Causes Of Knee Arthritis
There are numerous conditions that can cause arthritis but often the exact cause is never known. In general, but not always, it affects people as they get older .
The causes include:
- Increased stress such as overuse and overweight
- Infection of the bone
- Connective tissue disorders
- Inactive lifestyle and obesity . Your weight is the single most important link between diet and arthritis, as being overweight puts an additional burden on your hips, knees, ankles and feet.
What Is The Treatment For Patellar Tendonitis
Rest
The most important first step in treatment is to avoid activities that aggravate the problem. Your body is the best guide to know how much to rest the injured kneeif an activity hurts in the area of the injured patellar tendon, and then you should rest from that activity.
Anti-inflammatory medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications include a long list of possibilities such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naprosyn, Celebrex, and many others. Patellar tendonitis treatment can be improved by these medications that will decrease pain and swelling. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting these medications.
Stretching
Stretching the quadriceps, hamstring, and calf muscles prior to activity is very important once you do resume activities. Getting into a good stretching habit, even once the symptoms resolve, will help prevent a recurrence of the problem.
Treatments Icing the area of inflammation is an important aspect of tendonitis treatment. The ice will help to control the inflammation and decrease swelling. By minimizing inflammation and swelling, the tendon can return to its usual state and perform its usual Strapping/bracing kneefunction.
Strapping/bracing
Occasionally, your doctor will provide a support strap , a knee brace, or custom orthotics. The benefit of these measures in the treatment of patellar tendonitis is not well known, but some patients find complete relief from using these products.
Home Remedyfor Bone Spurs/heal Spurs #2 Apple Cider Vinegar :
While theabove treatment is more of a long term and permanent fix for bone spurs andheal spurs, the ACV remedy is a fast-acting relief remedy that begins to workin a matter of hours.
Anothercause of bone spurs is acid in the body. Apple cider vinegar balances your pHlevel to prevent acid build up. It also removes the excess calcium from yourbone spur, which in turn helps speed up the healing process. In addition, ACVcontains some exceptional anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties thathelp to quickly soothe the soreness and tenderness.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis usually causes pain directly over the patellar tendon. Your doctor should be able to recreate your symptoms by placing pressure directly on the inflamed tendon. The other common symptom of patellar tendonitis is pain with activities, especially jumping or kneeling. Less common, but not unusual, is swelling around the tendon itself.
X-ray tests are usually performed to confirm there is no problem with the bones around the knee. Occasionally, a bone spur is seen that can be related to patellar tendonitis. A MRI is useful in patients with chronic patellar tendonitis to look for areas of degenerative tendon.
What You Need To Know
- Knee arthritis occurs when the cushioning cartilage in the joint wears down, making the knee stiff and painful with certain movements.
- Osteoarthritis gradual, age-related degeneration of cartilage is the most common form of arthritis in the knee, but trauma and autoimmune conditions can also lead to cartilage damage.
- The cartilage damage associated with arthritis is irreversible, but there are nonsurgical and surgical treatments that can help reduce pain, increase joint flexibility and improve overall quality of life for people with knee arthritis.
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What Is A Bone Spur
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis youve likely heard of osteophytes or as they are more commonly known, bone spurs and sometimes referred to as spurring bone. So, what is a bone spur? Bone spurs are abnormal bony lumps that appear on the surface of joints that have suffered some degree of cartilage loss. Through wear and tear, cartilage, the cushioning within the knee joint, slowly degrades resulting in the formation of bone spurs as your body adapts to maintain the stability of the knee joint.
Bone Spur In Knee: Causes Symptoms And Treatment
Some people can have a bone spur in the knee and not realize it because they have no symptoms, while others have pain so severe that it interrupts their regular movement. To get a better understanding of the causes of bone spurs, symptoms of a bone spur in the knee, and how to treat it, read on.
Just what is a bone spur in the knee? Basically, it is a bony growth that can develop right on top of the actual existing bone, but it appears more often in the joints. These bony growths or bone spurs on the knee are smooth as opposed to jagged.
Medical experts believe that a knee bone spur is an extra bone that forms when the body tries to repair itself as it responds to some sort of damage. Bone spur in knee symptoms appear when there is bone on bone contact within a joint during movement. If you think this sounds unpleasant, brace yourself. A bone spur on the kneecap can be experienced for several years. In these situations, the symptoms tend to appear over time and can be really painful.
Bone spurs can grow on any part of the skeletal body however, bone spur on the knee is rather common.
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How To Treat A Knee Bone Spur
Knee bone spur treatment is not necessary if you arent experiencing any pain. If you have mild to moderate pain, bone spur in the knee treatment can include attempts to relieve pain and stiffness in the joints. For instance, losing weight can help decrease the load on your knees and thus lower the pain.
