Arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is the wear-and-tear breakdown of cartilage in joints. In the knees specifically, cartilage breakdown results in bone-on-bone rubbing, which forms bone spurs, or humps of bone. Bone spurs rub together and cause pain, inflammation and joint stiffness. Most cases of osteoarthritis are treated conservatively, but is more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. A patient should understand the causes of moderate osteoarthritis of the knees.
Joint Injury
MayoClinic.com states that joint injury, or trauma, can cause moderate osteoarthritis of the knees. Specifically, damaged cartilage, damaged ligaments or a fractured bone in the knee can lead to moderate osteoarthritis. This occurs because the knee may have reduce cartilage, which acts as a shock-absorber in the knee, that results in worsening bone spur formation. Furthermore, damage to the knee can result in a misalignment of the knee, which can also cause moderate osteoarthritis. Thus, a patient with a previous knee joint injury should be sure to completely follow the doctor's treatment and rehabilitation plan to avoid future osteoarthritis.
Obesity
MedlinePlus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that obesity or being overweight can cause moderate knee osteoarthritis. This occurs because excess weight places excessive pressure on knee cartilage, which can damage the cartilage and result in bone spur formation. Once cartilage is damaged, excessive weight can stress the bones in the knee and cause pain, inflammation and joint stiffness. Thus, an overweight or obese patient should follow his doctor's advice to lose weight to help manage osteoarthritis of the knees.
Muscle Weakness
According to MedlinePlus, muscle weakness can cause moderate osteoarthritis of the knees. This occurs because leg muscles, such as the quadriceps and the hamstring muscles, support the knee during standing, walking and other physical activities. When muscles are weak, they do not provide adequate support to the knee joint, which can result in cartilage damage. Now that cartilage is damage, bone spurs form, which results in significant symptoms. Thus, a patient should maintain strong leg muscles to prevent osteoarthritis and a patient with osteoarthritis should strengthen muscles to reduce the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms.
