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Knee Arthritis

Knee Arthritis

People over 50 years of age are commonly affected by knee arthritis. It is also found in people who are overweight. Sometimes, it can be associated by genetic. Ligament damage, trauma to the knee, fractures and meniscus tears are also contribute to developing knee arthritis.

The following types of arthritic may affect the knee joint:-

Rheumatoid arthritis: It is the main form of arthritis that can destroy the joint cartilage. It can affect any age group. Both knees are generally affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis: This is also common type of knee arthritis. It is mostly found in middle-aged and old aged people. This is slowly progressive degenerative condition in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away.

Post-traumatic arthritis: It can associate after an injury to the knee. This disease is similar to osteoarthritis and may associate after meniscus tear fracture or ligament injury.

Causes

Knee arthritis is often associated with a history of repeated injury, obesity or joint surgery.

Signs and symptoms of knee arthritis

• Severe pain with activities
• Stiffness of the knee
• Tenderness along the joint
• Deformity of the joint
• Limited range of motion
• Swelling of the joint

Diagnosis

Physical examinations and X-rays will be performed by the health care providers to diagnose knee arthritis. In some cases, specific imaging tests and blood tests may be needed to determine knee arthritis.

Treatment for knee arthritis

The types of treatment depend on the causes and symptoms of the disease. All treatment is not appropriate for every patient. Patient must discuss with health care providers about the types of treatment for knee arthritis.

Activity modification

Aquatic exercise is the best way for people with knee arthritis. Limiting certain activities may be needed to treat the disease.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy may help decrease the pressure on the knee joint. In most cases, this therapy is recommended by the health care providers.

Cortisone injections

This is very effective to reduce pain and decrease inflammation in a knee joint.

Glucosamine (joint supplements)

Joint supplements may be very effective and safe for treatment of knee arthritis. According to researchers, glucosamine has been limited.

Weight loss

Weight loss is also very effective to reduce the painful activities.

Anti-inflammatory medications

These medications are prescribed by the health care providers to treat the knee arthritis and nonprescription drugs are also helpful to treat inflammation and pain.

Synvisc

This treatment is also useful to reduce the pain in people who are suffered from knee arthritis. It may delay the need for knee replacement surgery.

Knee arthroscopy and knee osteotomy

Both are very effective for treatment of knee arthritis. They are very helpful for young patients with limited arthritis.

Partial knee replacement surgery

It is also known as a unicompartmental knee replacement. It is very effective treatment for patients with limited knee arthritis.

Total knee replacement surgery

In this surgery, the cartilage is removed by the surgeon and a plastic or metal implant is placed in the affected area.