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
Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide by Elite Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Back pain can be debilitating, affecting everything from daily activities to athletic performance. [...]
Understanding PCL Tears: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options If you're experiencing knee pain and searching for an orthopedic doctor near me, understanding the nature of [...]
Did you know that each year, around 100,000 to 200,000 people in the United States tear their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), according to data from [...]
Are you finding it hard to sleep due to ankle pain at night? If you haven't sprained your ankle recently, you may wonder why your [...]
A CDC report from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey found that 36.5% of adults had lower limb pain. This includes the hip, knee, and foot. [...]
Each year, according to the Rheumatology Research Foundation, around 544,000 hip replacement surgeries are performed in the United States, helping people regain mobility and improve [...]
A rupture of the Achilles tendon accounts for 10.7% of all tendon and ligament injuries. There are approximately 8 cases per 100,000 people. It's one [...]
According to the Aspen Institute, over 26% of sports injuries in young athletes are knee-related, a number that's been climbing year after year. From torn ligaments to [...]
Herniated Discs in the Neck: Symptoms and Treatment Options A herniated disc in the neck, also known as a cervical herniated disc, is a common condition [...]
The Importance of Consistency in Physical Therapy for Long-Term Results Physical therapy is a proven way to recover from injuries, manage chronic pain, and improve [...]
