Arthritis of Knee Treatment
The knee is the largest and strongest joint in your body. It is made up of the lower end of the femur (thighbone), the upper end of the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap). The ends of the three bones where they touch are covered with articular cartilage, a smooth, slippery substance that protects and cushions the bones as you bend and straighten your knee.
Two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage called meniscus act as “shock absorbers” between your thighbone and shinbone. They are tough and rubbery to help cushion the joint and keep it stable.
The knee joint is surrounded by a thin lining called the synovial membrane. This membrane releases a fluid that lubricates the cartilage and reduces friction.
Arthritis of the Knee FAQ
What Causes Arthritis of the Knee?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting the knee. It is a degenerative "wear-and-tear" condition that typically occurs in individuals aged 50 and older but can also affect younger people.
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage within the knee joint gradually deteriorates, becoming rough and frayed. As this cartilage wears away, the protective space between the bones decreases, potentially causing painful bone-on-bone contact and the development of bone spurs.
Osteoarthritis usually progresses slowly, with symptoms worsening over time.
What Are The Symptoms of Arthritis of the Knee?
A knee affected by arthritis may experience pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Symptoms often develop gradually but can sometimes appear suddenly.
- Stiffness and swelling, making it difficult to bend and straighten the knee.
- Pain and swelling that are worse in the morning or after resting.
- Flare-ups of pain after vigorous activity.
- "Locking" or "sticking" sensations due to loose fragments of cartilage or tissue in the joint.
- Creaking, clicking, snapping, or grinding noises (crepitus) during movement.
- Weakness or buckling in the knee joint.
- Increased pain during rainy weather.
What Are The Treatment Options For Arthritis of the Knee?
While arthritis cannot be cured, various treatments can help relieve symptoms and improve joint function.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Initial treatment often focuses on nonsurgical approaches, including:
- Lifestyle modifications: Avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms (e.g., climbing stairs), transition to low-impact exercises (like swimming or cycling), and lose weight to reduce stress on the joint.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to improve range of motion, flexibility, and leg strength, customized by a doctor or physical therapist.
- Assistive devices: Using a cane, shock-absorbing shoes, or a knee brace for added stability. Unloader braces can relieve pressure on the affected knee side, while support braces help with overall joint function.
- Other remedies: Applying heat or ice, using pain-relieving ointments, and wearing elastic bandages to reduce discomfort.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery may be recommended if arthritis causes significant disability and nonsurgical methods are ineffective. Surgical options include:
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat joint issues, occasionally used for arthritis combined with meniscal tears.
- Synovectomy: Removal of the damaged joint lining to alleviate pain and swelling from rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteotomy: Reshaping the shinbone (tibia) or thighbone (femur) to shift weight off the damaged side of the knee, improving function and reducing pain.
- Total or partial knee replacement (arthroplasty): Replacing damaged cartilage and bone with metal or plastic components to restore knee function.