Understanding Arthritis In Knee

Arthritis and knee pain go hand-in-hand, causing discomfort, reduced mobility, and poor quality of life. The knee is considered one of the largest and most complicated joints that bear immense weight and play a critical role in motion. When the knee is affected by arthritis, there is pain, swelling, and rigidity, which makes normal activities difficult to undertake. So, let’s explore more about arthritis in the knee!

What Is Arthritis In The Knee?

Arthritis in knee is an inflammation of the knee joint, causing pain, swelling, and stiffening of the joint, basically. The knee joint is made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and synovial fluid, all components working together to allow the smooth motion of the knee. Arthritis upsets this normal functioning of the knee by breaking down the cartilage-smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones. If left unchecked, this will result in bones rubbing against each other, inflammation, and the end result of pain.

Types Of Arthritis Affecting The Knee

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the knee. It is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage covering the ends of the bones that form the knee wears away over time. Symptoms can be more than wear and tear on the joint over time, due to ageing; thus, it could be accelerated by factors such as obesity, previous joint injuries, or repetitive stress on the joint. As a result of the degeneration of cartilage, the bones will eventually rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased movement capability.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of condition that leads from an injury to the knee, inclusive of fracture, ligament injury, and meniscal injury. Following a failure to recover from an injury, the deterioration of joint surfaces causes the development of arthritis. Post-traumatic arthritis may appear years after an injury and can accelerate the deterioration of the knee joint. Symptoms include, but are not limited to pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is an autoimmune disease wherein the body's immune system attacks the synovium, which is the lining of the knee joint. As a result, there is inflammation of the lining, pain, and swelling of the knee, and if untreated, could cause serious damage to the joint. Other than the damage to the joint, common in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to systemic symptoms affecting other joints and parts of the body. RA of the knee has the tendency to impose substantial pain on the affected individual, causing eventual deformation in the joint as well.

Symptoms & Causes Of Knee Joint Pain From Arthritis

1) Pain: Pain is a very common symptom, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain that shoots in after excessive activity or period of inactivity.

2) Swelling: Inflammation within the knee joint can lead to swelling, making the knee look puffy or enlarged.

3) Stiffness: The most common result of arthritis is knee stiffness, more so after periods of rest. This can limit the full bending and straightening of one's knee.

4) Decreased Range of Motion: The development may lead to reduced ease of motion through one's entire range of motion.

5) Crepitus or Popping Sounds: Medically termed crepitus, this symptom involves the presence of grinding, popping, or crackling sounds emanating from the knee during motion.

6) Warmth and Tenderness: The affected knee may be warm to the touch and tender upon the press.

Arthritis in the knee can be multifactorial in origin. Osteoarthritis often presents itself with age, genetic predisposition, and mechanical forces exerted on the knee joint. Post-traumatic arthritis clearly results from a previous injury to the knee that has left permanent damage. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that it results from an abnormal immune response, though it is not clear exactly what triggers this abnormal response. Other causes of arthritis in knee include obesity because it increases loads on knee joints, and repetitive stress associated with impact sports or occupations.

How Is Arthritis in Knee Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of arthritis in knee is usually made by combining medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. A physician will evaluate symptoms, examine the knee for signs of swelling, tenderness, and limited motion, and inquire about any previous injuries or disorders that may have caused the arthritis.

Imaging studies, such as X-rays, are generally used to determine the extent of damage to the joint. X-rays may also display narrowing of the joint space, bone spurs, and features common in osteoarthritis. Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis involve testing for markers of inflammation and autoantibodies such as RF and anti-CCP. X-rays may also be used to get a more striking view of the knee's soft tissues, which include cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

Treatment For Knee Joint Arthritis

There is no cure for arthritis in knee, but several treatment options are available for symptom management and an improvement in the quality of life. The best treatment for knee joint pain often depends on the type and severity of arthritis, along with the patient's general health and lifestyle.

1) Pain Medicine: Painkillers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs are the usual medicines prescribed for pain arising from arthritis. For more severe cases, more potent pain medicines or corticosteroids may be prescribed. Or take an arthritis care combo by Three60+ for effective relief from pain.

2) Exercise: Regular exercise is necessary to maintain flexibility in the joints and to strengthen the muscles around the knee, which helps to decrease stiffness. Generally, recommended activities include swimming, cycling, and walking.

3) Lifestyle Modifications: Emphasis should be placed on weight management to reduce load from the knee joints. Pain could also be reduced and the joint stabilized by the use of supportive appliances like knee braces or orthotics.

4) Changes in Diet: Anti-inflammatory substances include fruits, vegetables, whole cereals, and oily fish. They may be added to the diet to reduce knee-joint inflammation. Nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may also alleviate some sufferers.

5) Surgery: Surgery is usually considered for patients when arthritis has badly affected the knee function and they have not benefited from other treatments. Options will include arthroscopy, osteotomy, or total knee replacement.

6) Hand Therapy: While this is more common for hand arthritis, similar physical therapy techniques for the knee can help improve mobility and reduce pain.

7) Steroid Shots: Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation, especially in cases of severe arthritis.

FAQs:

1) What are the early signs of arthritis in the knee?

Early signs of arthritis in the knee include the following: pain, stiffness, and swelling, especially after activity or after a long period of rest. You may also experience a reduced range of motion and warmth in the knee joint.

2) How can degenerative arthritis in the knee be managed at home?

Degenerative arthritis can be managed at home by the usual low-impact exercises, weight management, the application of heat or cold packs to relieve pain, and by over-the-counter pain relievers. A healthy diet and avoidance of activities that put undue stress on the knee will also be helpful.

3) Is Ayurvedic treatment effective for swollen arthritis in knee?

Various Ayurvedic treatments for knee joint, including herbal supplements, dietary changes, and physical therapies, have also shown some promising results in offering symptomatic relief for some patients with arthritis in knee. However, before you start your alternative treatment approaches, consult your health professional.

4) What is the best treatment for knee joint pain without surgery?

The pain in the knee joint, which is nonsurgical, can be treated by pain medicines, physiotherapy, modification in lifestyle, and corticosteroid injections. Light exercises along with reduction of weight and dietary changes too, provide relief in the pain and improve joint mobility.