Knee Arthritis
Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is the inflammation of the knee joint that impairs the normal functions of the knee joint. Most probably knee arthritis affect people over 50 years.
Knee joint consist of connective tissues called articular cartilage that covers the bones in the knee joint where it comes in contact with the other bones. This cartilage allows the smooth functioning of the knee joint and also absorbs shocks on the joint. Other than cartilage there is a synovial membrane that produces synovial fluid and helps to lubricate the joint.
Causes of Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis can be due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infection, gout etc. The most common cause of knee arthritis is osteoarthritis that is caused due to the wear and tear and is also called as degenerative arthritis. In osteoarthritis the cartilage undergoes degeneration and degradation and as a result cartilage becomes thinner and sometimes wear out completely and thus exposing the bones. This increases the friction between the bones and may also cause inflammation of the synovial membrane. All these may cause pain in the joint and it also affects your mobility. Knee arthritis can be hereditary or it can be due to injury, obesity, crystal deposits of uric acid etc. It can also be due to overuse.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
There may be swelling in the knee joint accompanied by deep and aching pain. You may also feel tenderness on the joint. Mostly pain will be more in the inner knee and it may get worsen after doing exercise. During the morning hours there will be stiffness in the knee which may get reduced with movements. Sometimes you can hear cracking or clicking noises while moving the joint.
Treatments for Knee Arthritis
Physical Therapy
You need specialized therapies to strengthen the muscles around your knee and this helps you to reduce the burden on the knee. If you can prevent your muscle atrophy then you can easily maintain your knee functions.
Weight Loss
You have to reduce your weight so that your knee need to bear less weight. This may help to reduce the pain.
Walking
In order to reduce weight and to maintain the mobility of the joint you need to walk daily. While walking it will be better to carry a single crutch in your hand opposite to the arthritis affected knee and this may give you an additional support. You can also practice water exercises.
In order to reduce the inflammation and pain you can apply ice or hot bags on the knee.
