Well, the human body has several joints, and thus joint pains are a common ailment in young adults as well as the elderly. You might know that arthritis is a medical condition related to human joints. And it basically involves swollenness and other symptoms to the same. In fact, its is reported that arthritis in the knee is one of the most common elderly ailments in India. And there are certain types as well for other age groups.
In this article, we will explore the true meaning of knee arthritis, its causes, symptoms, and when one should consult a doctor before it’s too late.
What is meant by Knee Arthritis, and what causes it?
As mentioned earlier, it’s basically a swelling and degeneration of the knee joint cartilage. And by cartilage, it meant the slippery layer on the bone ends. This serves as a pillow and allows the seamless knee bends and other movements.
Cartilage, respectively, to a knee, is positioned on the top of the shinbone (tibia), the end of the thighbone (femur), and the rear side of the kneecap (patella). It is proven that with time, it goes through certain levels of wear and tear. And thus, issues such as uneasiness in the knees start to show up.
Impairment to the joint cartilage for a prolonged period may lead to the development or worsening of deformities of the knee, including bowleg and knock knees.
Now, to comprehend the causes of knee arthritis, one has to relate it to the different types of the same-
- When the ends of the joints lack sufficient cartilage, Osteoarthritis occurs.
- Patients suffering from psoriasis (a skin condition) have a high chance of experiencing Psoriatic arthritis. Sometimes it causes joint pain and swelling.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is categorized as another autoimmune ailment. It means that one’s immune system, by mistake, attacks healthy tissues.
- Post-traumatic arthritis is experienced by patients undergone a knee injury. Sometimes athletes suffer from the same.
And there are many others like gout, juvenile arthritis, infectious arthritis, etc., which have their own causes, but these are the most common ones.
What are the typical symptoms at the early and advanced stages?
Every ailment has symptoms during the initial days and worsens over time. The case is the same for knee arthritis, too. Let’s go through them-
Early stage knee arthritis:-
- Uneasiness and mild pain during or post-day movements
- Stiffness in the knee, especially in the early hours of the day or after inactivity
- Infrequent inflammation just around the joint
- Minimal reduction in resilience or range of motion
- A sore feeling or mild screeching when the knee is in motion
Advanced stage knee arthritis symptoms:-
- Relentless and more intense pain, even during rest/inactive periods
- Considerable rigidity, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee
- Periodic warmth and swelling around the knee
- Noticeable loss of function and mobility
- Prominent popping, grinding, or joint locking
- Visible joint deformity or alteration in leg alignment (e.g., knock-knee or bow-legged appearance)
How can patients differentiate arthritis from other types of knee pain?
In most cases, patients get confused between knee pain and arthritis, leading to mismanagement of symptoms and false treatment. Comprehending the key differences between the two can help you identify the correct treatment and fast relief.
You’ve already gone through the definition and symptoms of knee arthritis. Now, let’s decode the various aspects of knee pain. And then you can compare the two to get your answer.
Discomfort in the knees is a cumulative or sole result of various causes, like mundane activities, sudden injuries, etc. Some generic causes include-
- Strained muscles or ligaments
- Tendonitis from mundane movements
- Minor injuries like bruises or sprains
- Overuse due to vigorous exercise sessions or weight-bearing activities
These are normally the causes faced by athletes or people in sports, but not necessarily the case.
Symptoms involve-
- Localized pain post-physical activity
- Inflammation that subsides with proper rest
- Stop gap stiffness that improves with movement
- Unnoticeable long-term joint changes
While you may consider these to tally with the ones in case of arthritis (as discussed above), but its always better to consult an orthopedic doctor before starting your treatment.
When is it important to consult a doctor for knee pain or stiffness?
Sometimes conditions get worse when the home treatments are not enough or incorrect. Here are the symptoms that you can consider as a red alert-
- Inflammation that does not shrink with ice or rest
- A feeling that it will yield or knee buckling
- Excruciating night pain that keeps you awake. High chances that it is a bone-to-bone disease
- Fever, warmth, and redness, which could signal infection or gout
- Fresh leg inflammation below your knee
Conclusion
A quick and correct knee arthritis treatment is necessary to avoid worsening of symptoms and eventually a poor lifestyle. If non-surgical treatments don’t offer the necessary pain relief and enhance one’s mobility, then it’s better to go for surgical options. But first, you need to have a proper diagnosis and consultation with an experienced surgeon.
Reach out to us at shoulderandkneeclinic.com to book the best orthopedic surgeon in Mumbai today. Be it knee replacement or arthroscopic surgery, our surgeons promise you a holistic solution today to help you lead a better tomorrow.