Different Types of Arthritis
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, there are several types of arthritis which can occur in the knee. This includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post traumatic arthritis, as well as any of the other 100 forms of arthritis. Typically a doctor will perform a physical exam and possibly use blood tests, X-rays or other scans to evaluate and diagnose that arthritis is causing your symptoms.
Osteoarthritis Wears Away Cartilage
A person develops osteoarthritis because of age, normal wear and tear, excessive use from sports or an injury to the knee joint. The joints contain a substance called cartilage that helps to provide cushioning and reduce friction in between the bones as a person moves. According to the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, in the case of osteoarthritis "the cartilage loses its smooth, glistening surface and becomes rough and irregular. The result is further destruction of the rest of the joint as the imperfect surfaces contact one another." This means that as the cartilage found between your bones wears away, bone rubs on bone. In addition, your body may respond by creating new bone which may develop into bone spurs. All of the above can cause irritation, pain, swelling and loss of motion in the knee.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Damages the Knee Joint
Rheumatoid arthritis which is a disease in which the immune system attacks itself, causes structural changes to the knee joint. The Arthritis Foundation claims that this form of arthritis develops in three stages. In the beginning, there is swelling of the synovial lining, which is soft tissue containing fluid that lines and protects your joint. As the condition progresses, there is a rapid growth of cells that make the lining become thicker. In the final stages, the cells release enzymes that destroy bone and cartilage. The joint may become swollen, lose its shape and become misaligned all of which can cause pain.
Other Forms of Arthritis Cause Symptoms
Other forms of arthritis cause symptoms. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculature and Skin Diseases, while osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that affects the knee, there are other forms that can create problems as well. This includes gout "...an acute and intensely painful form of arthritis that occurs when crystals of the bodily waste product uric acid are deposited in the joints." The organization also state that other forms of arthritis, including lupus, psoriatic arthritis and infectious arthritis, can also act like rheumatoid arthritis and cause structural damage to the joint. The result can be inflammation, pain and a breakdown of the knee joint.
