Knee Pain (Arthritis)

What is Knee Arthritis?

→ Knee arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It commonly occurs due to wear and tear of the joint cartilage (osteoarthritis) or due to autoimmune causes (rheumatoid arthritis). The condition gradually worsens over time and can significantly affect walking and daily activities.

Causes

→ Aging and wear and tear (osteoarthritis)

→ Autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis)

→ Previous knee injury

→ Obesity

→ Genetic factors

→ Repetitive stress on knee joint

Symptoms

→ Knee pain

→ Stiffness, especially in the morning

→ Swelling of the joint

→ Reduced range of motion

→ Difficulty in walking or climbing stairs

→ Crepitus (grating sound)

→ Joint deformity (in advanced cases)

Diagnosis

→ Clinical examination by doctor

→ X-ray of knee joint

→ MRI (if required)

→ Blood tests (to detect rheumatoid arthritis)

→ Assessment of joint function

Treatment Management

→ Physiotherapy (strengthening and mobility exercises)

→ Pain relief medications

→ Weight management

→ Use of knee support or braces

→ Lifestyle modifications

→ Injections (corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid)

→ Surgery (knee replacement in severe cases)