The following are considered common treatments for bone spurs in the knee:
Heel Spurs: Causes And Treatment
Soft tissue problems in the foot are frequently responsible for heel spurs, and rest and treatment are frequently effective in reducing them. An open surgical procedure can be used to remove a calcium deposit along the heel, but a less invasive procedure called an endoscopic procedure may be used as well.
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What Are The Treatment Options For Osteoarthritis And Bone Spurs
When looking at treatment options it is important to consider the condition of the knee relative to current and future lifestyle demands. If pain and discomfort interfere with recreational activities, activities of daily living, mood and psychological health then an appointment with a physician to discuss treatment options is warranted. Since bone spurs and osteoarthritis progress over time prevention is also an important aspect to consider. Typically the earlier treatment is started the more successful it is in reducing pain and maintaining function.
Treatment can be divided into two categories: surgical and non-surgical. The former is usually reserved for patients with severe osteoarthritis where conservative treatment has failed to provide relief from symptoms. Surgical removal of osteophytes ranges from minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to full knee replacements which can require up to 1 year of recovery time.
Arthroscopic Osteophyte Excision: This surgery involves a small incision in the knee joint where various medical tools are inserted to shave down bone spurs thought to be driving knee dysfunction. This surgery is recommended only in very specific scenarios and does not provide a long term solution. Also, there is a limited amount of research into its effectiveness14.
Knee Pain : What Is A Bone Spur And How Do I Know If I Have One
Most people have heard of a bone spur . But, they dont know exactly what it is or how to tell if they have one. If youre curious, heres everything you need to know:
Osteoarthritis and Bone Spur Development
Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. The condition, which usually affects patients over 50, causes the cartilage and soft tissue of the bodys joints to wear away. As wearing occurs, the cartilage thins and becomes frayed and rough. Eventually, cartilage will wear away completely or be torn, which causes bone-on-bone rubbing. Cartilage is very smooth and intact cartilage on cartilage is smoother than ice gliding on ice. Bone rubbing on bone has high friction and becomes painful as it catches with motion.
Illustration 1- An osteophyte
Illustration 2- An osteophyte as seen on an x-ray
Bone spur development. Bone-on-bone rubbing causes bones to become irritated and inflamed. In order to protect themselves, bones will form new, hard pieces of bone. Because bone spurs protrude into the joint, they can be extremely painful and limit mobility.
Diagnosing and Treating a Bone Spur
In order to determine if patients with knee pain have a bone spur, they need to see an orthopedic specialist. During an appointment with an orthopedic specialist, the following will occur:
Seeking Treatment
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Natural Treatments For Bone Spurs
Get some Epsom salt
Did you know that of all the magnesium stored in the human body, half of it is present in the bones? What does this have to do with Epsom salt you may wonder. Well, for one thing, Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate and is a great help to relieve pain. This works best for bone spurs in your heel. To use Epsom salt, the best way is to put it in water. This process is called an Epsom salt bath. Essentially, all you have to do is to is add about a cup of Epsom salt in water and gently massage your heels. This works wonders.
Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV
Acid in the body is essential for many reasons. However, when acid build up becomes more than its usual count, this could eventually lead to bone spurs. Apple Cider Vinegar isnt your permanent cure method, but if you need relief from the pain immediately then this is a great choice. ACV has other benefits. Basically, the extra growth in a bone spur is calcium, ACV helps to greatly reduce the excess calcium, thus contributing to heal bone spurs. It also helps reduce swelling and pain.Apple Cider Vinegar can be administered either by dinking it or by soaking a cotton or a towel in it and applying to the affected area.
Balanced Recreation
Use Borax
Ice Pack
Surely you didnt think something as simple as an ice pack would help. Well, if you want fast relief, then placing the ice pack on the affected area can help. Essentially, it helps to fix the swelling and soothe the pain.
Baking Soda
When Should You Call For Help
anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out .
- You have chest pain, are short of breath, or you cough up blood.
or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You are sick to your stomach or cannot drink fluids.
- You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
- You have signs of a blood clot in your leg , such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness or swelling in your leg.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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Things To Know About Bone Spurs
- A bone spur is a tiny pointed outgrowth of bone.
- Bone spurs are usually caused by local inflammation, such as from degenerative arthritis or tendonitis.
- Bone spurs develop in areas of inflammation or injury of nearby cartilage or tendons.
- Bone spurs may or may not cause symptoms. When they do cause symptoms, the symptoms depend on their location.
- Bone spurs can be associated with pain, numbness, tenderness, and weakness if they are irritating adjacent tissues.
