Knee Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of knee arthritis, often referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis. This degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of the bones in the knee gradually deteriorates. As the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and decreased joint function.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee often include:

• Persistent Pain: Discomfort that typically worsens after physical activity or later in the day.
• Joint Stiffness: Particularly noticeable in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity.
• Swelling and Tenderness: Inflammation around the knee can cause warmth and discomfort.
• Limited Range of Motion: Movement may become restricted, making it difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee.
• Grinding or Popping Sensations: Patients may experience a grinding, clicking, or popping sound during movement, known as crepitus.

Several factors contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, including:

• Ageing: Natural wear and tear on cartilage over time.
• Previous Knee Injuries: Fractures, ligament tears, or meniscal injuries can increase the risk.
• Obesity: Excess weight adds stress to the knee joint, accelerating cartilage deterioration.
• Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis can increase susceptibility.
• Repetitive Stress: Jobs or sports that involve frequent use of the knee can lead to greater wear and tear.

Treatment for osteoarthritis varies based on the severity of the condition and may include both non-surgical and surgical options to manage symptoms and enhance joint function.

Inflammatory arthritis arises when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, resulting in inflammation within the knee joint. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is primarily caused by mechanical wear and tear, inflammatory arthritis is driven by autoimmune responses, often leading to more rapid joint damage.

Common Types of Inflammatory Arthritis:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the synovium, the lining of the joints. RA causes inflammation and pain, which can eventually lead to the destruction of cartilage and bone. This systemic disease can affect other body parts, including the skin, eyes, lungs, and heart. RA often begins in smaller joints, like those in the hands and feet, but can extend to larger joints such as the knees, shoulders, and hips.
• Gout: A type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream, leading to sharp crystals forming in the joints. This condition often results in sudden and severe pain, particularly in the big toe, but it can also affect the knees and other joints. Gout flare-ups can be excruciating, with the affected joint becoming red, swollen, and hot to the touch. Factors such as diet, obesity, and certain medications can increase the risk of developing gout.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Commonly known as lupus, this complex autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack its own tissues, affecting the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and other organs. In terms of arthritis, lupus can lead to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, commonly affecting the knees, hands, and wrists. While lupus-related arthritis tends to be less destructive than rheumatoid arthritis, the pain and swelling can be similar. Patients may experience flare-ups where symptoms worsen, followed by periods of remission.