We’re here with our expert, Josie Key, PA, to walk us through the basics of knee arthritis, including what it is, how it develops and treatment options. Read on to learn more.
What Is Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis is inflammation and deterioration of knee joint cartilage, the slippery coating on the ends of bones that cushions and allows the knee to bend and straighten with ease. When the cartilage wears away, the space between the bones narrows.
In advanced arthritis, bones rub against each other and bone spurs, or bumps on the bone, may form. Josie explains, “Over time, damage to the joint cartilage can result in developing or worsening knee deformities.”
What Are the Types of Knee Arthritis?
How do you get arthritis of the knee? There are many kinds of knee arthritis, but the most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and post-traumatic arthritis.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. It’s the most common form of knee arthritis and can affect other joints. “It’s connected to wear and tear related to aging, and it progresses over time. The breakdown of cartilage leads to pain and inflammation,” says Josie.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Knee
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune illness. That means your immune system attacks healthy tissue in multiple joints, including the knee. It causes inflammation of the synovial membrane, the capsule surrounding the knee joint. Inflammatory cells release substances that break down knee cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis can impact people of any age, but it's more common in women than men.
Post-Traumatic Knee Arthritis
Injury or trauma to the knee can lead to arthritis. Injuries to the ligaments of the knee make the joint less stable over time, which can lead to cartilage breakdown.
What Are the Symptoms of Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis can make daily living painful, including walking and climbing stairs. Symptoms of knee arthritis might include:
- Crepitus: Audible cracking, crunching, clicking or snapping sound made when moving a damaged joint
- Knee pain: Worsened by certain movements and exercises, including prolonged walking or standing
- Knee joint stiffness: Makes it difficult to bend and straighten the knee
- Locking of the knee, which occurs when damaged and rough cartilage makes smooth movement difficult
- Weakness of the knee: Often a result of reduced activity and resulting atrophy (wasting) of the quadriceps or hamstring muscles
Why Is Knee Arthritis So Prevalent?
Arthritis of the knee has doubled in the past 45 years. To explain the rise in the prevalence of knee arthritis, most experts believe it’s due to people living longer and the obesity epidemic since excess weight is a known risk factor for knee arthritis.
Studies indicate that the risk of joint disease rises with weight and that even modest weight loss can lessen joint symptoms and, in some cases, allow someone to avoid surgery.
What Are the Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis?
Treatment plans vary depending on the type and stage of knee arthritis, your age and severity of pain. While cartilage loss can’t be reversed, there are ways to reduce pain and prevent further damage. Nonsurgical treatments for knee arthritis include:
- Activity modifications: Can keep joint pain and inflammation from flaring
- Physical therapy: Improves strength and range of motion
- Weight loss (if applicable): Reduces stress on the joint
- Bracing: Provides more stability to the joint
- Medications and injections: such as hyaluronic acid injections, to control pain and inflammation and encourage healing
- Walking aids: Provide support
The progression of knee arthritis and the effectiveness of nonsurgical treatments can vary. Your doctor will work with you to develop a personalized plan that might include a combination of nonsurgical treatments.
How Does Physical Therapy Work?
Physical therapy typically includes stretching, core exercises to build strength and walking. You might learn exercises that help in surprising ways—strong core and hip muscles can help control knee pain and make you more able to be active. Your physical therapist will teach you exercises that you can do at home.
Your physical therapist will also work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. The goals include reducing pain and swelling while increasing flexibility, strength, balance and endurance.
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Here at AdventHealth, we’re your source for whole-health care, including protecting your health and safety while healing. If you’re experiencing pain, illness or injury related to your bones, joints or muscles, our orthopedic care team is here to support you safely.
To make an appointment with one of our specialists, visit us here. You deserve to feel whole.
