Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis can cause several uncomfortable symptoms. The most common ones include pain, swelling, stiffness, and a loss of mobility in the knee. You may notice that the pain tends to worsen after periods of rest, like when waking up in the morning, or after extended activity, such as walking or climbing stairs. Many people with knee arthritis also experience a “clicking” or “popping” sound when moving their knee. Sometimes, the knee may feel like it is “locking” or “sticking” in place, making it difficult to bend or straighten. In some cases, there may be a sensation of weakness in the knee, which can make it harder to perform daily activities.
Causes of Knee Arthritis
There are three primary types of knee arthritis, each with different causes:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis, especially in older adults. It is caused by wear and tear on the knee joint over time. The cartilage, which is the tissue that cushions the ends of bones, gradually breaks down. As the cartilage wears away, the bones in the knee start rubbing together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis develops slowly, and the pain often gets worse as the cartilage continues to wear down.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disorder. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, including the cartilage in the knee. Over time, this can lead to damage in the knee joint. People with rheumatoid arthritis often experience symptoms in both knees, as the disease tends to affect multiple joints at once. In addition to knee pain, rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation throughout the body, leading to fatigue, fever, and general discomfort.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis can develop after an injury to the knee. Common knee injuries that can lead to post-traumatic arthritis include fractures, ligament tears, or damage to the meniscus. Even after the injury has healed, it can leave lasting damage to the cartilage in the knee, leading to arthritis. Post-traumatic arthritis may develop years after the original injury, and it can cause the knee to become stiff and painful.
Evaluation: How Is Knee Arthritis Diagnosed?
At Orthopedic Institute, your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation of your knee to diagnose arthritis. The exam will likely begin with a physical assessment. Your doctor will check for tenderness, swelling, and redness around the knee joint. They will also test your range of motion by asking you to bend and straighten your knee. If you experience pain while doing this, it may be a sign of arthritis.
In addition to the physical exam, your doctor may recommend imaging tests to get a clearer picture of the damage inside your knee. X-rays are commonly used to look for signs of arthritis, such as a narrowing of the space between bones, which indicates cartilage loss. If more detailed images are needed, your doctor may order an MRI. This scan can show damage to the soft tissues in the knee, including cartilage and ligaments.
In some cases, your doctor may also perform blood tests to rule out other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests can detect markers of inflammation that are commonly present in autoimmune diseases. With the expert care of orthopedic specialists at Orthopedic Institute, you will receive a precise diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.
Treatment for Knee Arthritis
While there is no cure for knee arthritis, there are many treatment options available that can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Orthopedic experts at Orthopedic Institute offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments, depending on the severity of your arthritis and your individual needs.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to help strengthen the muscles around your knee. This can improve your knee’s stability and reduce stress on the joint. Physical therapy can also help increase your range of motion, making it easier to perform daily activities.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. These medications can help control the inflammation in your knee and slow the progression of the disease.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Making changes to your daily activities can help reduce the strain on your knees. For example, avoiding high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, can help prevent further damage to the joint. Instead, you may want to switch to low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, which are easier on the knees.
- Assistive Devices: Using a cane, knee brace, or shoe inserts can provide additional support and relieve pressure on your knee. These devices can make it easier to move around and perform everyday tasks without pain.
- Injections: If other treatments are not providing enough relief, your doctor may recommend injections, such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid. These injections can reduce inflammation and lubricate the joint, making it easier to move your knee without pain.
Feeling anxious about an injection?
Getting the care you need should not be stressful. Orthopedic Institute now offers nitrous oxide to help you relax during your procedure. Ask your provider today if nitrous oxide could be right for you.
Surgical Treatments:
If non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be an option. Orthopedic surgeons at Orthopedic Institute offer several surgical procedures to treat knee arthritis, including:
- Knee Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure involves making small incisions in the knee and using specialized instruments to remove damaged tissue or cartilage. While not commonly used for arthritis, it can be helpful for patients with specific types of damage.
- Osteotomy: In this procedure, a surgeon reshapes the bones in the knee to help redistribute weight and relieve pressure on the joint. This can help reduce pain and improve knee function.
- Partial or Total Knee Replacement (Arthroplasty): In a knee replacement, the damaged cartilage and bone in the knee are removed and replaced with artificial components. In a partial knee replacement, only part of the knee is replaced, while a total knee replacement involves replacing the entire joint. This surgery can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility for patients with severe arthritis.
Recovery
Recovery from knee arthritis treatment depends on the type of treatment you receive. For non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, you may notice improvement in your symptoms within a few weeks. However, arthritis is a chronic condition, so ongoing management may be necessary.
For patients who undergo surgery, the recovery process can take longer. After a knee replacement, for example, you may need several months of physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in your knee. Orthopedic experts at Orthopedic Institute will work with you to create a personalized recovery plan, ensuring you get the support you need throughout the healing process.