| Knee arthritis | | | | shown by someone with rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Put simple arthritis is inflammation in the joints cause | | | | Unlike with rheumatoid arthritis scientist do have |
| by the degradation of cartilage which results in bones | | | | some idea as to factors that can cause osteoarthritis. |
| grinding against each other. Since the knee is basically | | | | It is believed that diabetes, obesity and mechanical |
| a joint surrounded by tissue and membranous fluids | | | | stress on joints are some of the contributory |
| we can see why this would be an issue. Knee | | | | factors. Others include congenital disorder, Lyme |
| Arthritis is commonly found in individuals over the age | | | | disease, Marfan syndrome and weak quadriceps |
| of however age aside factors such as obesity and | | | | muscles all play a role in the development of |
| genetics (knee arthritis tends to run in families) can | | | | osteoarthritis. |
| increase one's risk of getting arthritis. The two most | | | | Treatment methods |
| common types of arthritis that affects the knee are | | | | Whilst the damage caused by arthritis is usually |
| rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis. | | | | irreversible and the disease itself is incurable, there |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | | | | are various treatment methods that can reduce pain |
| Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that | | | | and inflammation thus greatly improving quality of life. |
| occurs when white blood cell starts to attack body | | | | Some effective treatment methods are as follows: |
| tissue which results in the erosion of two opposing | | | | Weight loss- reducing the mass which the knee |
| joint bones. This type of arthritis can lead to sever e | | | | has to support helps alleviate pain |
| deformity in bones if not treated early. I must state | | | | Lifestyle modification- one should no longer |
| that there is no cure for this disease however early | | | | indulge in certain activities like playing football as this |
| detection can help to improve quality of life. | | | | can worsen one's condition |
| Symptoms shown by individuals with this disease are | | | | Medication - anti-inflammatory medications |
| but not limited to, swelling and pain in the knee joint, | | | | reduces swelling and pain relievers helps with the pain |
| stiffness of joint, fatigue, limited range of motion and | | | | Physical therapy- strengthening supporting |
| tenderness along the joint. If you feel you exhibit | | | | muscles like the quadriceps muscles helps to reduce |
| several of these symptoms it would be best to | | | | tension on the knee and thus reducing pain |
| speak with your physician as this is not a disease to | | | | Walking aids- clutches helps to relieve the tension |
| be taken likely. | | | | place on the joint inflicted with arthritis |
| It is still not clear what causes rheumatoid arthritis. | | | | Surgery - this is often a last resort and is usually |
| Osteoarthritis | | | | followed by extensive physiotherapy. An orthopaedic |
| This type of arthritis results in the degradation of | | | | surgeon can replace the entire knee joint or at least |
| cartilage. The degeneration is not reversible and when | | | | a portion of it. |
| this occurs joints are able to rub against each other | | | | Those are just some of the more effective methods |
| causing tremendous pain and discomfort especially | | | | of dealing with arthritic pain. I must emphasise though |
| when in motion. The symptoms exhibited by an | | | | that early detection is key, so don't be afraid to |
| individual with osteoarthritis are similar to those | | | | contact your doctor if you have a genuine concern. |