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Knee arthritis can also be called
osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is essentially the wearing down of the cartilage
surrounding the knee which occurs simply as people age. Another common form of
knee arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis, which results in swelling within the
joint and damage to the cartilage. Not only do these forms of knee arthritis
affect the joints and cartilage, they can also have a serious impact on the
surrounding ligaments, muscles and tendons.
Osteoarthritis is often the result of increased
strain on the joint due to weight, or repeated injury or damage. Knee arthritis
is definitely more common in middle aged to elderly persons. A younger sufferer
of knee arthritis has usually inherited the condition- it does have a genetic
disposition, or it can be the after affect of a serious knee injury- more common
in sports men- specifically footballers. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in
younger people for this reason.
There are various warning signs for potential
sufferers of knee arthritis- these could be restricted knee movement, localized
swelling or inflammation and discomfort and pain. The most key indicator however
is stiffness- when the knee has not been moved for a period of time, and then
movement is not fluid- this is a possible indicator of knee arthritis. Another
warning sign is a clicking sound coming from the joint when it is extended- this
can be cause by other knee conditions other than knee arthritis however.
Whatever the potential symptom, the patient will always need to have an X-Ray
before any sense of a diagnosis can be performed by the recommending physician
or doctor.
There are less related methods of testing for knee
arthritis as well. The main one is simply a blood test- doctor's will be able to
see deficiency in the blood results. An arthroscopy will also most certainly
confirm the diagnosis of knee arthritis, however this will only be recommended
if there is an intention to fix the knee arthritis.
Here are the 4 main treatments for knee arthritis :
Exercise - It has been proven that one of the most
significant factors in causing knee arthritis is being overweight. If the
sufferer can begin a gentle exercise regime in combination with a healthy diet,
there is every chance that the knee arthritis symptoms will ease.
Physical therapy - There are sets of exercises which
a physician or doctor can recommend. These exercises benefit the knee arthritis
by focusing mobility in certain parts of the knee where the stiffness is
occurring, thus easing the symptoms of the knee arthritis.
Medication - Often sufferers of knee arthritis will
be administered basic pain killers such as Aspirin, but also Acetaminophen and
other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
Surgery - Surgery on knee arthritis needs to be
carefully considered and evaluated by your doctor before being pursued as a
treatment option for knee arthritis. Certain factors such as health, weight age
all need to be considered before deciding it is the best method to take. Usually
all other methods of knee arthritis treatments will be exhausted before surgery
will be considered.
Knee arthritis like most forms of arthritis can be
easily managed and the symptoms controlled. It is crucial to diagnose as early
as possible, as this will lead to a greater chance of curing the knee arthritis.
About the Author
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