Knee arthritis occurs when there is inflammation in the knee joint. Knee arthritis can make everyday activities like walking extremely difficult. If you think you may have knee arthritis, seek help from an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the knee joint.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
- Knee pain
- Worsening pain in the morning or at night
- Pain after movement
- Stiffness
- Locking
- Weakness
Causes of Knee Arthritis
Wear and tear of knee cartilage due to aging is the most common reason knee arthritis develops. Other factors that may influence the risk of developing knee arthritis may include:
- Previous injury
- Weight
- Genetics
- Gender
- Lifestyle
What Types of Arthritis Affect the Knee?
There are many types of arthritis that can develop in the knee; however, the most common include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
How is Knee Arthritis Diagnosed?
If you think you may have knee arthritis, seek help from a knee doctor. They will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam to determine diagnosis. They may take an x-ray or perform other tests to confirm diagnosis.
Treatment for Knee Arthritis
There is no cure for knee arthritis; however, there can be treatment to help slow the progression of arthritis and manage pain. A knee specialist may recommend the following treatment for your arthritis:
Surgery for Knee Arthritis
If your knee arthritis is severe, your knee doctor may recommend surgery. Some of the surgeries that your knee doctor may recommend include:
At Home Tips to Relieve Knee Arthritis Pain
If you think you are suffering from knee arthritis, it is recommended that you seek medical attention; however, here are some at-home tips to try if you can’t see a doctor right away or you are in between appointments.
- Do low-impact exercises– exercises such as walking, biking, and swimming are a great way to relieve stiffness in the knee joint without causing further damage. If your knee pain worsens during low-impact activities, be sure to talk to a doctor.
- Implement cold and heat therapy– place a heating pad or an ice pack on your knee joint. If the joint is stiff, use heat to relax the muscles. If the joint is swollen, use a cold pack to reduce inflammation.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication– pain medication can help to relieve pain and reduce swelling in the knee joint.
Seek Help from a Knee Specialist Near You
If you think you may have knee arthritis, seek help from a knee doctor near you. At Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics, we have many surgeons who specialize in the knee joint, including surgeons that can perform knee replacement surgery.
To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic providers in Nashville, Franklin, or Brentwood, TN, call us or request an appointment online.
Author: AMWN Dev
Related Articles
In 2024, 3.7 million individuals received treatment from emergency departments for injuries related to sports and recreational activities, according to the National Safety Council. Every one of [...]
Knee injuries can be tricky; what starts as a mild ache can quickly spiral into something more serious. Knowing when to consult an ACL surgeon [...]
When it comes to foot structure, people generally fall into one of two categories: flat feet or high arches. These two extremes can have a [...]
Shoulder surgery can be a crucial step in restoring function, reducing pain, and regaining mobility for those suffering from severe injury or chronic shoulder conditions. [...]
As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves begin to change, many of us are excited to get outside and enjoy seasonal activities. [...]
More than half of Americans report receiving care from a physical therapist at some point in their lives, making physical therapy a crucial part of [...]
Every year, there are between 100,000 and 200,000 ACL tears in the United States, making it the most commonly injured knee ligament. This type of [...]
Whether through injury or the physical stress of engaging in sports, athletes endure a significant amount of pain. They end up having to learn various [...]
In addition to getting adequate sleep and rest, one of the key factors in promoting orthopedic health is ensuring that your spine stays in a [...]
Common Football Injuries: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Football is one of the most physically demanding sports, requiring strength, agility, endurance, and split-second decision-making. While thrilling [...]