Knee Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
The most common form of knee arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints. A degenerative disease, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint wears away over time, resulting in osteoarthritis. As a result, there is friction between bones, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Causes of Knee Arthritis
The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known, but some factors that may increase the risk of developing it include:
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Age: Osteoarthritis is more common in older adults, as the cartilage tends to wear down with age.
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Weight: Being overweight or obese puts extra pressure on the joints, especially the knees, and can accelerate the cartilage breakdown.
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Genetics: Some people may inherit genes that make them more prone to osteoarthritis.
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Injury: Previous injuries or trauma to the knee, such as fractures, ligament tears, or meniscus damage, can damage the cartilage and increase the risk of osteoarthritis later in life.
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Occupation: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive or heavy use of the knee, such as kneeling, squatting, or lifting, can stress the joint and cause cartilage wear and tear.
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Other diseases: Some diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes, can also affect the knee joint and cause inflammation and cartilage damage.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis may vary from person to person, but some common signs include:
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Pain: The knee may hurt during or after movement, especially when walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair.
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Stiffness: The knee may feel stiff or tight, especially in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
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Swelling: The knee may swell or feel warm due to fluid buildup or inflammation in the joint.
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Reduced range of motion: The knee may lose its flexibility and ability to bend or straighten fully.
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Crepitus: The knee may make cracking or grinding noises when moving, due to the bones rubbing against each other.
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Deformity: The knee may change its shape or alignment, due to the loss of cartilage or bone spurs (bony growths) that form around the joint.
Diagnosis of Knee Arthritis
To diagnose knee osteoarthritis, a doctor will usually perform a physical examination and ask about the medical history and symptoms. The doctor may also order some tests, such as:
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X-rays: X-rays can show the extent of cartilage loss, bone spurs, and joint space narrowing in the knee.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI can provide more detailed images of the soft tissues, such as the cartilage, ligaments, and meniscus, in the knee.
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Blood tests: Blood tests can help rule out other types of arthritis or infections that may cause similar symptoms.
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Joint fluid analysis: A sample of fluid from the knee joint can be taken and analyzed for signs of inflammation, infection, or gout.
Treatment of Knee Arthritis
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but the treatment aims to relieve the symptoms and improve the function and quality of life of the patient. The treatment options may include:
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The pain and inflammation in the knee can be reduced with pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. In some cases, stronger painkillers, such as opioids, may be prescribed. Injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid can also relieve the knee temporarily.
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Exercises designed by a physical therapist can help strengthen muscles around the knee, improve range of motion, and reduce joint stress. In addition to stretching, strengthening, aerobic, and balance exercises, the physical therapist may also use other modalities, such as heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation, in order to reduce swelling and pain.
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Losing weight can also reduce the pressure on the knee and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis by using a cane, walker, brace, or shoe insert.
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Acupuncture, massage, yoga, tai chi, and herbal supplements may be helpful to some people. It is advisable to consult with your doctor before trying any of these therapies, as the evidence for their effectiveness and safety is limited. They should not replace conventional treatments.
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It may be necessary to consider surgery as a last resort if conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief. The type of surgery depends on the severity and location of the osteoarthritis, as well as the age and activity level of the patient. The surgical options include:
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By inserting a small camera and instruments through thin incisions in the knee, the surgeon can remove loose cartilage or bone fragments, smooth rough surfaces, or repair damaged tissues.
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An osteotomy is the cutting and reshaping of the knee bones to improve alignment and weight distribution in the joint. This relieves pressure on the damaged part of the cartilage and shifts it to a healthier part.
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By replacing the damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic, arthroplasty restores function and appearance of the knee and relieves pain. Different types of arthroplasty are available based on the extent of the replacement, such as partial, total, or revision.
Prevention of Knee Arthritis
Although osteoarthritis cannot be prevented completely, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk or delay the onset of the disease. These include:
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A healthy weight can ease knee pain and improve mobility. Excess weight puts extra strain on the knee and accelerates cartilage wear and tear.
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You can keep your muscles, bones, and joints strong and flexible by exercising regularly. It can also improve blood circulation and nourishment of your cartilage. However, it is important to choose low-impact exercises that do not place too much stress on your knees, such as swimming, cycling, or walking. Before and after exercising, you can also prevent injuries and inflammation by warming up and cooling down.
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By avoiding activities or movements that can damage the knee, such as twisting, jumping, or kneeling, one can prevent or reduce cartilage damage. A knee injury can also be prevented or reduced by wearing proper footwear and protective gear. To reduce pain and swelling, it is advisable to seek medical attention and follow the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) if injured.
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You can protect your cartilage and bones from oxidative stress and inflammation by eating a balanced diet that is high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and calcium. Fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and lean meats are some of the foods that are beneficial for knee health. Sugar, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and processed meats are some foods that can trigger or worsen inflammation.
