Arthritis Knee Pain Causes

When you're afflicted by arthritis anywhere in the body, the pain can range from annoying and inconvenient to severe and debilitating. Arthritis pain can be especially troublesome when it afflicts the knee because it can be uncomfortable to get around and enjoy life's simple pleasures. It's even more distressing because it can reduce your desire and ability to exercise. Walking, jogging or biking regularly can help you stay healthy in many important ways. 

 Arthritis and the Knee

These are the types of arthritis that cause knee pain.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It occurs when joint cartilage wears down as we age.

Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age to anyone. It's an inflammatory disease that destroys cartilage and generally strikes both knees. Post-traumatic arthritis may develop after an injury. Sometimes the arthritis doesn't develop until years after the injury occurs. Former athletes, especially football players, are especially at risk for this type of arthritis.

Symptoms of Arthritis in the Knee

Arthritis knee pain usually develops gradually, although it can also be sudden. It's characterized by stiffness and swelling, especially after a period of inactivity. Just bending the knee can be painful, and it may have a tendency to lock or buckle. The discomfort may increase after walking or other forms of exercise that involve the knee. Some people say that they notice more discomfort in certain types of weather.

Treatment

There are a lot of possibilities for treating arthritis in the knee. Talk to your medical professional about the best option for you. Doctors usually start with non-surgical options, including heat or ice, water exercises, liniments or elastic bandages.

Here are some other possibilities:

Lifestyle modifications Losing weight helps reduce the strain on joints. You can also eat certain arthritis-friendly foods that reduce inflammation.

Exercise  Walking or jogging be counterproductive because it may aggravate the joint. But other types of exercise may help if they increase your range of motion and flexibility while strengthening the muscles around the knee. Definitely talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

Supportive devices Energy-absorbing shoes or inserts may reduce stress on the joint. Wearing a brace or knee sleeve might also help.

Medications and Supplements for Arthritis Knee Pain

There's a range of prescription medications that reduce swelling, which also reduces discomfort. A potent type of pain reliever is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID.

If knee pain is moderate to severe, your doctor may prescribe a COX-2 inhibitor, which is a special kind of NSAID. Celebrex and Vioxx are common brand names for this category.

 *Keep in mind that most medications may have side effects.* 

Tylenol can relieve mild pain, and it's available over-the-counter. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can also be obtained without a prescription, and may be especially helpful for osteoarthritis. These are taken orally, and have the potential to cause side effects for certain people, including headaches, nausea, skin reactions, upset stomach, and vomiting. They can also interact negatively with certain medications, so be sure to tell your doctor you're taking them.

Corticosteroids are usually used in cases where pain is moderate to severe. They're potent anti-inflammatory agents that can be injected into the joint. They are given for moderate to severe pain. They can be very useful if there is significant swelling, but are not very helpful if the arthritis affects the joint mechanics.

Surgery

Surgical possibilities include:

Arthroscopic surgery Torn cartilage is repaired or the joint is cleared of debris.

Cartilage grafting Not possible in all cases. Cartilage is grafted from one area and placed in another.

Osteotomy The surgical procedure of cutting a bone. This is often performed to either lengthen, shorten, or straighten a bone.

Total or partial knee arthroplasty Better known to most people as a knee replacement. In a full knee replacement, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone and replaces them with metal and plastic. In a partial knee replacement, the surgeon only replaces one part of the joint.