What Is Knee Arthritis? Understanding the Condition and Your Treatment Options

Knee arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee joint. This degenerative disease can make even simple activities like walking or climbing stairs difficult and painful. But what exactly is knee arthritis, and how can it be treated? This article will help you understand the condition, the different types of knee arthritis, and what to do if you’re considering knee replacement surgery.

1. What Is Knee Arthritis?

Knee arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint begins to break down. Cartilage is a smooth, slippery tissue that cushions the ends of bones in the joint, allowing for smooth and pain-free movement. As arthritis progresses, this cartilage wears away, just like the treads on your tires, leading to bone-on-bone friction, inflammation, and pain.

Without the protection of healthy cartilage, the knee joint becomes stiff, painful, and difficult to move. Over time, arthritis can severely limit a person's mobility and quality of life.

2. Types of Knee Arthritis

There are several types of arthritis that can affect the knee, but the three most common are:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the knee. It’s a wear-and-tear condition that typically occurs as people age. Over time, the cartilage in the knee gradually wears away, much like the treads on a tire. Just as worn treads make a tire less effective at gripping the road, worn cartilage makes the knee joint less effective at absorbing shock, leading to pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis often affects people over 50, but younger individuals with joint injuries may also develop the condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, including the lining of the knee joint. This leads to inflammation, swelling, and pain. RA can occur at any age and typically affects both knees simultaneously.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis develops after a knee injury, such as a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscus injury. The damage to the knee joint can lead to the early breakdown of cartilage, causing arthritis symptoms years after the injury.

3. Symptoms of Knee Arthritis

The symptoms of knee arthritis can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but common signs include:

Pain: Knee pain is the most common symptom and may worsen after physical activity or long periods of rest.
Swelling: Inflammation in the knee joint can cause swelling and a feeling of tightness.
Stiffness: Arthritis can make it difficult to bend or straighten the knee, especially after sitting or resting.
Reduced Range of Motion: As the condition progresses, you may find it harder to move your knee as freely as you once could.
Grinding or Popping Sensation: Some people with knee arthritis report feeling or hearing a grinding, cracking, or popping sound when moving the joint.

4. Non-Surgical Treatments for Knee Arthritis

While there is no cure for knee arthritis, several non-surgical treatment options can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These include:

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Like any medication, side effects such as stomach irritation can limit use.
Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief by reducing swelling and pain in the knee joint. They can be done as often as every 3 months, but can last substantially longer in the right patients.

Physical Therapy

A structured physical therapy program is comparable to keeping your tires in proper alignment. It can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improving stability and support, while reducing wear and tear on the joint.
Range-of-motion exercises can help maintain or improve flexibility in the knee.

Weight Management

Biomechanical studies have shown that every pound carried above your knee translates to 4 lbs. of force through the knee, and as much as 9 lbs. through the knee cap! Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on your knees, worsening arthritis symptoms. Losing even a small amount of weight significantly reduce strain across the knee.

Bracing and Supports

A knee brace can help offload pressure from the affected part of the knee, reducing pain and improving function.
Assistive devices like a cane, walker, or crutch can really help to alleviate knee pain. Even lifting off 10 lbs. with a cane can reduce strain across the knee by 40 lbs!

Lifestyle Modifications

While exercise is important for joint health, high-impact activities can cause further aggravation or even damage to the knee. You can still stay fit while protecting your knees by trading high impact activities like running and jumping, for lower impact exercises such as elliptical machine or stationary bike.

5. When to Consider Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is often recommended when conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief, and knee arthritis severely impacts your quality of life. If you are experiencing:

Severe Pain that limits your ability to walk, stand, or perform daily activities.
Significant Swelling and Stiffness that makes bending and straightening the knee difficult.
Decreased Mobility that affects your independence and prevents you from enjoying your normal activities.

You may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery. This procedure is somewhat comparable to putting a cap on a tooth. The damaged cartilage is resurfaced with metal components and a plastic bearing, relieving pain, and restoring function. Knee replacement is often the best option for patients whose arthritis has progressed to the point where non-surgical treatments are no longer providing the relief they desire.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’re suffering from knee arthritis and want to learn more about your treatment options, including knee replacement surgery, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you get back to an active, pain-free life.