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Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee Osteoarthritis

It is a joint disease that can affect one or both knees. It is characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage. The cartilage, along with the menisci, ligaments, and muscles, facilitates joint movement; in this disease, the cartilage and menisci lose their quality and function. The three basic types of joint disorders that can affect the knee are:

  1. Osteoarthritis, or osteoarthrosis, is the most common form of knee arthritis. OA is typically a slowly progressive degenerative disease in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. It frequently affects middle-aged and older people.

  2. Rheumatoid arthritis (also known as RA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can destroy joint cartilage. RA can occur at any age. RA usually affects both knees.

  3. Post-traumatic arthritis, which can develop after an injury to the knee. This type of arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis and can develop years after a fracture, meniscus tear, or ligament injury.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Generally, the pain associated with arthritis develops gradually, although it can also begin suddenly. The joint may become stiff and swollen, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee. The pain and swelling are worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity.

Pain may also increase after activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or kneeling. The pain can often cause a feeling of weakness in the knee, leading to immobility or a fall. Environmental changes (cold or humidity) also affect the severity of arthritis pain.

Generally, the pain associated with arthritis develops gradually, although it can also begin suddenly. The joint may become stiff and swollen, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee. The pain and swelling are worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity.

Pain may also increase after activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or kneeling. The pain can often cause a feeling of weakness in the knee, leading to immobility or a fall. Environmental changes (cold or humidity) also affect the severity of arthritis pain.