What is Knee Arthritis?

The types of knee arthritis can vary in severity, but they generally develop gradually and worsen over time. Here are some common types:

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of knee arthritis. OA is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage, the smooth, slippery tissue covering the ends of bones in joints. Over time, the cartilage wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the knee. OA is most commonly associated with ageing but can also result from joint injury or overuse.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation and damage to cartilage and bones. It often affects both knees simultaneously, leading to chronic pain, swelling, and potential joint deformity.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This develops after a knee injury, such as a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscus injury. The joint damage from the trauma can lead to accelerated cartilage wear and arthritis, sometimes years after the injury.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: An inflammatory arthritis linked to psoriasis, causing knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and skin or nail changes. Symptoms can vary and may come and go.

The symptoms of knee arthritis can vary in severity, but they generally develop gradually and worsen over time. Here are some common symptoms:

• Pain: Persistent or recurring pain in the knee, especially during or after movement, is the most common symptom. The pain may worsen after prolonged activity or towards the end of the day.
• Stiffness: The knee may feel stiff, particularly after periods of inactivity, such as sitting or sleeping. This stiffness often improves with movement.
• Swelling: The knee may become swollen due to inflammation and excess fluid in the joint. This swelling can cause discomfort and reduced mobility.
• Tenderness: The knee may feel tender when pressure is applied, especially around the joint line.
• Knee instability: The knee may feel unstable and/or gives way

Treatment depends on a number of factors including how much the arthritis is affecting your everyday life and activities, as well as how worn the knee joint has become.

• Physiotherapy: Lifestyle changes along with having physiotherapy and taking painkillers (as prescribed by your doctor). In some cases, this can be enough to reduce your symptoms.
• Injections: You may be offered injections to reduce inflammation in the joint, as well as a brace to support the knee joint
• Surgical options: Surgical options include knee realignment surgery (osteotomy), partial or total knee replacement surgery or knee join distraction. In some cases, you may also be offered adipose tissue therapy.