Arthritis in the Knee Symptoms

There are three basic types of arthritis that can affect the knee joint: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post traumatic arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis and is often seen in mostly in older people as it is a progressive degenerative disease and linked to ageing. The joint cartilage gradually wears away with age and can take some time to reach the point where pain becomes a symptom of the disease.
• Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age and is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can be very aggressive destroying the joint cartilage, usually in both knees.
• Post traumatic arthritis is very similar to osteoarthritis but can develop years after an injury to the knee through a fracture, ligament injury or a meniscus tear.

Symptoms of Arthritis of the Knee 

Many people experience a gradual change in the condition of their knee or knees, usually beginning with the joint becoming stiff and swollen, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee. Quite often the pain can be worse first thing on wakening or after a period of inactivity. Arthritis knee pain is sometimes described as feeling a weakness in the knee, which may cause the knee to buckle or even sometimes lock. The symptoms may also be brought on through changes in the weather or increased activity such as kneeling for a period of time, climbing the stairs, walking over rough ground or for a longer period than usual.

Treatment for Arthritis of the Knee 

It is important to be properly diagnosed with arthritis of the knee before you start any form of treatment. Surgery sometimes is necessary, the most common procedures being:

• Knee arthroscopy
• Knee replacement – patellofemoral replacement
• Knee replacement – partial knee replacement
• Knee replacement – total

But, surgery is not always required and through a proper examination to establish the exact problems you have, will allow a Knee Specialist to properly agree the correct course of action.

There are several treatment options for arthritis of the knee that can be taken without the need for a procedure. The effectiveness of the options available varies from person to person. The purpose of any treatment for arthritis of the knee is to reduce pain, increase function and provide the patient with a better quality of life. Some options a Knee Specialist may suggest for osteoarthritis knee pain include:Lifestyle changes – simple modifications in how you live your life could have a dramatic affect such as losing weight if you are carrying too much weight and adding extra stress onto your limbs. If you are keen on fitness and perhaps participate in activities such as running, perhaps a change to walking or swimming could help.

• Exercise – if you don’t exercise, then taking up some regular gentle activity, which helps to mobilise the knee and increase the range of motion and flexibility, will help to strengthen the muscles in the legs. This kind of treatment can help to reduce pain effectively and it may be that your Knee Surgeon suggests a physiotherapy session to establish suitable exercises to help you start the process.
• Support – it may be that a support device is introduced such as a knee brace or knee sleeve. You may even have to use a cane to help take some of the weight from the affected knee.

Consultation Process 

If you are experiencing problems with your knee, then a proper consultation with a qualified and experienced Knee Specialist is essential. Derbyshire based, Mr Guido Geutjens will always take you through a thorough examination and investigation process before providing a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis has been given and if arthritis of the knee is confirmed, Mr Geutjens will then discuss with you the correct procedure to ensure a successful recovery from the condition.