Knee Arthritis

Types of Knee Arthritis

There are three basic types of arthritis which may affect the knee joint.

1. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of knee arthritis. OA is usually a slowly progressive degenerative disease in which the joint cartilage is gradually worn away. This is sometimes known as “Wear and Tear Arthritis.” Middle-aged and older people are often affected by it.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory type of arthritis where the body own immune system is destroying the joint cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age. RA generally affects both knees.

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

Knee Arthritis Symptoms

Generally, the pain associated with arthritis develops gradually, although sudden onset is also possible.

The joint may become stiff and swollen, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee. Pain and swelling are worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity. Pain may also increase after activities such as walking, stair climbing or kneeling.

The pain may often cause a feeling of weakness in the knee, resulting in a “locking” or “buckling.” Many people report that changes in the weather also affect the degree of pain from arthritis.

What is Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee?

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a disease in which the knee joint gradually deteriorates in the following ways: The cartilage at ends of bones that form the knee joint begins to wear away. The thick fluid that surrounds, lubricates, and protects the knee joint called synovial fluid becomes thinner and loses its ability to cushion and lubricate the joint

Click here to learn about how Osteoarthritis of the knee is generally treated and about the Progression of the Disease

This page was last modified:
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
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