Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain. It can be quite debilitating, making it hard to do many everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs or even getting up from a chair.
Knee Anatomy
The knee joint is composed of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and patella (knee cap). There is cartilage that covers the joint surfaces as well as a thicker cartilage called meniscus. See image below (Designed by Freepik):
What is Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis refers to inflammation and degradation of the cartilage within the joint. The cartilage acts as a shock absorber and helps to lubricate the joint. When the cartilage begins to wear down, it can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
There are several types of arthritis that can affect the knee, but the most common are:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most prevalent form and is often associated with wear and tear of aging. In OA, the cartilage wears away over time, resulting in bone-on-bone contact, which causes pain and discomfort.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the cartilage of the joint, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This type occurs after a history of injury or trauma to the knee, such as fractures or ligament tears. This can create instability in the knee, which leads to cartilage breakdown.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
The symptoms of knee arthritis can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common signs include:
- Pain: Knee pain, especially after physical activity or prolonged periods of sitting or standing, is the most common symptom.
- Swelling: Inflammation often leads to swelling around the knee, especially during flare-ups or after strenuous activity.
- Stiffness: Stiffness in the knee, particularly after waking up or sitting for a long time, can limit range of motion and make it difficult to move the joint freely.
- Weakness or Buckling: Muscle wasting (atrophy) occurs as a result of decreased activity secondary to pain. The knee may feel unstable, and in severe cases, it may buckle or give way.
- Crepitus: You might hear a crackling or grinding noise when moving the knee, due to the loss of cartilage.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Knee Arthritis?
Several factors can contribute to the development of knee arthritis, including:
- Age: The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age as joints wear down over time.
- Genetics: A family history of arthritis can predispose individuals to developing the condition.
- Injury: Previous knee injuries, such as fractures or ligament damage, can lead to post-traumatic arthritis.
- Weight: Excess body weight puts added stress on the knee joints, accelerating the breakdown of cartilage.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop knee arthritis, particularly after menopause, due to hormonal changes that affect joint health.
- Occupation and Lifestyle: Jobs or activities that put repetitive stress on the knees (e.g., squatting, kneeling, lifting) can increase the risk of arthritis.
How is Knee Arthritis Diagnosed?
A Physiotherapist or Sports Medicine Physician/Physiatrist will conduct a physical examination to assess the range of motion, swelling, and pain in the knee. Functional testing will also be included in the physical examination in order to assess strength and mobility. A Sports Medicine Physician/Physiatrist may also order diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include:
- X-rays: These provide images of the bones and can show joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or other degenerative changes typical of osteoarthritis.
- MRI: This imaging test offers a detailed view of both bones and soft tissues, including cartilage and ligaments.
- Blood Tests: In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests may be used to detect inflammation markers or antibodies associated with autoimmune diseases.
How is Knee Arthritis Treated and Managed?
The treatment and management of knee arthritis depends on the type, severity of the condition, age, pain, and many other factors. It is important to note that cartilage loss cannot be reversed, however several conservative, non-surgical treatment options are available to help reduce pain, manage symptoms, improve joint function, and slow disease progression.
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can relieve pressure on the knees, reducing pain and slowing cartilage loss.
- Exercise: Remaining physically active is vital to managing symptoms. Avoid high-impact exercises, such as running and jumping, as it may increase pain and swelling. Low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, can strengthen the muscles around the knee without worsening joint damage.
- Assistive Devices: Using a cane or wearing a knee brace can help reduce strain on the knee joint.
- Medications (Prescribed by Sports Medicine Physician/Physiatrist)
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections can provide relief from pain and inflammation.
- Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can help improve flexibility and strength around the knee joint, reducing pain and improving mobility. A Physiotherapist can develop an exercise plan tailored to the individual’s condition.
If you or someone you know is suffering from knee arthritis, our team at The Physio Approach can help. Our Sports Medicine Physician/Physiatrist can help with the medical management while our Physiotherapists can improve range of motion, strength and guide you back to living your best life. Contact us today!