Many conditions can cause knee pain: injuries to tendons or ligaments, muscular strains and pulls, neurological impingement, changes to the bones and arthritis. In the case of arthritis, there are different forms of this condition. Before attempting to treat knee pain, get a proper diagnosis. If pain is caused by arthritis, the type you have dictates the best treatment approach. A physician can order X-rays, scans and blood tests to determine what form of arthritis is affecting the knee.
Osteoarthritis
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association; osteoarthritis or OA is the most common form of knee arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage between the bones wears away. This means bone rubs on bone, which can cause pain, stiffness and joint deformity. In most cases, OA develops due to wear and tear and is more common as we age. You may hear sounds of bone grating on bone as you move your knee. An X-ray can show changes to the joint to help confirm a diagnosis. You can have OA on just one side of the body and in just one joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is an autoimmune condition that can affect the entire body. It can occur in any joint, including the knee. In RA, your body's immune system mistakes itself for a foreign object and attacks and damages the lining of the joint. Both sides of the body are affected equally, meaning it develops in both knees. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, redness and warmth around the knee joint. According to the Mayo Clinic, this form of arthritis tends to go through periods of remission and flares. You may also develop a fever and not feel well. Blood tests help confirm a diagnosis.
Post -Traumatic Arthritis
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, post-traumatic arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis--except it occurs due to a physical injury to the knee joint. In some cases, it may take months or years to develop after the injury. As with osteoarthritis, X-rays can help confirm this type of arthritis, and you can have it in just one joint.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis can also affect the knee joint. However, like rheumatoid arthritis, it tends to affect other areas of the body as well. It has similar symptoms as RA but can occur on just one side of the body. The National Psoriasis Foundation says symptoms of redness, warmth, pain and stiffness can occur, along with fatigue. X-rays and a physical exam can help confirm a diagnosis.
