Knee Arthritis

Arthritis is a very common condition. It presents itself as inflammation or cartilage wear that can affect one joint or several. The term is quite general, and it’s used to refer to more than 100 different types of arthritic conditions, all with different causes and treatments. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The surface of our joints is covered by an articular surface that’s smooth and that allows free and painless movement of our joints. The articular surface can wear out for many different reasons, and that’s what is commonly known as arthritis.

When this articular surface is worn out, it causes the bones to rub on one another and it results in pain, stiffness and inflammation. This is what’s known as osteoarthritis, which is a result of aging and use, and it’s the most common type of arthritis. This may also be referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis.

Causes of Arthritis

As mentioned above, arthritis can be caused by many different conditions, but the exact cause often eludes us. In general, it’s most common diagnosed in elderly people as a sign of old age and general wear. Cartilage, which acts as a protective and lubricating tissue between bones, loses its ability to heal as we get older. This is a common cause of arthritis.

As weight plays a factor into the pressure that is placed on joints, those who are overweight or obese are more susceptible to arthritis.

Arthritis can also be hereditary. This means genetic mutations can make a person develop knee arthritis because of inherited abnormalities in the shape of the bones that surround the knee joint.

Gender can also play a role. Women of 55 years and older are more likely than men to develop this condition.

Repetitive stress injuries can also be the cause of arthritis. This kind of injury can be related to someone’s job or hobbies (gardening, sports, lifting, etc.). Certain occupations require people to kneel, squat, or lift heavy weights, and this makes it more likely to develop arthritis because of the consistent pressure put on the knees.

Sports are also an occupation, or hobby, that can cause knee arthritis. Sports like soccer, tennis, long-distance running, and baseball are common sources of knee arthritis. That’s why it’s so important for athletes to take precautions and avoid serious injuries. Moderate exercise makes the bones and joints stronger, but too much of it can cause serious wear and tear.

Another cause for knee arthritis can be other illnesses, such as metabolic disorders, iron excess, growth hormone excess.

Arthritis Symptoms

In assessing cases of knee arthritis, the symptoms include pain and decreased mobility of the knee joint.

If you visit your doctor, a physical examination and diagnostic scans will work to determine if you have arthritis. In arthritic knees, there’s an absence of joint space that shows up clearly on X-rays.

If you start to see signs of arthritis in your knees, get ahead of this chronic condition by visiting your local physician. This will give you a complete diagnosis and establish your path for improving your joint health. It can also determine whether surgery is needed.