Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis is a degenerative condition characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. This condition commonly results in joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and a reduced range of motion. As the protective cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to inflammation, discomfort, and difficulty with movement. Knee arthritis can significantly affect walking, climbing stairs, standing for long periods, and participating in daily activities.

The knee joint is formed where the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap) meet. As the disease progresses, cartilage loss and changes to the underlying bone occur.

The most common types of knee arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease caused by the gradual wear and tear of cartilage over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones within the knee joint begin to rub against one another, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, inflammation, and reduced mobility. It most commonly develops with ageing, previous joint injury, excess body weight, or repetitive stress on the joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial lining of the knee joint. This causes chronic inflammation, pain, swelling, and progressive destruction of cartilage and bone. Rheumatoid arthritis may occur at a younger age. Symptoms frequently alternate between periods of flare-ups and remission.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis develops following an injury to the knee, such as a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscal injury. Damage to the cartilage or supporting structures of the knee can alter the normal mechanics of the joint, leading to accelerated cartilage wear over time. Symptoms may develop months or even years after the initial injury and commonly include pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While post-traumatic arthritis shares many features with osteoarthritis, it is directly related to previous trauma rather than normal ageing.

What are the common signs of knee arthritis?

Symptoms of knee arthritis vary among individuals, and the severity of symptoms does not always correspond to the degree of cartilage degeneration.

Common signs include:

• Knee pain
• Knee stiffness, particularly after periods of rest or in the morning
• Swelling around the knee joint
• Reduced range of motion
• Grinding, clicking, or cracking sensations (crepitus)
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, kneeling, or standing for prolonged periods

What does knee arthritis feel like?

Knee arthritis can cause mild to severe pain accompanied by stiffness and swelling. The pain is often described as a deep, aching discomfort within the knee that may worsen with activity and improve with rest. As the condition progresses, pain may also occur during periods of inactivity or at night.

What are the treatment options for knee arthritis?

Initial management of knee arthritis typically involves conservative measures, including home-based interventions, lifestyle modifications, and non-operative treatments. These may include activity modification, weight management, physiotherapy, pain-relieving medications, and the use of supportive braces. Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections may also be administered to temporarily reduce pain and inflammation.

If conservative management is ineffective, surgical interventions may be considered.

• Arthroscopic knee surgery may be performed in selected cases to remove loose fragments of cartilage or repair certain knee injuries, although it is generally not recommended for advanced arthritis.
• Partial knee replacement involves replacing only the damaged compartment of the knee while preserving healthy bone and cartilage.
• Total knee replacement involves replacing the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components made of metal and plastic to restore function and relieve pain.