Knee Arthritis

Are you suffering from Pain in the Knee? Stiffness and aches in the morning? Have you previously injured your knee and now it is giving you trouble?

If you are, there is a high chance you are suffering from knee arthritis.

Knee Arthritis is a term used to describe knees affected by inflammatory or degenerative disease processes. Knee arthritis can occur on its own, or as part of a general condition affecting other joints or other parts of the body.

Common symptoms of knee arthritis includes pain, stiffness and locking. They can be worse at different times of the day, and aggravated by activities such as climbing stairs. Knee arthritis can limit activities of daily living such as squatting, getting up from the floor, and in severe cases, even walking. Patients with severe knee arthritis often have to curb their activities and lifestyle.

Why does knee arthritis occur? As mentioned before, it can occur as part of a systemic medical condition such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. In some cases, knee arthritis is due to previous Knee Injury or Surgery, such as meniscal removal after meniscal tear. Thus, knee arthritis can occur in active sportsmen. However, in many cases, knee arthritis has no obvious cause other than degeneration. In such situations, it is known as osteoarthritis.

What can be done for Knee Arthritis? First, an accurate diagnosis of the knee arthritis is crucial. This will require an evaluation by a doctor, x-rays and possibly some blood tests. Once the diagnosis is made, medications can be given to treat the pain and the underlying causes. Physiotherapy can also be prescribed for sufferers of knee arthritis to strengthen the thigh muscles. In selected cases of knee arthritis, surgery may be offered.

There are many types of surgery possible, depending the severity and extent of the knee arthritis. Keyhole surgery can be performed to remove loose bony fragments causing pain. In more severe cases of knee arthritis, replacement of the knee surfaces is a comon, effective and accepted way to remove pain and restore function.

With adequate treatment, many patients with Knee Arthritis are able to return to their desired level of  activity and independence.