1. More Than One Type
Knee arthritis is categorized into three fundamental types with osteoarthritis (OA) being the most common form of arthritis affecting the knee. Eventually the joint cartilage wears out, so it ends up affecting older people and usually starts around middle age. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect people at any age. It's usually highlighted by inflammation and distresses both knees as it deteriorates cartilage. Knee injury can cause the third type of knee arthritis, known as post-traumatic arthritis. However, it may not show up until many years after an injury.
2. Symptoms Involve Pain
Knee arthritis can develop slowly or quickly. It may take years, or it may come on suddenly, and it's especially noticeable with weather changes. You may notice a stiffness and inflammation in one knee or both, especially when you wake up in the morning or after you've been inactive for a while. Although, it can be bothersome also after certain activities involving your knees, such as using a stairmaster, climbing stairs or attending a step class. You may notice pain during squatting but it can flare up after walking as well.
3. Freeze Frame
A doctor can usually diagnose knee arthritis based on your symptoms. Nevertheless, if you and your doctor suspect you have arthritis in your knee(s), you'll likely have to have X-rays or an MRI, especially with RA. Other tests, like a blood test, may also be necessary for RA. Once someone is diagnosed with knee arthritis, medications are often beneficial, especially anti-inflammatories. These can include anything from aspirin and ibuprofen to Motrin and prescription medications. Alternative treatments are also available and may help alleviate pain from knee arthritis, such as chondroitin sulfate tablets, cortison injections or acupuncture.
4. Bladeless Treatments
Most people don't need surgery for osteoarthritis. Common lifestyle changes often help this most common type of arthritis, such as weight loss and changing the type of exercise you do. Physical therapy and certain types of exercise like yoga or Pilates may help to relieve the pain and swelling from knee arthritis. Just remember that each individual is different, and what might ease pain for one, may not ease pain for another. Water aerobics works well for some since less stress is put on the joints, especially when extra body weight is an issue. Further, heat, ice and certain equipment, such as a brace, tend to help some people with their knee arthritis pain.
5. Under the Knife Treatments
Once you've tried all other options, you may end up having to get surgery so that your knees can function properly again. Fiber optic, or arthroscopic surgery, is less invasive and allows a doctor to fix knee cartilage and clean out debris. Improving the alignment of knee joints helps with knee arthritis sometimes and involves cutting the shinbone or thighbone. For knees with limited damage, cartilage grafting is an option. Finally, knee replacement surgery or partial knee replacement surgery may be necessary with more severe forms of knee arthritis.
