common signs include:
- Pain and stiffness in the knee joint, specifically after sitting or standing for long times.
- Swelling and tenderness around the knee joint.
- Reduced mobility and difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or bending the knee.
- A clicking or popping sound when you move your knee joint.
- Deformity or a sense of instability in the knee joint.
Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis:
The best Knee Replacement Surgeon, Dr. Ankur Kumar uses several treatment options for knee arthritis, ranging from conservative measures to surgery. Here are some of the most ordinary treatment options:
Conservative treatments may include:
- Rest and ice: Resting the knee and applying ice can help ease pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can assist enhance strength and flexibility in the knee joint, which can ease pain and stiffness.
- Weight loss: Losing weight can help ease pressure on the knee joint and enhance symptoms.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the knee joint can help decrease inflammation in the knee joint, which can relieve pain and stiffness.
- Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, wearing supportive shoes, and avoiding movements that put additional stress on the knee joint can help decrease the risk of developing knee arthritis or relieve symptoms.
Surgical treatments may include:
- Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive process that uses a small camera and instruments to remove damaged tissue or bone fragments from the knee joint.
- Osteotomy: Osteotomy is a process that involves cutting and realigning the bones in the knee joint to ease pressure on the damaged area.
- Joint replacement: In severe cases of knee arthritis, a total knee replacement may be required. This involves replacing the damaged knee joint with a synthetic joint.
Prevention of Knee Arthritis:
There are several steps you can take to assist prevent knee arthritis:
- Maintaining a healthy weight to decrease stress on your knee joints.
- Staying active and engaging in regular exercise to maintain your knee joints strong and flexible.
- Wear supportive shoes and use proper form during exercise to decrease the risk of knee injuries.
- Avoid activities that need repetitive motions, such as running or jumping.
- Eating a healthy diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion:
knee arthritis is a common disease that can cause significant pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing symptoms of knee arthritis, Consult Dr. Ankur Kumar, the Best Knee Pain Specialist in PCMC, Pune for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, and weight loss may be effective in managing symptoms, while surgical treatments may be necessary in severe cases. With the right treatment, most individuals with knee arthritis can improve their signs and continue to lead active, healthy lives.
