Arthritis Answers

What Is Knee Arthritis?

Knee arthritis is essentially any one of a number of forms of arthritis that can affect the knee joint. The three main forms of arthritis that can affect the knee are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post traumatic arthritis, a type of arthritis that forms after a serious injury. Like most other forms of arthritis, knee arthritis begins to show itself through familiar symptoms; a feeling of pain and tenderness around the knees, stiffness especially after periods of inactivity that can often last for several hours, joints becoming inflamed or even a liquid like feeling around the effected joint. With knee arthritis, the symptoms will become worsened during any period of activity that involves strain around the knees. For example, climbing stairs, running or jogging, bending or kneeling down or climbing in and out of the bath or bed. One of the effects on the knees of a sufferer of knee arthritis is the feeling of the joint seizing or 'locking up', or even going the other way and making the sufferer feel as though the joint is almost collapsing underneath them.

Although there are medical procedures that can be carried out to lessen the effects of knee arthritis, there are a number of changes to lifestyle that a sufferer can make themselves. Try to avoid unnecessary strain on the knees where possible, using objects around the house such as stools or chairs to assist with cleaning or reaching up for high objects. If you suffer from a weight problem, you should try as much as possible to lose weight as this will ease a lot of strain on already painful joints. If you struggle with walking, you may consider a cane or walking stick to remove a bit of pressure from your knees. At the same time, you should try to do regular, light exercise involving the knee joints whenever possible. Anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin or acetaminophen can reduce swelling and discomfort. In sever cases, doctors may consider surgical procedures.