Arthritis and Knee Pain

Arthritis and knee pain...

...if you have one, you may have the other.

Osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of knee arthritis is a degenerative joint disease, characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the knee joint.

The end result? Bare bones are exposed to each other within the joint.

Even the description sounds painful! As it should, since knee pain from arthritis can be very painful. Unfortunately, most of us will experience it to some degree by the time we are in our 60's. However, if you know a bit about arthritis and get a good treatment plan from your health care provider, you can do something proactively about the pain.

Knee Osteoarthritis Causes

Several conditions, or just one, can cause knee osteoarthritis:

• previous trauma or injury
• torn meniscus or ligament
• knee fracture
• genetics
• excessive weight on the knees

Additionally, everyday wear-and-tear is a major cause of knee joint arthritis. This doesn't mean you should limit your activities to avoid knee arthritis. What is does mean, is that you need to treat your knees well on a day-to-day basis.

You may also be interested in:
Arthritis Exercise Program, Arthritis Exercise Tips, Chronic Arthritis Pain Relief

Symptom of Knee Arthritis

The onset of the first symptom of knee arthritis will often begin slowly. However, it is not unusual for a sudden, first-time flare up to occur without warning. Some of the most common symptoms and tell-tale signs may be:

• swelling of the knee
• pain when pressure is applied
• pain when at rest
• knee joint tenderness
• limitations in movement

Although these are all symptoms often associated with knee pain from arthritis, don't be tempted to self-diagnose. These symptoms could also be signs of other problems which should be treated properly to avoid further injury.

Exercise for knee arthritis...
You say ouch!  When experiencing arthritis and knee pain the thought of exercise is probably as painful as the arthritis itself. But, some gentle knee stretching exercise AND knee strengthening exercise is often encouraged to help regain mobility.

Of course, this type of exercise should only be done if your health care provider gives you the go-ahead to do so. Until your knee stabilizes, ice and rest may be the best remedy.

Your health care provider may also recommend:

• limiting activity
• weight loss
• knee brace or braces
• walking aids
• cortisone injections
• partial or total knee replacement
• anti-inflammatory medication
• joint supplements

Even though there is no "cure" for arthritis and knee pain, there is hope! Orthopedic surgeons continue to work on ways to treat arthritis with new drugs and possibly even cartilage transplants!

In the interim, following your doctor's recommendations and taking preventative measures may be be the best relief for some of your pain.