Knee Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee arthritis

Osteoarthritis is also known as ‘degenerative joint disease’ or ‘wear-and-tear arthritis’. The cartilage that protects the joint is gradually worn away until bare bone is exposed in the joint.

Are you likely to suffer from knee arthritis?

Risk factors include:

patients who are over 50 years of age

patients with a family history of knee arthritis

patients who are overweight (some weight loss can reduce the effect of knee arthritis)

ligament damage or meniscus tears

knee trauma

fractures of the bone surrounding the joint

Symptoms of knee arthritis

The progression of knee arthritis symptoms is not consistent over a period of time but more in tune with the condition as it worsens. Patients usually say the severity of the symptoms vary from month to month or change according to prevailing weather conditions. For this reason assessing the symptoms on a specific day may not truly represent the extent of the condition.

The most common symptoms of knee arthritis are:

when activity results in pain

range of motion is limited

the knee is stiff

joint swelling

joint deformity – (bow-legs or knock-knees)

joint that is tender

thinking the joint may collapse

Diagnosis of Knee Arthritis

When you consult your doctor you will probably be asked when did you first notice the pain in your knee,to describe the pain, and if you’ve had any earlier knee injuries. You may also be asked about your lifestyle, physical and athletic activities. Your answers may assist in determining the best treatment for your condition.

A physical examination may follow, the doctor feeling around the area of pain and testing tendon and ligament strength.

Additional tests to assist with the diagnosis may include:

Blood Tests – may be taken to eliminate other diseases.

X-rays – are an effective way to diagnose knee arthritis. They also measure the narrowing of the joint space indicating wear on the cartilage.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – this scan provides a better insight for your doctor of the inside of your joints and bones. This may not point to osteoarthritis but identify other knee conditions such as ligament damage or a meniscus tear.

Treatment of knee arthritis

Early arthritis symptoms can usually be treated by:

application of ice

physical therapy

medication

resting

The osteoarthritis version of knee arthritis normally continues to worsen as the condition progresses if left untreated. Diagnosis should start with a physical examination and X-rays. The treatment of knee arthritis treatment should start with the most basic procedure working towards the more serious solution, surgery. A cartilage will not normally heal by itself because there is no direct blood supply to it. The bodies of older patients are less able to heal damaged cartilage

Your doctor may wish to carry out a arthroscopic evaluation. This procedure involves making a small incision in the knee and using a viewing scope inserted in the incision. Surgery or joint replacement may be necessary according to the extent of the cartilage damage.

Further treatment may include:

Corticosteriod Injection – this treatment assists in the reduction of swelling and pain.

Osteotomy – this surgery is to improve the knee’s alignment of the knee.

Unicompartmental Knee Replacement – part of the knee is replaced by this surgery.

Entire Knee Replacement – the infected joint is removed and replaced with plastic or metal components and a metal prosthesis of the femoral segment.

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Arthritis