Knee osteoarthritis involves the loss of cartilage in the joints, which worsens over time. Cartilage in the joint is what keeps the bones of the femur and tibia from rubbing together and generally with age, the cartilage can become weakened and gradually stop being able to do its job. Without the cartilage in place, the pain from knee arthritis becomes more pronounced and may cause eventual loss of mobility.
While knee osteoarthritis is generally seen in the elderly, it can also affect people who are much younger. Although osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis as well as post-traumatic arthritis can also be blamed on some of the pain associated with knee arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that attacks the cartilage, usually in both knees and post-traumatic arthritis results from an accident or injury.
In addition to the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis, the knee may lock up following a period of inactivity or feel as though it is not going to be able to hold up under the person’s weight when they walk. The associated pain may be worse after sitting for a long period or when climbing stairs or performing exercises that result in a high impact on the knee.
Osteoarthritis Makes Appearance Slowly
Most knee osteoarthritis sufferers experience the pain gradually increasing over time, however it is possible for someone to experience a sudden onset of knee arthritis. Typically however, the first twinges of pain will be experienced as a mere annoyance until more of the cartilage disappears. If a person is over weight, shedding the extra pounds can help relieve the pain as the knees will be responsible for carrying less weight, reducing the impact of the two bones grinding together.
Some changes in lifestyle may also be needed to help relieve the pain with low-impact exercises replacing running and jumping. Swimming and cycling can often help maintain an exercise program while reducing the pain associated with knee arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medications can also relieve some of the pain and reduce any swelling in the joint.
For severe cases of knee osteoarthritis that is not responding to non-invasive treatments, surgery may be needed to alleviate the pain and to restore mobility in knee arthritis sufferers.
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