Are your knees protesting every time you take a step? Is it getting more difficult to enjoy your daily walks, or even go up and down stairs? If you answered in the affirmative to either of these two questions, there's a chance that arthritis might be what you’re dealing with. But fear not! We’re about to shed light on arthritis in the knee.
Read on as we demystify the condition and equip you with the knowledge on how to tackle it head-on.
Arthritis is a condition where the protective cartilage in your knee joint begins to break down, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. There are several types of arthritis, but the two most common ones that affect the knee are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is often a result of wear and tear over time. It can occur due to an injury or the natural aging process, where the knee's cartilage starts to deteriorate. Think of it as your knee's shock absorbers slowly wearing out over time.
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Your body's immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy joint tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage. This type of arthritis is therefore much more common in younger patients, though it can still affect you regardless of age.
Now that you know a little more about arthritis, let's discuss how you can spot the symptoms of it in your knee. Your knee isn't shy when it comes to signaling distress, and it will tell you in the following ways:
Once you suspect that you might have arthritis in your knee, it's time to pay a visit to the doctor. They will start by taking a detailed medical history and may perform a physical examination to assess your knee's mobility and any signs of inflammation.
The next step will likely be your doctor recommending some X-rays or MRI scans. These will help them see the extent of cartilage damage and rule out other possible causes of knee pain. This helps give you a clearer diagnosis, which can lead to a more effective treatment plan.
Here's the good news: arthritis in the knee doesn't mean you're doomed to a life of pain and limitations. There are various treatment options that can help you regain control of both your knees and your life:
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger medications if needed.
A skilled physical therapist can work with you to develop an exercise regimen that strengthens the muscles around your knee, improves flexibility, and helps manage pain.
Simple changes like losing excess weight can significantly reduce the stress on your knee joint. Using assistive devices like a cane or brace can also provide added support.
Corticosteroid injections directly into the knee can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
This emerging treatment involves injecting a concentrated dose of your platelets into the knee to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.
In severe cases where other treatments don't provide relief, surgery may be necessary. This can include arthroscopy to clean out the joint, realignment of bones, or even partial or total knee replacement.
In addition to medical interventions, there are steps you can take at home to manage knee arthritis effectively and improve your quality of life:
Knee arthritis might sound intimidating, but it doesn't have to be a life sentence of discomfort and inactivity. With the right approach and help from the right team, such as those at
AZ Ortho, you can manage the pain and maintain an active lifestyle.
Contact us today for more information.
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