Arthritis occurs due to inflammation and damage to the joint between two bones and the structures surrounding it, such as muscles, tendons and soft tissues, causing pain and restriction in movement. It is a common problem among the elderly as well as some younger individuals. The Cleveland Clinic notes that more than 28 million people suffer from arthritis in America in 2010, and more than half of them are women. There are several different types of arthritis that involve the knee joint and its surrounding structures. Pain due to arthritis of the knee joint can vary from mild to severe and can cause disability or limit daily activities and mobility. Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth and difficulty moving the knee. Risk factors for knee joint arthritis are old age, obesity, female gender, increased stress and force causing wear and tear of the knees.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee joint arthritis. The cartilage within the joint capsule begins degenerating, causing narrow joint space. This causes the bones of the joint to rub each other, causing increased damage and new abnormal bone growth resulting in more pain and stiffness. The muscles and ligaments around the joint can also become weakened due to inflammation and damage limiting joint stability and strength. Osteoarthritis is caused by normal wear and tear of the knee joint, fractures or injury, and obesity or excess weight. It can also be caused by other medical conditions such as hemophilia, avascular necrosis and gout, as mentioned by the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that results in the body's immune system attacking and damaging its own joints. The inflammatory reaction starts in the synovial lining of the joint, eroding it and penetrating deep into the cartilage and bones. The inflammation and damage causes symptoms of pain, tenderness, stiffness, swelling and deformity of the joint and surrounding structures. The Mayo Clinic notes that this type or arthritis can also cause weakness, fever and weight loss. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the knee joint as well as other joints of the body and is common in families with a history of the disease, smokers, elderly individuals and females.
Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis is a form of knee joint pain caused by a bacterial infection of the joint space between the bones of the knees. The infection can spread through the blood stream or directly attack the knee joint after a knee injury. Septic arthritis commonly occurs in individuals with compromised or weakened immune systems, chronic illness, artificial joints or IV drug users. It is an emergency condition causing severe pain and joint swelling.