- Bone spurs are detected by radiologic testing, such as with plain X-rays, ultrasound imaging, MRI scan, CT scan, and myelograms.
- Bone spurs are treated only if they are causing symptoms. Initial treatment is directed toward decreasing inflammation and avoiding reinjury when possible.
What Are The Risk Factors For Bone Spur Of Knee
The common risk factors for Bone Spurs of the Knee include:
- Degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis
- Heredity predisposition a family history of bone spurs
It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.
Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.
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Will A Chipped Kneecap Heal On Its Own
Your bone can heal on its own without requiring surgery if the fracture is stable. If your bone pieces have been displaced, they must be re-positioned during surgery.
When it comes to fractures, the most important thing is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. An operation may be required to repair a broken bone if it can easily move around. If the bone is fractured in a more complicated location, it is possible that it will heal on its own. If the fracture is too complex to heal on its own, a cast may be required to keep the pieces from shifting.
What Causes Osteophytes
Osteophytes tend to form when the joints have been affected by arthritis.
Osteoarthritis damages cartilage, the tough, white, flexible tissue that lines the bones and allows the joints to move easily.
Osteoarthritis is most common in the knees, hips, spine and small joints of the hands and base of the big toe.
As the joints become increasingly damaged, new bone may form around the joints. These bony growths are called osteophytes.
Osteophytes can also form in the spine as a result of ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that specifically affects the spine.
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What Causes Bone Spurs
The main cause of bone spurs in the knee is Osteoarthritis. The condition causes wear and tear of the joint over time. The cartilage located at the end of the bone wears away, causing the body to try and repair itself. Bone spurs are the result of new bone material being generated to replace the cartilage. It is the pressure within the joint that triggers bone spurs to form.
Interestingly, those suffering with Rheumatoid arthritis have a lower risk of developing bone spurs than those with osteoarthritis.
What Is An Osteophyte
Osteophytes are little lumps of bony growth that develop on the surface of other bones and joints in the body. They are created by cells in the periosteum, the delicate tissue that lines our bones and produces new bone growth . They can occur in various parts of the body, including the shoulders, back, big toe and neck, as well as the knees. Small amounts of new fibrocartilage may also be produced alongside bone.
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Osteonecrosis Of The Knee
Knee pain has many causes. A relatively common cause of knee pain in older women occurs when a segment of bone loses its blood supply and begins to die. This condition is called osteonecrosis, which literally means “bone death.” In the knee, the knobby portion of the thigh bone on the inside of the knee is most often affected. However, osteonecrosis of the knee may also occur on the outside of the knee or on the flat top of the lower leg bone.
Osteonecrosis of the knee develops through four stages, which can be identified by symptoms and X-rays:
How Do We Treat Osteophytes If You Have Them
People sometimes ask us if we can chip off the osteophytes in surgery. The answer is that we very rarely do that, largely because its not treating the underlying issue. For instance, if osteophytes are occurring in reaction to arthritis in your knee, we would want to investigate the extent of the arthritic damage and create a comprehensive plan to help you manage it. That might include conservative treatments, such as:
Simple painkillers like paracetamol, to manage the pain or irritation
Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Physiotherapy to improve movement and build up strength in muscles surrounding the joint
If theres significant degeneration and its causing you a lot of pain and mobility problems in day-to-day life, we would then discuss the possibility of partial or total knee replacement surgery with you.
Its worth adding that osteoarthritis isnt the only factor in osteophyte growth. They can be related to other, rarer conditions, such as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis . Again, we would want to properly diagnose and manage these conditions through a tailored treatment plan.
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How Is A Knee Bone Spur Diagnosed
After reviewing your symptoms, a doctor will want to discuss any medical conditions or injuries you have experienced in diagnosing you with a bone spur. The next step will be to inspect the knee and leg for any signs of injury. Bending, extending, and rotating the knee will allow the doctor to determine your range of motion and level of pain.
Diagnostic imaging includes bone spurs in knee x-rays. They can show bone abnormalities, including degeneration and fractures. Below is a list of other diagnostic tests.
- Magnetic resonance imaging : This can produce a 3D image of bones and soft tissue. It includes cartilage, muscle, and tendon damage in detail, as well as bone spurs.
- Computerized tomography : A CT scan is a series of X-ray images from various angles that are then merged together to form a cross-sectional view of bones and soft tissues.
- Electromyography : The EMG shows electrical activity in the muscle during rest, as well as muscle contraction. This is usually performed if the doctor suspects muscle or nerve damage.
- Nerve conduction velocity : This shows the speed of electrical signals moving through the affected nerve. Slow speed can indicate nerve damage.