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What is knee arthritis?
Arthritis simply means an inflammation of a joint causing pain, swelling, stiffness, instability and often deformity. Severe arthritis interferes with a person’s activities and limits his or her lifestyle.
What causes arthritis in the knee?
Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease - the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is also known as "wear and tear arthritis" since the cartilage simply wears out. When cartilage wears away, bone rubs on bone causing severe pain and disability. The most frequent reason for osteoarthritis is genetic, since the durability of each individual’s cartilage is based on genetics. If your parents have arthritis, you may also get it.
Trauma - can also lead to osteoarthritis. A bad fall or blow to the knee can injure the joint. If the injury does not heal properly, extra force may be placed on the joint, which over time can cause the cartilage to wear away.
Inflammatory Arthritis - swelling and heat (inflammation) of the joint lining causes a release of enzymes which soften and eventually destroy the cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus and psoriatic arthritis are inflammatory in nature.
How can a doctor diagnose arthritis?
Doctors diagnose arthritis with a medical history, physical exam and x-rays of the knee.
What is "conservative" treatment?
Conservative, or non-surgical, treatment is effective in the early stages of arthritis. Pain can sometimes be relieved through anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone shots or physical therapy. These methods can ease pain temporarily and, sometimes, permanently. |
