Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis, commonly osteoarthritis, involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms
- Gradual onset of knee pain
- Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes
- Pain worsening with activity
- Swelling and warmth
- Grinding or crepitus sensation
Causes & Risk Factors
What leads to this condition
- Age-related cartilage degeneration
- Previous knee injuries
- Obesity and excess weight
- Genetic factors
- Repetitive stress on the joint
Diagnosis
How we identify this condition
Diagnosis includes physical examination, X-rays to assess joint space narrowing and bone changes, and evaluation of symptoms and functional limitations.
Treatment Options
Available treatment approaches
Conservative Management
conservativeWeight loss, physical therapy, medications, injections
Total Knee Replacement
surgicalSurgical replacement of the damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components
Recovery & Rehabilitation
What to expect during recovery
Post-surgical recovery involves immediate mobilization, physical therapy, and gradual return to activities. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function.
Prevention Tips
How to reduce your risk
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Regular low-impact exercise
- Strengthening supporting muscles
- Avoiding repetitive knee stress